NEWARK, NJ — NJIT maintained a stout effort in its defensive end for the entirety to neutralize a strong Vermont attack, coming away with a 0-0 draw Sunday afternoon at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
Kaele Smith posted the first 90-minute shutout of her collegiate career to keep the Catamounts off the scoreboard. Smith saved all eight shots on goal for the clean sheet.
Vermont out-shot NJIT, 20-5 (8-2), but the Highlanders were up for the task defensively, seeing full 90 minutes out of their four starting defenders Kennedy Westbrook, Merle Hueser, Caitlin Mahala, and Gibson Graham.
Vermont keeper Sophia Kling stopped both NJIT shots on target for the shutout on the opposite end.
NJIT adds a point in the standings with the draw, snapping a four-game losing streak. With two games remaining, NJIT is within striking distance of the cutline for the America East Playoffs. The Highlanders currently have four points, while Bryant maintains the final playoff spot at seven points.
Up Next
NJIT enters the final week of its regular season. The Highlanders make a midweek trip to Binghamton on Thursday before wrapping up the regular season at home next Sunday against UMass Lowell. NJIT has a bye week during the final week of America East regular season play.
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