In an electrifying showdown that had fans glued to their seats, the New Jersey City University (NJCU) Gothic Knights women’s volleyball team pulled off a tense 3-2 win over Saint Elizabeth University (SEU) on September 25.
The match unfolded at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center, buzzing with energy and competition. Freshman Kai Fitzpatrick stepped up and delivered a performance that won’t be forgotten any time soon, helping NJCU notch their 10th win of the season and snag a spot in the school’s record books.
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A Historic Night for NJCU Volleyball
The spotlight never left Kai Fitzpatrick that evening. She exploded for 33 kills, tying for 10th all-time in NJCU history for kills in a single match.
She didn’t slow down—adding 21 digs, an ace, two assists, and a block assist. That marked her fifth double-double already this season. For a freshman? That’s pretty wild, honestly.
Strong Contributions from the Entire Team
Fitzpatrick grabbed the headlines, sure, but the win came from a solid team effort. Graduate student Diane Pugay chipped in with 13 kills, flashing her experience at key moments.
Setter Rae Marrero hit a personal milestone: 46 assists, plus seven kills and 10 digs. Munachim Nwobu stood tall at the net with four blocks, anchoring the defense. Libero Elisabeth Brito hustled for a career-high 20 digs. The depth on this NJCU squad is no joke.
Match Breakdown: Swings and Surges
Stat-wise, NJCU just about ran the show. They racked up 62 kills to SEU’s 40, and outdug the Eagles 79 to 59.
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The Knights also stacked up 53 assists, compared to SEU’s 35. They finished with 74 total points, really driving the offense. SEU did edge out NJCU in blocks, 7-5, so the Eagles definitely fought hard until the end.
The Drama of Five Sets
This one had all the drama you could ask for. NJCU grabbed the opening set 29-27 in a heart-stopper, but then SEU flipped the script and took sets two and three.
The fourth set? All NJCU, with a convincing 25-12 win that set up a wild fifth set. When the Knights rattled off a late 5-0 run to seal it 15-9, the place just erupted.
Looking Ahead for the Gothic Knights
At 10-1, NJCU is turning heads in the conference. Their next test comes against Ramapo College on September 30 in an NJAC matchup.
Fans have every reason to expect another high-energy clash as the Knights try to keep rolling.
Volleyball’s Role in Our City’s Sports Culture
Games like this do more than showcase athletic talent—they pump up community pride. NJCU’s rise is a reminder that Jersey City has some pretty inspiring college sports right here at home.
If you live nearby or just happen to be in town, catching a home match is honestly worth your time.
Experiencing Jersey City Beyond the Court
Traveling to see NJCU play? There’s plenty of choice when it comes to Jersey City hotels.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Jersey City, you can pick a spot near campus for convenience, or wander over to the waterfront for those skyline views.
More Than Sports
Volleyball might bring you here, but there’s no shortage of things to do in Jersey City once the match ends.
Check out the different city districts—each has its own vibe, food, and stories. From lively markets to peaceful parks, Jersey City offers a mix of experiences you probably won’t forget.
Plan Your Trip
Whether you’re coming from just down the road or way across the country, getting to Jersey City is a breeze. We’re close to major transit hubs, so you won’t need to stress about the journey itself.
Come for the sports, stay for the culture. You’ll probably leave with a few stories you didn’t expect.
For locals and visitors alike, the Gothic Knights’ win over SEU says a lot about this city. Jersey City’s energy isn’t just in the streets—it’s alive in the gyms, the fields, and every court where people show up and give it their all.
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Here is the source article for this story: Women’s Volleyball Outlasts Saint Elizabeth in Five-Set Thriller Behind Fitzpatrick’s 33 Kills – New Jersey City University Athletics
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