AUSTIN, Texas- Newman traveled to St.Edwards for the Hilltopper Classic to kick off the 2024 season. The Jets dropped game one to the Pride 3-0, and battled game two with SEU to a final 1-3 score.
 
Game One vs. Purdue Northwest: How It Happened

• The Pride took the first set after serving seven aces. Though the Jets tallied nine kills in set one, it wasn't enough to cut the deficit. The Jets dropped set one, 17-25.
• In the second set, the Pride's offense showed a greater strength with 13 kills and tallying four aces. The Jets tallied twenty five attacking attempts with four kills and eight errors. With the offense not connecting, the Jets fell short 9-25.
• In the third set the Jets offense tallied 34 attack attempts, only three less than the Pride. However, attacking errors and small defensive mistakes by the Jets allowed the Pride to pull away with a 16-25 win.

Player Notes:

• Ozioma Ajekwu led the Jets with 6 kills, tallying 12 total attacks.
• Natalie Trigo added 15 digs for the Jets defense.
• Madalyn Hoot led the Jets in assists with 13, and added 2 aces. 

Game Two vs. St. Edward's: How It Happened

• Newman started the first set taking their first two point lead of the day. SEU answered quickly retaking the lead. The set remained close until the 15-16 point where the Goats went on a four point scoring streak. SEU took the first set 19-25.
• The Jets won their first set of the season 25-21 after a very strong second set. Newman won the first point and was able to maintain that lead until the end of the set. The Jets dominated the set earning a five point difference multiple times throughout the set. 
• SEU bounced back and was able to get their offense going again, totaling seventeen kills. The Jets tried to match their energy leading the set with thirty one attack attempts. That wasn't enough to stay close, leading to a 13-25 third set. 
• The fourth set started close with both teams leading at different points. The Jets led once again in attack attempts with thirty seven, but the Goats hitting was more precise. A few service errors denied the Jets to chance to challenge the Goats at the end of the match, leaving a final fourth set score of 19-25.

Player Notes:

• Ozioma Ajekwu added twelve kills to her tally, making it eighteen for her in the day. 
• Natalie Trigo led the Jets defense with eighteen digs and added three serving aces. 
• Avery Dempsey had a career-high thirty seven assists and contributed with four kills. 

The Jets are back in action tomorrow at 11:30 AM against Illinois Springfield and at 4:30 PM against Arkansas Monticello for day two of the Hilltopper Classic.