NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – The Rutgers women’s volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to non-conference foe Fordham in its only home match of the month Wednesday evening at the College Ave. Gym. Sophomore Caitlin Saxton (Encinitas, Calif.),who converted on six of her 27 attack attempts, led the Scarlet Knights in kills for the ninth time this season.
The match was RU’s final non-league match of the year. The Scarlet Knights drop to 1-15 overall, while the Rams improve to 11-11 and snap a five-match losing streak.
“I thought in our last match (at Connecticut) we played with a lot of energy and passion, which helped our execution, but we didn’t have that tonight,” said head coach
CJ Werneke. “It’s no secret that when we have energy and communicate well, we’re a better team and without those two things, we’re not very good.”
The Scarlet Knights were able to keep each set close, however never fully gained control. After falling behind 1-0, a quick start to the second set gave RU hope. However, a four point advantage (11-7) would quickly evaporate as the Rams tallied four consecutive points and 18 of 27 to gain control of the set and match.
“We’re going to focus on the little things like constant communications so we can improve going into our final eight BIG EAST matches,” said Werneke. “We’re going to work hard. The key is energy, communications and fundamentals. When we fundamentally play well, we’re in every match.”
Fordham was led by Sara Friede and Kailee May, who combined for 21 kills and 24 digs. Katherine Burrell dished out a match-high 30 assists for the Rams.
Rutgers will resume BIG EAST play after a weekend off. The Scarlet Knights will travel to South Florida on Oct. 24 before playing at Georgetown on Oct. 26. RU fell to the Bulls last season, but topped Georgetown at home.
