Sept. 20, 2014 -

PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Returning to action for the second day of the Rutgers Invitational the Rutgers women's volleyball team split its matches 1-1. After falling in five-set match to James Madison, Rutgers swept in-state rival Princeton to conclude the tournament.

Sophomore middle Lauren Cloyd (Champaign, Ill.) was named to the All-Tournament Team following her performance over the weekend. Cloyd registered a total of 20 digs, 14 blocks and eight digs across four games. It marks the second all-tournament accolade for the sophomore, after being named to the Wendy Miranda All-Tournament Team at the Art Carmichael Tournament hosted by Rhode Island.

Rutgers fell in a five-set showdown against James Madison to start day two.

"The loss to James Madison was disappointing," said head coach CJ Werneke. "The match was won and lost on our end. We didn't play to the level we are capable of. I give credit to JMU. They played well and executed a game plan. In the end, I think we beat ourselves."

For the second-straight match, freshman Meme Fletcher (Overland Park, Kan.) notched a double-double with 10 kills and 11 digs. Cloyd tied for the team lead with 10 kills of her own.

Defensively, junior libero Ali Schroeter (Bakersfield, Calif.) led RU with 25 digs, followed by classmate Ronnie Komisarek (San Mateo, Calif.) with a season-high 23.

After dropping the first two sets, Rutgers finally found its rhythm, jumping to a 7-1 lead to start the third. The Scarlet Knights maintained a strong control of their early lead. With a strong block by junior middle Mikaela Matthews (San Diego, Calif.) and sophomore middle Lauren Cloyd (Champaign, Ill.), RU sealed the third set 25-20.

Set four remained a close rally with Rutgers controlling the lead. JMU kept up a good fight, but a huge dig by Schroeter revived RU's momentum, moving the score 22-17. Another powerful block from the front line gave Rutgers the fourth set, 25-19.

In the deciding set, the teams rallied point for point. JMU controlled the lead, but RU kept the set within reach. The Scarlet Knights put up a strong fight, but were unable to cut their deficit, falling 15-12 to drop the match. In the tournament finale, Rutgers concluded the weekend on a high note, sweeping Princeton by scores of 27-25, 25-19, and 25-22.

"The final game was a battle of wills," said Werneke. "Both teams were in the fourth match of a very long tournament. I was happy to see our team play well despite the fatigue. We played well enough to come out with the win."

Junior middle Eden Frazier (Irvine, Calif.) and Fletcher tied for the team lead with 12 kills. Senior setter Nicole Bayer (Concord, Ohio) posted a season-high 40 assists in the sweep.

Rutgers and Princeton traded points to start set one until RU set up a 21-16 lead. With the score 24-19, the Tigers tallied five-straight points to tie the match 24-24. The Scarlet Knights were able to hold off the Tigers, taking the first set 27-25.

Maintaining its momentum, RU jumped ahead at the onset of set two and never looked back. The Scarlet Knights worked to a quick 21-9 lead, ultimately, winning the set 25-19.

Set three played out no different than the first two. Rutgers leaped to a 16-6 lead, holding Princeton off 25-19. Rutgers maintained its control, securing the sweep with a 25-22 third set win.

Following the home tournament, Rutgers opens Big Ten play with back-to-back road matches. After its conference opener against Northwestern on Friday, Sept. 26, Rutgers travels to Illinois (Sept. 27). Both matches are set for an 8 p.m. start.

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding women's volleyball, follow the program on Twitter @RUvball.