Harrisonburg, Va. — Rutgers-Newark opened play at the Eastern Mennonite Tournament with a four-set victory over the host Royals on the first day of competition, winning by set scores of 25-22, 25-23, 22-25, 25-23.

The Scarlet Raiders jumped out early by taking the opening two sets, controlling the tempo behind a balanced attack and strong play at the net. Eastern Mennonite answered in the third, but Rutgers-Newark regrouped in a tightly contested fourth set, closing out the match with timely points down the stretch to secure the win.

Michael Suarez led the way for Rutgers-Newark with an all-around performance, finishing with 15 kills, 10 digs, and four total blocks. Adrian Marke followed with 10 kills and five total blocks, helping anchor the Raiders defensively at the net. Duncan Sturt had a breakout night directing the offense, recording a career-high 44 assists, the highest total of his young collegiate career.

Rutgers-Newark will continue action at the Eastern Mennonite Tournament tomorrow, when the Scarlet Raiders are scheduled to face Bethany College and Stevenson University as they look to build on a successful opening day.

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