PRINCETON, NJ — NJIT's sophomore Wiktor Nowak combined for a match-best 28 kills as the Highlanders held on for a 3-2 (23-25, 14-25, 25-16, 25-23, 15-7) win over Princeton Saturday afternoon in EIVA Conference action inside Dillon Gymnasium.
The win for No. 20 NJIT marked the Highlanders third straight victory and completed a regular season series sweep of Princeton.
NJIT's (13-6, 5-1 EIVA) efficient attack was evident in the third set with a hitting percentage of .500, helping it overcome a two-set deficit. The victory also improved NJIT's EIVA record to 5-1, showcasing their strong performance in the conference.
In addition to Nowak's match-best 28 kills, he finished the match with a .571 hitting percentage. Bruno Figueiredo provided a strong playmaking presence, recording 41 assists and adding three block assists. Daniel Latkowski was effective at the net with two solo blocks and four block assists, while recording four aces. Alex Heins added to the defensive effort with one solo block and four block assists, rounding out his performance with a .400 hitting percentage on five kills.
The first period opened with Princeton (4-9, 0-4 EIVA) taking an early lead. NJIT responded with Wiktor Nowak leading the way, achieving kills at key moments to narrow the gap. The Tigers maintained their lead with consistent plays but as the set progressed, Nowak's kill tied the score at 20-20. However, Princeton secured a 25-23 victory using a 5-3 spurt to close out the set.
Princeton took control early in the second period, leveraging strong play and jumping ahead 14-7. The Tigers increased its lead to 20-12 and cruised to a 25-14 win for a 2-0 advantage.
NJIT took control early in the third period against the Tigers, with Nowak leading the charge. Daniel Latkowski contributed significantly with three consecutive service aces, widening NJIT's lead to 16-9. NJIT maintained its momentum, concluding the period with a decisive 25-16 win, thanks to a final kill by Parker Moorhead.
Princeton opened the fourth period with momentum, gaining an early 2-0 lead. NJIT responded with strategic plays, including a service ace by Parker Moorhead at 10-10, which allowed them to briefly take the lead. Nowak was crucial for NJIT, recording multiple kills to keep the score close. The teams traded points down the stretch, but NJIT's Bruno Figueiredo and Daniel Latkowski's block on Andrew Werner's attack proved pivotal. Nowak's final kill clinched the set for NJIT at 25-23, forcing a fifth and decisive set.
NJIT secured a decisive victory in the fifth set defeating the Tigers 15-7 to close the match behind a .357 hitting percentage. The set began with NJIT taking an early lead, highlighted by Nowak's kill from Diego Lopez and his subsequent service ace, bringing the score to 2-0. Harrison Girard's serve was instrumental, as NJIT extended its advantage to 8-2, capitalizing on multiple Princeton attack errors and a service ace. The Tigers struggled to regain momentum after falling behind, as NJIT's Moorhead and Nowak continued to deliver critical kills, ultimately sealing the period and match with a final attack error by Princeton.
Next Up
NJIT will return to action next weekend when the Highlanders visit No. 16 Penn State on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28. First spike on Friday is slated for 6pm while Saturday's match will begin at 3pm. Both games will be streamed on B1G+.
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