MORRISTOWN, N.J. – The Neumann University Women's Volleyball suffered a 3-1 loss in their first Atlantic East Conference match of the season on Saturday afternoon by scores of 18-25, 25-22, 25-21, and 25-23.
 
Neumann opened the first set with decisive play, quickly gaining a lead with Bri Gautier's kill establishing the early momentum. Taylor Long and Melissa Eddy contributed key kills, each extending the Knights' advantage. Strong defensive efforts, including blocks by Soleil-La'Jour Staggs and Julia Solomon, helped maintain the pressure on Saint Elizabeth. Midway through the set, Neumann continued to build their lead, with Eddy and Long each adding to the scoreboard. Eddy's service ace further widened the gap, and the team capitalized on errors from Saint Elizabeth to keep control. The Knights closed the set strong, with Gautier's final two kills securing a first set victory.
 
In Set 2, the Knights surged early with a 6-2 lead, highlighted by a service ace from Long.  Eddy contributed with multiple service aces, extending the Knights' advantage to 15-8, but Saint Elizabeth rallied back to tie the score at 18-18. The teams traded points, with the Knights briefly regaining the lead at 22-21 following a service ace by Kyla Carney. However, Saint Elizabeth closed the set on a strong note to tie the match.
 
Neumann began Set 3 with momentum and Gautier's kill, assisted by Liv Bowers, helped maintain the advantage. Despite trading points, the Knights managed to extend their lead to 13-10. Saint Elizabeth responded with a service ace and a series of kills, shifting the momentum and tying the score at 14-14. Neumann briefly reclaimed the lead with a kill from McKenzie Dale, but Saint Elizabeth surged ahead again, leading to a tightly contested finish. Despite a strong effort from Neumann, including kills by Solomon and Eddy, the set concluded with Saint Elizabeth pulling away to secure the win.
 
In Set 4, Neumann initiated play with a strong start, securing the first three points with contributions from Solomon and Bowers, including a service ace. The Knights extended their lead to 9-6 with help from an ace from Eddy. However, Saint Elizabeth responded, closing the gap to 13-12. The momentum shifted as Saint Elizabeth took a narrow lead at 17-15, with Neumann battling back to level the score at 20-20 through key kills by Eddy and Austin Raymer. The teams exchanged points, reaching a 23-23 tie, but Saint Elizabeth capitalized on some errors and took the match.
 
Eddy led the Knights with 10 kills and five service aces, contributing a total of 15 points. Solomon effectively paced the offense with 17 kills on 27 attempts, totaling 17.5 points. Bowers facilitated the attack with 19 assists, adding six digs and two aces over four sets. Staggs bolstered the defense, recording five total blocks.
 
Neumann (5-9, 0-1 Atlantic East) will be back in action on Friday when they visit Arcadia University for a 6:00 PM start.