FLORHAM, NJ…FDU-Florham mounted a comeback from a first-game defeat, and handed New Jersey City University its first loss since September 4, as the Devils outlasted NJCU, 3-1, by scores of 28-30, 30-21, 30-14, 30-23, in a non-conference women’s volleyball match Tuesday night.
For NJCU, which fell to 6-2 with the loss, the defeat ended the Knights quest for the best start to a season in program history. The Knights did equal the 1992 club for the best start in school history by winning six consecutive matches since losing their season opener and beginning the year 6-1. Along the way, NJCU also won 19 consecutive games played over a span of seven matches.
For FDU (12-3), the win was its fifth straight. The Devils own a 7-1 edge in the all-time series and have won the last five meetings since NJCU defeated the Devils in 1995.
Freshman middle blocker LIZZELLE CINTRON (Newark, NJ/Elizabeth), the NCAA Division III leader in kills per game, played very well against the tough opponent, pounding out a match-high 22 kills with only seven errors in 50 attacks for a .300 hitting percentage, and 30 digs, with three blocks.
Freshman middle blocker MEAGAN ROBERTS (Union, NJ/Union) also reached double digits in kills with 12 (12-4-27) and hit .296.
Freshman setter NADIA DaSILVA (Newark, NJ/Science) delivered 41 assists and five digs, while freshman outside hitter GLORINELL PEREZ (Elizabeth, NJ/Elizabeth) posted seven kills and 19 digs.
Also for NJCU senior outside hitter CHRISTINA COCUCCI (Secaucus, NJ/Secaucus) defended 15 digs and landed four kills.
The Devils were led by Megan Redd with 19 kills and just two errors (19-2-37) for a .459 percentage, while Deb Faber added 10 kills (10-1-18) and a .500 hitting clip. Erin LeBan dished 36 assists and 11 digs.
The next match for NJCU is against rival Montclair State University on Thursday, September 23 at 7pm. The match will be the 2004 home opener for the Gothic Knights.
