Post Game Interview & Highlights

HILLSIDE, NJ—Freshman Fiona Wright netted a pair of goals in the Highlanders' 2-1 victory over visiting Kennesaw State in ASUN Conference action at Kean University East Campus Facility.

NJIT, winners of its last five-out-of-six contests, improves to 5-2 in the ASUN, 11-4-1 overall while the Owls move to 5-2 in the league, 12-4-1 overall. 

With the win, the Highlanders which clinched its first-ever postseason appearance in the ASUN Conference, moved into the top spot in the ASUN (15 points) after tallying three points in the win over the Owls. 

Wright scored a goal for the Highlanders in each half and now stands with 11^th goals, which ranks tied for first in the ASUN Conference with FGCU's Evdokia Popadinova and tied for 10^th in the nation.

Her 11 career goals rank one-shy the NJIT Division I record (12) held by Kori Washington (2007-10) and two-shy the NJIT all-time single-season record (13) held by Cathy Wasko '01.

Graduate student Amelia Sapirman recorded the NJIT all-time record for career wins as a goalkeeper with 18, making five saves in the victory.

Kennesaw State got on the board early, after a mishandle by the Highlander defense on a sleek playing surface Saturday and tucked away to the right of the Highlander keeper by Erin Harris in the third minute of action.  The goal for Harris was her fifth of the season.

NJIT knotted the score at 1-1 in the 24^th minute on an individual effort by freshman Fiona Wright, a right-footed shot past Kennesaw State's keeper for her 10^th goal of the season.  Junior midfielder Jessica Aseng was credited with the assist.
 

.@_fionawright28 brings @NJITWSoccer back to a tie with a beautiful goal from in the box! #Highlanders

1-1 between NJIT and @KSUOwlsSoccer pic.twitter.com/psrcvWokpx

— ASUN Soccer ⚽ (@ASUNSoccer) October 13, 2018

Wright scored her second goal of the match in the 52^nd minute, assisted by sophomore Katrina Nguyen-DeMary, giving the Highlanders a 2-1 lead.  Nguyen-DeMary registered her fifth assist of the season. 
 

.@_fionawright28 ties the #ASUNWSOC lead for goals this season with her 11th of her freshman campaign! This one putting @NJITWSoccer up 2-1 over visiting KSU #Highlanders pic.twitter.com/4MXBlvrReM

— ASUN Soccer ⚽ (@ASUNSoccer) October 13, 2018

In the 77^th minute, Kennesaw State's Lauren Wilson's shot hit the cross bar – nearly knotting the contest at 2-2.

The visiting Owls held a slight advantage, 13-11, in overall shots and corner kicks, 8-4. 

NJIT will conclude its regular season on Sunday, October 21 at 1pm, hosting North Alabama on the campus of Kean University East Campus Facility.

In pregame ceremonies, NJIT will honor seven graduating seniors – Kiara Goode, Melanie Zrno, Nicole Baldassini, Brooke McGee, Neema Liverpool, Noelle Batista and Arianna Gerber.