LOUDONVILLE, NY - The NJIT women's volleyball team was defeated by host Siena in four sets (25-20, 25-15, 16-25, 25-21) on Wednesday, September 18 in the Alumni Recreation Center.
Siena improved its record to 4-5 on the season with the victory, while the Highlanders are now 1-11.
After dropping the first two sets, NJIT stormed back to dominate the third, winning the frame by nine points with a match-best .286 attacking percentage. The Highlanders trailed 8-5 early in the set, but rattled off five straight points to take control. From there, the lead blossomed until it reached a set-high nine points on a kill from
Madi Busler which clinched the set.
Siena was able to kill the momentum, however, as it raced out to an 8-3 lead in the fourth set and never looked back, taking the frame 25-21 and the match 3-1.
Leading the way for NJIT was
Susan Blake and Busler, who each collected 10 kills. Blake's 10 kills were the most of her young career and came in just 18 attacks and with two errors for an impressive .444 attacking percentage.
Liz Benson also contibuted well, recording a double-double on 34 kills and 12 digs.
Courtney Branch was once again a force at the net, tallying six blocks, including three solo blocks.
NJIT returns to action on Saturday and Sunday when it travels to Baltimore for the Tiger Invitational, hosted by Towson. The Highlanders will play the host Tigers on Saturday at 12:30pm, before taking on New Hampshire and Loyola on Sunday at 10am and 3:30pm, respectively.
