Post Game Interview

MADISON, NJ – Trailing 6-1 after the first quarter, the NJIT men's lacrosse team forged back and lost a close 11-8 decision to Quinnipiac on Saturday afternoon at Drew University's Ranger Stadium.

The Highlanders (0-5) were led by senior Ryan Callaghan who tallied three points on one goal and two assists. Aaron Forster scored two goals, while Cole Robillard and Mathew Sanchez posted their first goals of the season. Also adding goals for NJIT were Ryan Kaden, Ryan Darrow, and Kevin Falteisek.

Reigning MAAC champions the Bobcats (1-2), were led by Brian Feldman who notched three goals and two assists and Ryan Corcoran who grabbed three goals and one assist.

The game started off slow for the Highlanders who were down 6-1 after the first quarter. The only NJIT goal came during a man-up goal by Robillard from Callaghan.

The Highlanders went 3-for-3 on man-up opportunities during the game.

In the second and third quarters NJIT took over, outscoring Quinnipiac 6-2.

Freshman Sanchez started the scoring in the second and Darrow piled on another goal to start the Highlander comeback.

Sophomore Forster, who leads NJIT in goals with seven, added on another man-up goal assisted again by Callaghan, with the Highlanders trailing by four going into halftime, 8-4.

NJIT dominated the third, scoring the only three goals of the quarter.

The Highlanders started with the ball due to a penalty that carried over from the second, resulting on a goal from Callaghan and making the scoring 8-5.
 
After a pivotal face-off win by freshman Adam Gonzalez, the Highlanders picked up another goal from Kaden closing the gap to 8-6.

Bringing NJIT within one goal was Forster at the seven minute mark in the third, with the score 8-7 going into the fourth and final quarter.

Quinnipiac's Corcoran scored a man up goal increasing the Bobcat lead in the fourth.

With under eight minutes remaining Highlander reserve goalie Cameron Cronk stopped a shot from Feldman that was picked up by John Tachon, who had a team-high six ground balls, and passed forward to Falteisek. The sophomore charged down the field and scored to put NJIT within one again.

With 1:30 remaining on the clock and possession in favor of Quinnipiac, the Highlanders put on the press taking out goalie Cronk to try to get the ball back with so little time remaining. Foster Cuomo was able to get away from the tough NJIT defense scoring his third goal of the season.

Feldman added on the final goal of the game with 26 seconds left, making the final score 11-8.

Nick Marzullo got the start for the Highlanders and grabbed two saves in 12 minutes of play, while reserve Cronk made a career-high eight saves playing in the remainder of the game.

Joe Zukauskas earned the win, his first and the team's first of 2017, while also accumulating six saves.

The Highlanders will host Mercer for their next game on Friday March 10 at 7pm at Drew University's Ranger Stadium.