Box Score

MAYAGUEZ, Puerto Rico – Rutgers University-Newark battled the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras on even terms over the first three games before falling in its season opener, 3-1, at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez.  Game scores were 25-23, 26-24, 19-25, 25-12.
 
Junior setter Kevin McCandless totaled 36 assists and seven digs while getting in on four blocks with three solos and a blocking assist to lead the Scarlet Raiders against the NCAA D-II Gallitos.
 
Sophomore outside hitter Jose Mendez led Rutgers-Newark with 13 kills and a pair of aces while getting in on three blocks to register a team-high 17.5 points.  He also added four digs.
 
Junior middle hitter Cody Chidsey collected 10 kills, three solo blocks and three blocking assists for 14.5 points.  Junior opposite Travis Mintzer chipped in eight kills, three solo blocks and a pair of blocking assists.
 
Junior libero Quocmy Nguyen handled 34 serves with just two reception errors and added six digs while sophomore libero Harrison Albert paced the Raiders with 10 digs.
 
Rutgers-Newark takes on Erskine College at 4 p.m. and host UPR-Mayaguez at 6 on Friday to complete the weekend trip to Puerto Rico.