Galloway, NJ – Junior HAYLEY MERRILL posted a season-high 21 kills however it wasn't enough as Montclair State fell in its NJAC opener at Stockton University on Tuesday evening.

The contest a rematch of last year's conference championship game won by Stockton.

The Red Hawks (5-2, 0-1 NJAC) won the first set 25-22 and came within a point of a two-set lead before the Ospreys (7-2, 1-0 NJAC) evened the match with a 26-24 win before going on to take the next two sets 25-18 and 25-19.

Merrill added two aces, five digs and three blocks to complete her solid all-around evening. Sophomore ASHLEY GRIFFITH had a double-double of 39 assists and 10 digs. Senior COURTNEY MATLOCK chipped in with eight kills while REBECCA MATASKER posted seven kills. MADISON MAUTE and NATALIA MAJKUT had four kills apiece.

Libero DANIELLE OLCESE led MSU with 15 kills with freshman CAITLIN AARTS and sophomore LILY SCANZILLO recorded nine and eight, respectively.

The Red Hawks are back in action on Friday, September 16 in the St. Joseph's (LI) Tournament in Patchogue, NY. Montclair will face the host Golden Eagles at 8:00 pm.