WEST POINT, NY – NJIT men's lacrosse put up a good fight in the first two periods, but the final two period were a different story, as Army West Point won 16-6 at Michie Stadium on Sunday.

The Highlanders (0-8) were led by Aaron Forster, who tallied two goals and two assists. John Roach posted his second consecutive hat trick, while Jesse Rice recorded a career-high three assists. NJIT leading scorer for the season, Joe Lomeli also added a goal in the loss.

The Black Knights were led by Cole Johnson's; who made two goals and five assists and Nate Jones, who tallied four goals. Army West Point had eight other goal scorers.

NJIT kept the shots close in the first half, posting 14 to the Black Knights' 15.

Army West Point was first to strike, with two goals, until NJIT got on the board at 8:30, when Rice came around the crease and dished it to Forster waiting in front of the goal.

The Black Knights scored again in the fifth minute, to go ahead 3-1.

Rice and Forster would connect again in the fourth minute, when Rice found Forster at the opposite side of the goal for a quick pass and shoot.

With just 18 seconds left in the first period, Roach tied the game, scoring his seventh goal of the season off a pass from red hot Forster, who tallied three points in the first period alone. The score was tied 3-3 going into the second period.

Luke Poulos started the scoring in the second period for the Black Knights, but Roach was quick to retaliate when he rolled around the crease to score his second goal of the game.

Army West Point answered back at 4:30 with a goal from Danny DeSanti, and another by Connor Glancy a minute and a half later to give the Black Knights the 6-4 lead at the end of the second period.

The third period was even until Nate Johnson broke the scoring drought with two goals in under 1:50 to play, to put Army West Point up 7-4 going into the fourth period.

Lomeli, who was shutout against Monmouth, scored from 12 yards out off a pass from Rice, his third assist of the game.

The Black Knights came back and scored seven unanswered goals to go up 15-5 with 4:02 remaining in the game.

After a quick win off the faceoff, the Highlanders tallied another goal from Roach off a pass from Forster with some quick passing down the field.

The Black Knights added a final goal to make the final score 16-6.

NJIT keeper Nick Marzullo made 12 saves in the loss including four ground balls and two caused turnovers.

Starting in goal for Army West Point was AJ Baretto who tallied four saves and four ground balls. Matt Isnardi and Paul Newbold recorded one save apiece for the Black Knights.

The Highlanders will travel to Rutgers next on March 18, for a 7pm game against the Scarlet Knights.