Schedule | Roster | NJAC Preseason Poll 

NEWARK, N.J. (August 30, 2017) – The Rutgers University-Newark women's volleyball team will begin its 2017 season Friday night inside The Golden Dome when the Scarlet Raiders welcome the United States Merchant Marine Academy to town.
 
Rutgers-Newark is coming off a berth in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament for the first time since 2006 and the program's second appearance in three years in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Metro Championship.
 
The Scarlet Raiders won 15 matches in all, picking up three wins inside the competitive NJAC and seeing a pair of student-athletes honored as all-conference.
 
A talented group of veterans are tasked with leading Rutgers-Newark in libero Sue Riley, middle Rebecca Ford and outside Morgan Schweitzer.
 
Riley is a three-time All-NJAC performer, consistently starring for the Scarlet Raiders throughout her career. The Rahway, N.J. native played in 98-of-99 sets for R-N in 2016, leading the team in digs (481), digs per set (4.91) and service aces with 42.
 
A leader and strong communicator, Riley will be a key to Rutgers-Newark's success in her final year in the Brick City. She played a lot of coed volleyball over the summer and has improved her instincts and anticipation.
 
Ford has improved immensely and consistently during her first three years and came into preseason in great shape. Her hard work has resulted in better blocking and leaping ability, and she has played very well all preseason. A native of Newark, Ford led Rutgers-Newark with 57 blocks and she totaled 61.5 points.
 
Schweitzer transferred to Rutgers-Newark in 2016 and made an immediate impact, for both Scarlet Raider volleyball and Scarlet Raider softball. On the courts, Schweitzer put down 1.51 kills per set and finished '16 with 144.5 points. An all-around asset, Schweitzer had 171 digs and 15 blocks, and after coming into the preseason in marvelous condition, she should see increases in her numbers across the board.
 
A pair of defensive stalwarts round out the team's senior class as DS Sue Son and DS Chrissy Campanelli are back to provide depth along the backline for Rutgers-Newark. Son will be looking to Carve out a role after limited action in her first year as a junior, and Campenelli is back after sitting out her junior season.
 
Outside Cassie Luken is the team's only junior, but she has looked primed for a breakout season. Luken was one of three Scarlet Raiders to average more than two kills per set (2.18) and she put down 207 kills in total. The junior also delivered 243 digs and 34 blocks, racking up a strong 38 service aces as well.
 
Luken – who has all the tools – will be a major piece for second-year Head Coach Megan Knott, and has the talent to be an all-conference-type performer with improved consistency.
 
Sophomore Brione Lockett is the squad's only returning sophomore and she will be an important part of the defensive unit. Lockett has improved a great deal since last season and will see time along the back row. Her ball control and defensive instincts should make her a big-time part of the 2017 Raiders.
 
Sophomore outside/right side Comfort Akinbo joins the Scarlet Raiders and will make an immediate impact. She came aboard during the team's spring season and will play a key role along the front row. A presence at the net and a strong blocker, Akinbo should have an impact on both the offensive and defensive side of the net throughout 2017.
 
Sophomore newcomers Sofia Serghiou and Natalie Cordero both come to the Brick City as defensive specialists and will look to carve out roles as they gain experience.
 
Freshman setter/defensive specialist Karly Gregoire hopes to make an immediate impression for the Scarlet Raiders. A quick player always ready to hustle, Gregoire has been working hard and should be the team's opening night setter.
 
Freshman outside Samantha Kemmerer is talented, brings great energy and has a nice swing, while freshman middle/outside Dahlia Shoukry has demonstrated a strong serve and excellent energy and hustle. Shoukry should see time early on in the middle.
 
Freshman setter/defensive specialist Dorcas Owusu and freshman outside Rhea Doria also figure into the 2017 equation, with Owusu looking to find time along the back row and Doria along the outside. Both players have a lot of potential.
 
"We have done a nice job this preseason," said Knott. "We have a long way to go but the energy throughout has been great. I think we are coming together nicely."
 
Rutgers-Newark has been focusing on defense on the outside and backrow to try and combat the strength of many NJAC foes.
 
"In my first year, I noticed that many of the elite players in the league were outside hitters," added Knott. "If we can do a better job blocking and making them uncomfortable, I think we will see some major improvement."
 
After Friday night's season-opener in Newark, Rutgers-Newark will visit Pratt before hosting a tri-match on September 9.
 
The team opens NJAC play on September 12 at Rowan, and the first home league match of the season is against Montclair State University on September 21.
 
Senior Night is slated for Thursday, October 26 against Cairn University and the NJAC Championship Tournament is set to get underway on Halloween.
 
"If we put in the work, we have the talent to be a strong team," added Knott. "Last year we were able to get a taste of the postseason. This year, our goal is to raise the bar and make a run at a conference title."
 
Fans can follow @ScarletRaiders and @RUNVolleyball on twitter for the latest on Rutgers-Newark volleyball all season long.