NEWARK,NJ – The NJIT men's ice hockey team fell 5-1 to Rutgers at the Barnabas Health Hockey House on Saturday night.

The Highlanders (10-14-1), who defeated the Scarlet Knights earlier in the season, has been eliminated from playoff contention in the Colonial States College Hockey Conference with the loss.

The first period was evenly matched, with neither team able to score any goals.

NJIT was the first to score in the second, when David Ferrero posted his team leading 18^th goal of the season.

The Scarlet Knights responded quickly with two goals in 59 seconds, giving them momentum and the lead. Rutgers added two power play goals to give them a commanding three-goal lead after two periods.

Rutgers added a goal midway in the third to seal the four-goal victory.

The Highlanders Martin Paro made 44 saves in the game.

NJIT will finish their season this weekend with games on Friday and Sunday.

On Friday the Highlanders travel to Stockton for an 8:30pm game at the Winding River Skating Center.  

Sunday will be the final game of the season when NJIT hosts TCNJ at 6:45pm, which will be the final game for seniors Christopher Murphy, Yllano Tubilleja, Gregory Hopler and Daniel Makowski as Highlanders.

Goals: Ferrero
Saves: Paro 44 saves
Power Play: 0/7 Penalty Kill: 4/6