PISCATAWAY, NJ - The NJIT women's volleyball team was defeated in straight sets by in-state foe Rutgers on Friday at the Rutgers Athletic Center on the first day of the 9/11 Memorial Tournament Presented by Bridgewater Marriot.

NJIT (1-5) played its Big Ten opponent tight over the first two sets, falling 25-21 and 25-23, respectively, before Rutgers (6-1) won the third set a bit more comfortably, 25-14, to clinch the match. 

Senior captain Udo Nwosu was one of three Highlanders with at least six kills, finishing the match with eight. Adriana Goetz-Morales (seven kills) and Elley Torres (six kills) were also key contributors to the NJIT offense.

The Highlanders once again out-blocked their opponent, this time by an 8-7 margin. Courtney Branch's five blocks paced NJIT in the loss. 

Campbell Walker made her first-career start at libero and led the Highlanders with 16 digs, while Kyla Lannert served as the setter, dishing out 22 assists. 

NJIT will continue play at the 9/11 Memorial Tournament in the RAC on Saturday, playing a pair of matches against Brown (10am) and NC State (2pm).