FAIRFIELD, CT - The NJIT women's volleyball team completed play at the Sacred Heart/Fairfield Invitational with a pair of matches on Saturday, September 14, at Fairfield University.

The Highlanders (1-10) dropped their first match of the day to the host Stags (4-4) in four sets (25-22, 25-16, 22-25, 25-16), before falling to Northeastern (5-5) in straight sets (26-24, 25-17. 25-13)

vs. Fairfield:
After dropping the first two sets, NJIT came back from an early deficit in the third. The Highlanders trailed 8-6 before rallying back to tie the set 13-13 and scoring the ensuing three points to take control of the frame. Fairfield cut the margin to one, 22-21, but NJIT was able to hold on, ultimately winning the set by three.

Madi Busler and Courtney Branch each tallied double-digit kills, collecting 12 and 11, respectively. Busler also added 12 digs to secure her third double-double of the season. Juliana Impaglia handled the setting duties in the final two sets for NJIT and dished out a team-best 21 assists. 

vs. Northeastern:
The Highlanders returned to the court for a 4pm matchup with the Huskies and Northeastern had control from the beginning. The Huskies led by as many as seven early in the opening set, but an NJIT comeback tied the frame at 16-16. The teams traded points until it was tied at 23 and 24, when Northeastern was able to secure the final two points and the set. From there it was all Northeastern as the Huskies took the second and third sets by eight and 12, respectively.

Liz Benson (13 assists, 11 digs) recorded a double-double for the Highlanders in the three-set match, while Sarah Merritt and Adriana Goetz-Morales each tallied six kills to lead the offense. 

Branch was named to the All-Tournament Team for her efforts in this weekend's matches.

Next Up:
The Highlanders will return to action on Wednesday, Sept 18, when they travel north to take on Siena. First serve is scheduled for 7pm at the Alumni Recreation Center in Loudonville, NY.