NEWARK, NJ – The NJIT women's volleyball team dropped a tough match with Rhode Island on Friday night to start off four game home stretch.

Set Scores
Set 1: NJIT - 25 | Rhode Island - 18
Set 2: Rhode Island - 25 | NJIT - 19
Set 3: Rhode Island - 25 | NJIT - 16
Set 4: NJIT - 25 | Rhode Island – 17
Set 5: Rhode Island - 15 | NJIT - 5

The Highlanders started off their first home match in over two weeks with an opening set win however the high energy used to win the first set quickly changed as Rhode Island responded with two set wins in a row.

Despite the Rams shifting the momentum of the match after the opening set, the Highlanders displayed their resilience winning set four in dominant fashion to force the deciding fifth set. In the fifth and final set the Rams controlled the set from start to finish. The Highlanders' efforts fell short and dropped game one of their four game home stretch.

Despite the loss, the Highlanders had a few big-time performances. Sophomore outside hitter Ema Torres led the way for NJIT with a team high 21.0 points, 19 kills and was third on the team in digs with 12. Senior Libero Doga Emil held the backline for the Highlanders with 21 digs. Senior Mariana Cova finished second on the team with 14.0 points and rounded out her night with 12 kills and ten digs.

Up Next
The Highlanders return to the WEC on Wednesday the 24^th as they welcome FDU for a 6:00 p.m. start.