Newark, NJ. – Charleston splits the EIVA series with the Highlanders of New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). The Golden Eagles took the five-set victory in the first match but then got swept in game two.
GAME 1
The Basics:
Location: NJIT Wellness and Event Center
Score: UC 3, NJIT 2
Records: UC 11-11 (2-3 EIVA), NJIT 8-13, (0-6 EIVA)
How it Happened:
The match between NJIT and Charleston was an intense battle, with both teams showcasing their never give up mentality. The first set started with both teams battling back and forth until NJIT took the initial five-point lead, 18-13. Charleston then managed to narrow the lead, going on a 5-1 run to pull within one point, trailing 19-18. The set remained tight with four ties late in the frame, but Charleston scored the final two points of the set, clinching a 29-27 victory.
In the second set NJIT scored the first two points and held a lead early on, but Charleston continued to battle, eventually taking an 8-6 lead. Both teams continued to battle, and the set was tied at 13-13. The set was point for point until NJIT scored back-to-back points to take the second set victory 25-23.
Charleston found themselves trailing in the third set after NJIT went on a 4-1 run, but the Golden Eagles responded with a 5-0 run later in the set to take the 15-12 lead over the Highlanders. The set remained closely contested with NJIT tying the score at 23-all, but Charleston secured the final two points, winning the set 25-23 and taking the 2-1 lead in the match.
In the fourth set Charleston dominated early, leading 5-1 and then extending their lead to 11-7. NJIT eventually began a comeback and took the lead 19-18. NJIT's momentum continued as they secured the set victory 25-21, forcing a fifth set.
In the decisive fifth set, Charleston quickly asserted their dominance by securing four consecutive points, establishing an early 8-4 lead. NJIT responded with resilience, rallying to score three of the next four points, narrowing the Golden Eagles' lead to just one, with the score at 10-9. However, Charleston surged forward with a 3-1 run of their own, including crucial back-to-back points, extending their lead to three at 13-10, prompting a timeout from NJIT. NJIT fought fiercely, clawing their way back into contention by scoring consecutive points and reducing the deficit to just one at 13-12. With the tension mounting, a pivotal kill brought NJIT within striking distance at 14-13, prompting Charleston to call their second timeout of the set. Ultimately, it was the Golden Eagles who sealed the match with a decisive kill by Garret Schnitker, clinching a hard-fought 15-13 victory and securing a 3-2 triumph on the road.
Garret Schnitker finished the match with 21 kills, good for a .500 hitting percentage. Max Nissen was also a key component in Charleston's success with 19 kills.
GAME 2
The Basics:
Location: NJIT Wellness and Event Center
Score: UC 0, NJIT 3
Records: UC 11-12 (2-4 EIVA), NJIT 9-13, (1-6 EIVA)
How it Happened:
In the opening frame, the momentum swung back and forth as NJIT surged to a 10-6 lead, spurred by three consecutive points. However, the Golden Eagles swiftly responded, leveling the score at 10-all with a four-point streak. With Charleston holding a narrow 19-18 advantage, NJIT regained control, clinching four of the next five points to secure a 22-20 lead. A quick 3-2 run sealed the first frame for NJIT with a 25-23 victory.
In the second set, NJIT asserted dominance early, racing to an 8-3 lead and extending it to 16-8 with four consecutive points. Despite Charleston narrowing the margin to two points at 22-19, NJIT maintained composure, closing out the set with the final two points for a 25-19 win, securing a 2-0 lead in the match.
Neither team help a significant lead in the third set until late in the frame, NJIT capitalizing on a crucial moment. Scoring four consecutive points to establish a 21-16 lead. Charleston fought back and trimmed the deficit to 22-20, but the Highlanders scored the next three of four points to take the set victory 25-21 and the set sweep over the Golden Eagles.
Garret Schnitker delivered a solid performance, contributing 10 kills, six digs, and two block assists throughout the match.
Up Next:
The Golden Eagles will host Penn State this coming weekend for their final home series of the 2024 season.
