HAMDEN, CT – Despite Nick Marzullo's 16 saves the Highlanders lost 9-7 against Quinnipiac on Saturday afternoon at QU Field Hockey/Lacrosse Field.

The Highlanders (0-5) were led by sophomore Jesse Rice who recorded two goals and one assist. Sophomore John Roach also added a goal and an assist while Joe Lomeli, Patrick Benton, Aaron Forster and Matt Brown each had a goal apiece.

The Bobcats (2-1) who were picked to finish second in the MAAC pre-season coaches poll, were led by Brian Feldman who posted three goals and Connor Meth who added a goal and three assists.

Quinnipiac took the quick lead in the first period with Meth's only goal of the game. But NJIT was quick to retaliate with two unassisted goals from Rice and Brown.

Rice was first to get on the board for the Highlanders when he took a shot up top from 10 yards out. Freshman Brown put NJIT up in the fourth minute with the first goal of his career, by winning the ball after a save by keeper Jack Brust and finishing a tough angled shot from the left of the net.

Marzullo made three big saves, including one with just seconds remaining to hold the Bobcats to just one goal, giving the Highlanders the 2-1 edge at the end of the first period.

NJIT continued their scoring streak in the second period with Lomeli's man-up goal, assisted by Rice. Sophomore Lomeli extended his scoring streak to 18 games, which he has held since February 20, 2015. Minutes later freshman Benton would give the Highlanders a 4-1 advantage, the largest lead as a division I program.

Quinnipiac would go on their own three goal scoring streak, before the Highlanders would strike again. Rice, with the help of some spin moves, tricked the defense and shot from 12 yards out for NJIT's fifth goal of the game. The Bobcats tied it at five with just three seconds left on a catch and shoot play from Kevin Diehl, assisted by Meth, ending the second period 5-5.

The Bobcats would take back a 6-5 lead when Feldman connected with Nate Nibbelink in the third period.  Roach would answer with three minutes remaining, when he came around the crease and snuck the ball past Quinnipiac goalie Brust.

Marzullo would make another brilliant point blank save with three seconds remaining in the third to keep the score 6-6 going into the fourth and final period.

The fourth period was tied until the eighth minute when Feldman scored his third goal of the game off a pass from Alex Disalvo. The Bobcats would add another goal by Ryan Kennan putting them up by two goals with 7:46 remaining in the game.

The Highlanders however were not done scoring. Matt Brown caused a turnover at his home net which was picked up by Marzullo and lobbed to John Roach at midfield. Roach quickly threw the ball forward to freshman Aaron Forster making a run. Forster capitalized on his breakaway opportunity and scored to come within one point with 4:30 remaining in the game.

With a costly turnover by NJIT that resulted in a penalty on their end, Quinnipiac was able to take advantage of the extra man opportunity to give them the final 9-7 lead with just over a minute remaining.

Marzullo matched his career-high saves count with 16 in the loss, while also grabbing a team-high four ground balls. Quinnipiac keeper Jack Brust tallied 12 saves in the Bobcats win.

The Highlanders will travel to West Long Branch, NJ to take on the Monmouth Hawks on March 8 for a 3pm start.