FAIRFAX, VA — NJIT fell to George Mason in a 3-1 decision on Friday evening at the Recreation Athletic Complex in EIVA Conference men's volleyball action.
This loss marked the end of NJIT's impressive 10-match winning streak that had set them apart before this road defeat.
NJIT captured the second set 25-21 but was unable to maintain momentum, despite a solid .303 hitting percentage overall.
The teams had split their regular-season series, adding an extra layer of competition to the match.
The first set saw George Mason take an early 11-6 lead and extended its lead to 17-13. Despite NJIT's efforts to rally back, highlighted by a block from Parker Moorhead that brought the Highlanders within one point at 24-23, George Mason clinched the set 25-23 with a kill.
NJIT (10-6, 4-1 EIVA) gained control of the second set with a series of pivotal plays, highlighted by Nowak's consistent attacking. The Highlanders capitalized on several George Mason errors, extending their lead to 22-17 on a block by Andre Aleixo. After a late 4-1 push from the Patriots, pulling within three of the Highlanders, 24-21, NJIT secured the set 25-21 with a final kill from Alex Heins.
George Mason scored five consecutive points for an early 9-6 lead and went ahead 17-14. NJIT battled back, slimming the Patriot lead to two, 20-18 but the home team scored the final five out of six points for a 25-19 victory and went ahead 2-1.
The Patriots continued its momentum into the final frame, pushing ahead 17-13. The Highlanders rallied back to close the gap to within three, 21-18, but the home team went on a 4-1 spurt to close out the set with a 25-19 victory and hold onto a 3-1 EIVA win over No. 19 NJIT.
Sophomore Wiktow Nowak led the Highlanders with 21 kills, showcasing efficiency with a .500 hitting percentage. Bruno Figueiredo distributed 37 assists and Alex Heins contributed six kills on 11 attempts, resulting in a .545 hitting percentage, and was a defensive presence with four blocks. Moorhead added to the offensive effort with nine kills and supported the defense with four digs. Libero Diego Lopez registered 14 digs.
Next Up
NJIT will return to action at home on March 8 when the Highlanders host STAC inside the Joel and Diane Bloom Wellness and Events Center.
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