PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Columbia volleyball dropped a non-conference road match Tuesday night, falling to Rutgers in three sets (8-25,14-25,16-25) at Jersey Mike's Arena.

The Lions (2-8) battled in the second and third sets, forcing 11 ties and five lead changes, but it wasn't enough. The Scarlet Knights (9-3) seized momentum early, running away with the opening set and never looking back. 

Elena Maynulet posted a team-high nine kills on 21 swings, adding five digs and a block. Juliana Williamson gave the Lions a spark at the net, registering two kills and a pair of blocks in her second appearance of the season.

Setter Ruby van der Heide directed the offense with nine assists, one ace, and two digs, while fellow setter Clara Yu chipped in four assists and three digs. Senior Delaney Seaman anchored the back row with a team-best eight digs.

After dropping the opening frame, Columbia put together stronger stretches in the second and third. After recording just 11 kills and 12 attack errors in the first two frames, the Lions responded with a spirited third, notching nine kills.

Rutgers finished with 43 kills and 11 aces while hitting .419 on the night. Aspen Maxwell and Tara Garvey both finished in double figures in kills for the Scarlet Knights. Maxwell had a match-high 13 kills, while Garvey had 12. 

Columbia now turns its focus to Ivy League play, opening conference action this weekend when it hosts Cornell at Levien Gymnasium. First serve between the Lions and Big Red is slated for 6 p.m. 

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