Tied at one early in the opening set, it was imperative for pin hitter Samantha Schnitta to get a reeling Maryland volleyball team off to a quick start. As she stepped behind the service line, the home faithful silenced, allowing her to focus on the task in front.
Schnitta, the nation’s leader in service aces, didn’t disappoint, putting two service aces in the deep corner where no Rutgers player could get to. This catapulted the Terps out to an early 4-1 lead that they never relinquished.
After the first-set win and three consecutive losses, including two five-setters at home, Maryland looked to get its first conference win against Rutgers, another team without a Big Ten win.