EASTON, Pa.—The Rider University volleyball team led two sets to one but couldn't hold on in the opening round of the Lafayette Invitational Friday evening against NJIT.

The Highlanders of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (4-7) posted a 25-23, 26-28, 20-25, 27-25, 15-9 victory over Rider (6-7).

“We are still trying to find our way as a team,” said head coach Christopher Feliciano.  “We played really well in portions of the match but not consistently.  We will figure it out.  I have confidence in this group and their abilities.”

For the Broncs, freshman Catie Harding (Kirkwood, Mo./Kirkwood) had 20 digs, 16 kills, two blocks and a service ace with fellow rookie Hailey Riede (Haworth/Northern Valley-Demarest) adding 11 kills while attacking .267.

Senior Brandie Hill (Portland, Ore./Lincoln) had 21 assists and 15 digs with sophomore Veronica Koval (Allentown, Pa./Parkland) adding 22 assists and 12 digs.

Preseason All-MAAC honoree, junior Kaitlyn Griffin (Chesapeake, Va./Hickory) was credited with 10 blocks and had eight kills.

This marks the second time in four matches that Rider has lost to NJIT.  Rider and NJIT met earlier this season when the Highlanders won 3-1 at the Terrier Invitational in Brooklyn. .  The teams met in 2014 with the Broncs winning 3-0 in Alumni Gym.

Rider faces St. Francis Brooklyn and Lafayette on Saturday.

-RU-