NEWARK, NJ – It wasn't an easy start to the 2021 campaign for the Sacred Heart University men's volleyball team. The Pioneers went on the road, losing 3-0 to NJIT. 

Records:
NJIT: 1-2, 1-0 EIVA
Sacred Heart: 0-1, 0-1 EIVA

Top Performers:
Mark Berry (SHU): 6 kills
Teddy Payne (SHU): 16 assists, 4 digs

Up Next:
The two teams are back on the court Friday at 6 p.m.

Of Note:
The Highlanders are receiving votes in the latest AVCA national poll.

In the opening set, the Pioneers closed within 10-7, but five errors allowed NJIT to open an 18-10 advantage. Three kills by rookie Mark Berry helped the Pioneers grab a 7-5 lead in set two. The Highlights fought back and thanks to two SHU errors grabbed a 15-12 lead. 

Four-straight errors allowed NJIT to get out to a 5-0 lead in set three, but SHU managed to tie it, 6-6, on another Berry kill. The hosts put the match out of reach with an 11-3 run.

First-year players led the way as Berry topped the Pioneers with six kills, followed by Carlos Santa Cruz. Setter Teddy Payne handed out 16 assists with four digs.

Sacred Heart couldn't slow down the NJIT offense as the Highlanders hit .370 to the Pioneers' -.068. The hosts also had an 11-1 blocking advantage.