NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - Despite a combined 17 kills from sophomores Lauren Voss (Hartland, Wis.) and Katie Barends (Glen Gardner, N.J.) the Scarlet Knights were unable to capture a victory in their BIG EAST opener against Marquette Friday evening at the College Ave. Gym.

Rutgers (1-9, 0-1) was playing their first home match after nine consecutive road contests. The Golden Eagles improve to 6-7 overall and 1-0 in BIG EAST play.

"We came in with a game-plan as a coaching staff and we executed that game-plan," said first year head coach CJ Werneke. "It wasn't for a lack of effort on our part tonight, they were just better when it counted. There was a bad beat here and there and that happens in sports."

The Scarlet Knights had opportunities to grab victories in both the first and third sets. In the first, RU knotted the game at 18 after back-to-back attack errors from Marquette. However, a 5-0 Golden Eagles run would dash any chance RU had in the set.

In a highly competitive third set, Rutgers held the lead for much of play. The Scarlet Knights would lead by as many as five points (16-11), but a 7-2 Marquette run would tie the set at 18 once again. With the match tied at 23, back-to-back kills from the Golden Eagles would seal the 3-0 victory.

Marquette was led by Ashlee Fisher who recorded a match-high 14 kills and six digs. Joining Fisher in double figure kills was Leslie Bielski with 12 and Rabbecka Gonyo with 11.

Rutgers will be back at the College Ave. Gym on Sunday at 2 p.m. when the Scarlet Knights take on conference rival Syracuse.