Oct. 30, 2006

Box Score

NEWARK, NJ - Visiting North Dakota State did its scoring in bunches, topping New Jersey Institute of Technology, 7-0, in the season finale for the Highlanders played Monday night on Lubetkin Field.

The Bison scored their first three goals in a little over 12 minutes early in the first half and then poured in four goals in less than 12 minutes late in the game, raising their record to 11-6-1 in preparation for the upcoming United Soccer Conference tournament.

Michelle Martinez had two goals and two assists, while five other North Dakota State players scored a goal apiece. Ashley Dement had a goal and an assist and Lorraine Thompson had two assists for the Bison.

Dement opened the scoring at 10:03, knocking in a header. Patty Romeo followed with a goal at 15:17 and then Becky Iwanicki scored at 22:22.

The 3-0 score held deep into the second half and NJIT applied pressure after the halftime intermission.

However, after nearly 50 scoreless minutes, North Dakota State got back on the board with a goal from Chelsea Body at 71:37. That opened the door for three more quick goals, as Martinez struck at 73:02 and at 75:59, before Danielle Thompson closed the scoring on a goal at 83:32.

Bison goalkeeper Monica Morgan made two saves in recording the shutout, while NJIT used two goalkeepers. Starter Angelica Sepulveda played the first half, allowing 3 goals and making 4 saves. Bruna Lotufo came on to start the second half and allowed 4 goals, with 3 saves.

Monday's game was the last of the year for NJIT, which completed its first year of competition at the NCAA Division I level with a 1-13-1 record. Among the milestones for 2006, were: the first Division I game, a 1-0 loss to Marshall on August 25; the first Division I goal, scored by Cindy Bayiokos on September 17 against Albany; the first Division I win, as NJIT beat Howard, 3-1, on October 1 in Washington, DC; and, the first Division I shutout, as Sepulveda and the Highlanders blanked Saint Peter's for 110 minutes in a 0-0 tie on October 21.

NJIT honored five seniors--Cindy Bayiokos, Bruna Lotufo, Joanna Powdhar, Angelica Sepulveda and Breanna Turnbull--in a pre-game ceremony.