SMITHFIELD, RI — The NJIT women's volleyball team battled Bryant through four sets Friday night at the Chace Athletic Center, but the Highlanders fell to the Bulldogs, 3-1.
Bryant took control early in the opening set, hitting .359 with 17 kills to take a 25-13 victory and an early 1-0 lead.
NJIT responded in the second set, using a strong offensive effort to even the match. The Highlanders recorded 10 kills and took advantage of 11 Bryant attack errors to earn a 25-23 victory. The set featured 10 tie scores and five lead changes.
The Bulldogs regained the lead in the third set, recording 17 kills while hitting .400. Bryant pulled away for a 25-15 victory to move within one set of closing out the match.
NJIT continued to battle in the fourth set, recording 12 kills and staying within reach throughout the frame. Bryant held on late, taking the set 25-22 to close out the match.
Junior Aries Fontaine led the Highlanders with 12 kills while hitting .308 and added one solo block and one block assist. Freshman Tereza Motalova added eight kills while hitting .333, along with two solo blocks, two block assists and one service ace.
Sophomore Martina Gonzalo Cortes recorded seven kills, while freshman duo Kayden Campbell and Joaneliz Maisonet each added five kills. Maisonet also contributed 16 digs.
Defensively, sophomore Ela Akay paced the Highlanders with 26 digs and added three service aces. At setter, junior pair Cece Marino and Finley McAndrew each recorded 18 assists.
Up Next
The Highlanders return to Newark and welcome UAlbany on Wednesday, October 2nd as America East play continues with first serve scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
Follow the Highlanders
Keep up with the NJIT women's volleyball team all season long by following on X/Twitter and Instagram (@NJITWVB).
