JERSEY CITY, NJ - The NJIT women's volleyball team used a balanced effort on Wednesday evening to defeat host Saint Peter's in five sets at the Yanitelli Center.

Five different Highlanders sent down at least nine kills, while sophomore libero Doga Emil recorded a career-high 29 digs as NJIT completed the season sweep of the Peacocks and matched their 2022 win total with at least six matches left to play this season.

NJIT won the first and third sets and Saint Peter's won sets two and four to force a winner-takes-all fifth frame. 

SPU got off to a fast start in the fifth set as it went ahead 4-2, but Adriana Goetz-Morales answered with three-straight kills as part of a 5-0 Highlanders' run to give NJIT a 7-4 lead. The Highlanders led by at least two the rest of the way and clinched the match on back-to-back kills from Elley Torres and Goetz-Morales.

Torres paced NJIT with 14 kills, while Goetz-Morales finished with 13, including six in the fifth set. Torres also helped in the defensive efforts, establishing a new career-high with 20 digs. 

Sara Siefert also finished with a double-double as she tallied 10 kills to go along with 10 digs. Taylor West and Ines Varela just missed joining their three teammates with double-digit kills as each recorded nine in the victory.

The offense was run by Juliana Impaglia and Maddie Dennis, who combined for 40 assists, dishing out 22 and 18, respectively. Ashlynn Berns came off the bench to make her collegiate debut and was able to contribute with five assists and a service ace. 

Varela played a huge role a the net, recording seven blocks (two solo) as the Highlanders out-blocked the Peacocks 11-9.

NJIT will look for its second season sweep of an opponent this season on Sunday when it travels to UAlbany. The Highlanders defeated the Great Danes in straight sets earlier this month. First serve is slated for 4pm on Sunday.