WASHINGTON, DC – The Rutgers women’s volleyball team improved its record to 5-2 by defeating Radford and George Washington to conclude the George Washington Invitational earlier today. RU defeated Radford (2-5) in four games, 31-29, 30-15, 26-30 and 30-13. Rutgers followed that win by defeating the host Colonials (5-2) in four games, 30-32, 30-21, 30-26 and 30-25.

Against Radford, both Shayla Bush (Spokane, WA) and freshman Courtney Stout (San Marcos, CA) recorded double-doubles, with Bush posting 16 kills and 16 digs, and Stout having 13 kills and 14 digs. Senior co-captain Pualani Tuyay (San Diego, CA) had 48 assists and 11 digs, while sophomore Dawn Christjaener (Huntington Beach, CA) added 17 digs. Senior Lauren Venarchik (West Chester, PA) and freshman Sandra Nunner (Muenster, Germany) both contributed 12 kills.

Bush and Stout both recorded double-doubles against the Colonials as well. Bush led the way with 21 kills and a career-high 29 digs. Stout recorded 11 kills and 16 digs. Nunner posted a career-high 18 kills, and Tuyay had a season-best 50 assists, while adding 13 digs and five kills.

For the day, Rutgers held Radford to a .073 hitting percentage, and George Washington to just a .092 percentage. Against Radford, Rutgers dominated the net, blocking 22 total shots, while Radford had just seven. RU continued the solid net play against the Colonials, winning the blocking battle, 19-4.

Rutgers will return to action next weekend at the Temple Invitational. The Scarlet Knights will face New Hampshire, St. Peter’s and the host Owls, on Friday and Saturday, September 13 and 14.