ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – On Saturday, November 1, the New Jersey City University (NJCU) women’s volleyball team participated in the Bard College Trimatch, achieving a mixed outcome. The Gothic Knights secured a victory against Bard but were subsequently defeated by the nationally ranked No. 12 Ithaca College.
MATCH ONE: NJCU vs. Bard
In their opening match against Bard (3-23, 0-8 Liberty), NJCU (14-7, 2-5 NJAC) demonstrated a strong performance, winning in four sets with scores of 22-25, 25-20, 25-17, and 25-23. The Gothic Knights led in nearly all statistical aspects, including total points (69-59), kills (54-38), service aces (12-9), blocks (3-2), and assists (48-37), while Bard managed a slight edge in digs (55-52). NJCU achieved a commendable hitting percentage of .256, compared to Bard’s .236.
Junior Kai Fitzpatrick (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough High School) showcased her talent by recording 27 kills and 11 digs, marking her seventh double-double of the season. Sophomore setter Rae Marrero (Medford, NY/Patchogue Medford) facilitated the team’s offensive play, accumulating 37 assists and a season-high of seven service aces, alongside six kills and seven digs. Contribution from fifth-year player Diane Pugay (Jersey City, N.J./Infinity Institute) was also notable, as she added 13 kills and nine digs. Meanwhile, junior Genesis Hibbard (Groesbeck, Texas/Morristown (N.J.)) anchored the defense, leading in digs with 15.
For Bard, Annika Flittie provided solid performance with 13 kills and 11 digs, while Fernanda Julian recorded 27 assists and 13 digs. Despite Bard’s initial 25-22 win in the first set, NJCU countered effectively in the second set, closing with a five-point streak that included three crucial kills from Fitzpatrick. The Gothic Knights then took charge in the third set with a strong start, ultimately securing the fourth set and the match victory.
MATCH TWO: NJCU vs. #12 Ithaca
In the second match, NJCU faced a formidable opponent in the form of Ithaca College (22-3, 8-0 Liberty), ranked No. 12 nationally. Despite their effort, the Gothic Knights lost in straight sets with scores of 25-16, 27-25, and 25-12. Ithaca showcased a proficient hitting percentage of .322, outpacing NJCU in points (57-35), kills (38-30), and service aces (16-3), although NJCU held a slight advantage in digs (43-41).
Once again, Kai Fitzpatrick led NJCU with an impressive 23 kills and 10 digs, achieving her eighth double-double of the season. She maintained a remarkable hitting efficiency of .512 throughout the match. Rae Marrero contributed with 24 assists, complemented by eight digs and a solo block, while Hibbard completed the effort with a team-high 13 digs, three assists, and two service aces.
Ithaca’s Naomi Glauhs was particularly effective, securing 15 kills, ably supported by Wesley Slavin with 29 assists and a notable seven service aces. In the first set, Ithaca gained control with a decisive 8-1 run, ultimately taking the set 25-16. The second set saw NJCU nearly pull off a comeback from a 22-18 deficit but ultimately fell short, losing 27-25 despite briefly leading 25-24. The final set saw the Bombers pull ahead decisively, closing the match with a 10-0 run.
Looking Ahead
NJCU’s next challenge will take place at home in the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center as they prepare for their final New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) matchup of the season against Rowan University on Tuesday, November 4. This event will also celebrate Alumni Night, with the match set to begin at 7:00 p.m.
For continuous updates and news about NJCU Athletics, please visit NJCUgothicknights.com and follow their social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
