READING, Pa. — The New Jersey City University women's volleyball team participated in its first road tri-match of the season today, Saturday, Sept. 14, as the Gothic Knights took on host Alvernia University in the day's first match, falling in three sets (25-12, 25-16, 25-21), before squaring off with Delaware Valley University in the second contest of the afternoon. NJCU took the Aggies to four sets, but suffered another defeat (23-25, 25-13, 25-22, 25-15).

The Green and Gold (2-5) were led offensively against the hosting Golden Wolves (8-2) by junior outside hitter Marina Millett (Matawan, N.J./Saint John Vianney), as she posted a team-high nine kills to go with four digs in the loss. Sophomore middle blocker Brianna Melanson (South Brunswick, N.J./South Brunswick) was efficient, as well, notching five kills on 11 swings with one error (.364 hitting percentage). Sophomore Genesis Hibbard (Groesbeck, Texas/Morristown (NJ)) was NJCU's primary setter in this one, dishing out a team-best 22 assists to go with three digs, while senior captain outside hitter Brenda Gonzalez (Union City, N.J./Dickinson) had a match-best 16 digs, followed by six for sophomore libero Elisabeth Brito (Jersey City, N.J./Union City).

NJCU's second and final match of the day saw more offensive effectiveness and efficiency, led by a team-high 15 kills on 54 swings with six errors (.167) from Gonzalez, who was one dig shy (9) of a double-double — she added two aces and a block, as well. Melanson recorded a career-best 12 kills with just four errors on 22 swings (.364) to go with three total blocks, including two solo stuffs, and a pair of digs.

Junior right-side Kiki Lugo (Kearny, N.J./Kearny) chipped in nine kills and Millet had five. The former also led all players with a match- and career-high 21 digs, adding a pair of aces. Hibbard had another match-high, and this time a career-high, with 36 assists, adding two aces and seven digs. Sophomore liberos Carly Everett (York, Pa./York Catholic) and Brito had nine and five digs, respectively.

Up Next:
The Gothic Knights will look to bounce back when they return to the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center (JMAC) on Tuesday night, Sept. 17, for a standalone home non-conference match against SUNY Martime. First-serve between NJCU and the Privateers is set for 7:00 p.m.