Women's Volleyball | 8/7/2026 1:00:00 PM
NEWARK, N.J. – Rutgers University-Newark women's volleyball has announced its 2026 schedule, featuring a competitive non-conference slate and another challenging NJAC campaign.
The Scarlet Raiders open the season on the road against St. Joseph's University Brooklyn on Sept. 1 before competing in a pair of tri-matches at McDaniel College on Sept. 5 and Drew University on Sept. 12.
Rutgers-Newark makes its home debut at The Golden Dome on Sept. 15 when it welcomes Wilkes University. The Scarlet Raiders then turn their attention to conference play, opening the NJAC schedule on Sept. 22 against rival Rutgers-Camden.
The conference slate features another challenging stretch against some of the NJAC's top programs while also mixing in key non-conference contests. Rutgers-Newark wraps up the regular season at The Golden Dome by hosting a tri-match featuring Elizabethtown College and St. Joseph's University Long Island before turning its focus to the NJAC Championship Tournament.
Coaches Corner
Rutgers-Newark returns a strong core for the 2026 season, highlighted by Jaedyn Simba-Malasarte, Shayla Moody, and Cyan Long, who are expected to lead the Scarlet Raiders on and off the court.
Simba-Malasarte established herself as one of Rutgers-Newark's top all-around players last season, totaling 158 kills while leading the team with 366 digs. She made an immediate impact by earning NJAC Player of the Week honors during the opening week of the season and will once again be counted on to provide leadership in every rotation.
Moody returns as the Scarlet Raiders' top offensive threat after leading the team with 203 kills a season ago. Her ability to finish points at the net will once again be a key piece of Rutgers-Newark's attack.
Long enjoyed an impressive freshman campaign, earning NJAC Defensive Player of the Week honors during the second week of the season. She finished the year with 119 kills and 362 digs, ranking among the top 10 in the NJAC in digs while establishing herself as one of the conference's top young defensive players.
With Simba-Malasarte and Long combining for 728 digs last season and Moody returning as the team's leading attacker, Rutgers-Newark enters the 2026 campaign with proven production on both sides of the net. The Scarlet Raiders will rely on that experience, along with the continued development of their returning roster, as they look to compete for a spot in the NJAC Championship Tournament.
For the latest news, updates, and information on Rutgers-Newark Athletics, visit rutgersnewarkathletics.com. Fans can also stay up to date by following the Scarlet Raiders on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
