NEWARK, N.J. – The Rutgers-Newark women's volleyball team rallied from a two-set deficit to force a deciding fifth set but ultimately fell to Ramapo College, 3-2, Tuesday night in New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) action.
The Scarlet Raiders dropped the opening two sets, 25-19 and 25-19, before responding with consecutive victories to even the match. Rutgers-Newark captured the third set, 25-20, and carried that momentum into the fourth, earning a 25-17 win to force a decisive fifth set.
Ramapo jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the final frame, putting the Scarlet Raiders in an early hole. Rutgers-Newark responded with a push of its own, cutting the deficit to 8-6 and putting pressure on the Roadrunners. However, Ramapo regained control down the stretch, pulling away to take the set, 15-10, and secure the 3-2 victory.
Jaedyn Simba-Malasarte led the Scarlet Raiders with 17 kills and 23 digs, recording a double-double while adding three service aces. Bella Foster followed with 13 kills, four service aces and a .344 hitting percentage.
Cyan Long contributed two service aces and tied Simba-Malasarte for the team lead with 23 digs. Nicole Sullivan orchestrated the offense with 38 assists, while Shania Oigbokie added nine kills and three total blocks.
Rutgers-Newark finished with 51 kills and 11 service aces, compared to Ramapo's 55 kills and three aces. The Scarlet Raiders also held a 74-69 advantage in digs and recorded 47 assists.
The Scarlet Raiders return to action Thursday, October 22, when they travel to face Kean University in another NJAC matchup. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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