NEW ROCHELLE, NY – Freshman
Emily Heckman scored the game-winning goal in the 73rd minute lifting NJIT to a 2-1 victory over Iona on Friday at Mazzella Field.
The Highlanders, off to their best start in program history, remain undefeated at 4-0-1 in 2016 while the Gaels drop its fifth straight.
NJIT had their opportunities in the first half with close calls by leading scorer
Neema Liverpool and freshman
Lizzy Wolfe.
The Highlanders outshot the Gaels 10-4 in the first half but Iona was first to find the net.
Amber Crispin was able to give the Gaels the lead in the 32
nd minute when teammate Kiri Dale served a curved ball from the left flank into Crispin who put it away for Iona.
It was the first time in 2016 that the Highlanders trailed in a game.
NJIT answered just two minutes later off a free kick by
Melanie Zrno as freshman
Jessica Aseng received the ball and served it into the box for a waiting
Nicole Baldassini. Sophomore Baldassini chipped the ball into the back of the net over Iona 's goalkeeper to even the score at 1-1.
The Highlanders started off the second half with numerous chances for goal number two.
After freshman Wolfe was fouled outside the box in the 53rd minute,
Noelle Batista blasted a free kick right off the crossbar.
Another chance for the Highlanders came off a corner kick from
Alex Gilgorri. Gilgorri found
Carly Berdan at the top of the box and the junior sailed the ball high just over the crossbar.
The Gaels had their opportunities as well.
In the 65th minute, Emily Hansen's free kick deflected off the crossbar and NJIT keeper
Karen David saved a point blank shot from Julia Campagna on the rebound.
The Highlanders would come out on top when Heckman scored the game-winner on a header off a corner kick by sophomore Gilgorri in the 73
rd minute. The goal for the freshman was the first college goal of her career.
The Highlanders outshot the Gaels 23-10 overall, 13 of them coming on goal.
Senior David collected three saves in the win for NJIT while Iona keeper Tiffany Martinez made 10 saves in 90 minutes.
NJIT will return to action on Sunday, September 4 when the Highlanders host Lafayette for a 1pm game at Kean University Alumni Stadium.
The Highlanders will be taking donations for the ASPCA foundation, donate to the cause and earn a chance to win a $50 gift card to Best Buy.
