WEST HARTFORD, CT - The NJIT women's volleyball team closed out its non-conference slate on Tuesday, defeating host Hartford in straight sets to complete the season sweep of the Hawks. 

Despite playing without a pair of starters, NJIT won the match convincingly, setting the tone with a 25-14 first set win. The Highlanders took the second set 25-16 and won the third 25-17 to defeat the Hawks in straight sets for the second time this season. 

Sophomore Asher Vallone led the Highlanders with 12 kills and .345 hitting percentage, but the Highlanders also got a pair of efficient offensive performances from a pair of seniors in Courtney Branch and Katelyn Bliesner.

Branch finished with four kills and no errors on seven attempts (.571), while Bliesner had five kills and one error on nine attempts (.444). Another senior, Juliana Impaglia was responsible for setting the NJIT offense up all evening and finished with 29 assists as the team attacked at an impressive .292 clip.

Defensively, freshman Doga Emil recorded a match-high 16 digs, while sophomore Ines Varela finished with four blocks (one solo). Both players also contributed to the NJIT offense as Emil finished with five aces and Varela added eight kills.

The Highlanders return to the court on Friday when they return to America East action against Bryant. First serve is slated for 7pm in Smithfield, RI.