DeKalb, IL - The NJIT women's volleyball team opened up its 2022 season on Friday and was defeated twice, first by host Northern Illinois in straight sets, before falling to Illinois-Chicago, also in three sets.

Northern Illinois edged NJIT 25-22 and 27-25 in the first two sets before clinching the match with a 25-14 third set victory. The Highlanders led 24-20 in the second set, but the Huskies scored seven of the final eight points in the frame to go ahead 2-0.

After seeing action in just seven matches as a freshman in 2021, Asher Vallone shined for NJIT against Northern Illinois. Vallone finished with team highs of 12 kills and 16 digs for her first-career double-double, while hitting .370 in the match. Juliana Impaglia handled the setting duties for NJIT and finished with 19 assists and Doga Emil, playing in her first-career match, recorded 16 digs.

Illinois-Chicago won the first two sets 25-19 and 25-16, before clinching the sweep with a 25-19 third-set victory.

Cami Augustine led the NJIT offensive effort against UIC, tallying nine kills to narrowly miss her third-career match with double-digit kills. Maddie Dennis made her collegiate debut and dished out 16 assists, while Campbell Walker led the squad with 11 digs. 

The Highlanders wrap up play at Northern Illinois on Saturday when they take on South Dakota State. First serve is slated for 12pm (CT).