NEWARK, NJ—Visiting Kennesaw State defeated NJIT, 3-0, Friday night in Atlantic Sun Conference women's volleyball action on at the Fleisher Athletic Center.

Kennesaw State took the Highlanders in straight sets, 25-19, 25-22 and 25-17 to improve to 11-6 overall, 3-3 in the A-Sun, while the Highlanders drop to 6-16 overall, 1-5 in A-Sun play.

The Owls were paced by sophomore opposite Anaiah Boyer's match-best 13 kills while she added 6 digs on defense.  Kennesaw State had two players – Kristi Piedimonte and Amariah Boyer-- each notch 5 kills.

Kennesaw State setter Piedimonte piled up a match-high 28 assists to go along with 5 kills and 4 digs.  Senior libero Maddie Jones led the Owl defense with 12 digs.  Amariah Boyer and Cierra Royster each notched 2 block assists.

For the Highlanders, senior outside hitter Danica Vukotic was the only player to post double-figure kills with 11 on 26 swings and four errors for a .269 hitting percentage.   Setter Emily Krachenfels registered a team-high 25 assists, while freshman libero Adriana Nieto recorded 13 digs followed by Alyssa Armada (7) and Nina Vukotic (4).

The second set, the closet of the frames for the Highlanders, saw 15 ties and 6 six lead changes.  The set went back and forth, and with the score tied at 17, Kennesaw State scored three straight points for a 20-17 advantage. 

After a timeout by the Highlanders, NJIT went on a 5-1 run for a 22-21 lead on an attacking error by the Owls.  Kennesaw State would finish off the set scoring the final five points for a 25-22 victory.

NJIT will have a quick turnaround, hosting USC Upstate on Sunday at 12pm.  The match originally scheduled to be played on campus in the Fleisher Athletic Center has been moved to Essex County College Physical Education building.

Directions to Essex County College can be found here