WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — After having the fall 2020 season delayed, the Hartford volleyball team opened its 2021 spring slate with a doubleheader sweep over NJIT, earning straight-set victories over the Highlanders on Sunday afternoon inside the Hartford Volleyball Gym. 
 
With the wins, Hartford opens the season at 2-0 overall and in the America East, while NJIT drops to 0-7 on the season and 0-6 in conference-play.

PHOTO GALLERY
 
HARTFORD 3, NJIT 0 (25-15, 25-12, 25-22)

• SET ONE: With Hartford holding an early 5-4 lead in the set, the Hawks delivered a blow with a 13-6 run to open up an eight-point advantage at 18-10. Extending the advantage into double figures at 22-12, the Hawks never looked back, as they held the Highlanders to just three more points for the remainder of the set.
• SET TWO: With the two sides playing to an early 4-4 tie in the set, Hartford exploded for a 14-2 run to take a commanding 18-6 lead. The Highlanders tallied six more points, but senior Abby Nash secured the set win with a kill.
• SET THREE: Hartford and NJIT traded points to open up what proved to be the final set. But with Hartford trailing 19-17, the Hawks hit their stride, using a 5-0 run to open up a 22-19 advantage. One final push by the Highlanders closed the gap to two (24-22), but Hartford responded by securing the set and match point with a kill from senior Brittany Braun. 
• NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS: Nash compiled 15 kills to lead both sides … Freshman Uzezi Ijoma amassed 10 kills in her collegiate debut … Megan Anderson added a game-high 37 assists and two service aces … Brittany Braun led the way with six blocks.

 
HARTFORD 3, NJIT 0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-20)

• SET ONE: With Hartford holding a slim 8-7 lead, the Hawks went on a 12-3 run to take a commanding 20-10 lead. The Highlanders responded with an 11-4 run of their own to trim the Hawks' lead to four, however, a kill from De Gasper secured the set win with a kill.  
• SET TWO: The Hawks drew blood first in set two, building a 16-10 advantage before allowing the Highlanders to inch their way back to trim the Hartford lead to 17-14. But Hartford rallied again,scoring eight of the next 13 points to rally and hold on for the set win.
• SET THREE: Hartford looked to have had the set wrapped up after going ahead by as many as eight points (9-1). Facing a 19-12 deficit, the Highlanders mounted a furious comeback, rallying for an 8-5 run to bring the score to 24-20. With match point on the line, Nash stepped up to deliver the game-winning kill to secure the two-match win for the Hawks.
• NOTES & HIGHLIGHTS: Nash registered a game-high 17 kills … Ijoma added 12 kills in the victory … Anderson recorded a game-high 44 assists

 
NEXT ON TAP
The Hawks will be back in action on Wednesday, March 17, when they play host to Binghamton for a doubleheader. Match times are set for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

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