SOUTH ORANGE , NJ – The NJIT women's volleyball team opened the 2026 campaign on Friday at the Seton Hall Invitational falling to FDU, 3-0.
Set Scores
Set 1: FDU - 25 | NJIT - 22
Set 2: FDU - 25 | NJIT - 10
Set 3: FDU - 25 | NJIT - 11
The Highlanders battled through a competitive opening set, staying within striking distance before FDU secured the 25-22 victory. The Knights then carried the momentum into the second and third sets to complete the sweep.
Junior Aries Fontaine led the Highlanders offensively with seven kills, while junior Ema Torres added six kills and freshman Leah Devaraj, making her colliegate debut, finished with five. Junior Cece Marino recorded a team-high 10 assists while also contributing 13 digs.
Defensively, Marino's 13 digs paced the Highlanders, while junior Finley McAndrew added seven digs. Freshman Joaneliz Maisonet contributed five digs, and pair of freshman Kayden Campbell and Mya Lei-Butters each recorded three.
NJIT also received contributions at the net, with senior Rowan Schreiber and Fontaine each recording a block.
The Highlanders finished the match with 22 kills and 21 assists, while FDU posted 36 kills and 34 assists. NJIT recorded three service aces, led by two from Lei-Butters, while FDU finished with eight aces.
Up Next
The Highlanders look to bounce back on Saturday, the 29th as the Highlanders take on Illinois State at 12:00 p.m. in South Orange as the Seton Hall Invitational continues.
Follow the Highlanders
Keep up with the NJIT women's volleyball team all season long by following on X/Twitter and Instagram (@NJITWVB).
