BUFFALO, NY—Canisius freshman Ronja Gustafsson converted a penalty kick 3:58 into the first overtime period, lifting her side to a 1-0 victory over visiting NJIT Sunday afternoon in non-conference women's soccer.
 
With the victory on its Demske Sports Complex field, Canisius upped its season record to 2-3-2. The result left NJIT with a 2-3 mark, dropping the Highlanders under .500 for the first time this season.
 
The stage was set for the winning goal when another Canisius freshman, Emma Westwater, got behind the NJIT defense on a breakaway. Making a desperate attempt to disrupt the breakaway, an NJIT fouled Westwater and the home team was awarded the try that became the game-winning PK for Gustafsson, who scored her second goal of the year.
 
The Highlanders lost despite a 13-7 advantage in overall shots and a lopsided 10-0 lead in corner kicks. The penalty kick goal was the only shot for either side in overtime.
 
Both teams' goalkeepers were seniors. Kailee DeFranks made four saves in 93:58 for the shutout, while Highlander keeper Samantha Bersett made three saves.
 
Two freshmen shared the NJIT lead in shots, with Arianna Gerber and Brooke McGee each notching three attempts, with one shot on frame apiece. Gustafsson's three shots paced the Golden Griffins.
 
The next action for NJIT will be Thursday at 6 pm in Connecticut when the Highlanders visit Hartford for another non-conference match.