NEWARK, NJ–Visiting Sacred Heart edged NJIT, 14-12 in a closely contested match-up on Saturday morning in men's lacrosse non-conference action at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
Sacred Heart remains undefeated in 2026 marking their best start in the Division I era with a 5-0 mark while the Highlanders move to 2-3 on the season.
Freshman Blake Piscitiello led the offense with four goals on 11 shots, including eight on target. Carson Piscitiello contributed significantly with one goal and five assists, playing a pivotal role in the team's scoring efforts. Will Corry added three goals from nine shots, with five of those on target, complementing the attack. In goal, Cameron Kurdyla made 19 saves on 53 shots faced, anchoring the defense despite allowing 14 goals.
The game between NJIT and Sacred Heart began with NJIT securing the opening faceoff. The Highlanders took an early lead with Ryan Sininsky scoring the first goal at 9:03. Dylan Sebastian extended the lead to 2-0 with a goal assisted by Carson Piscitiello at 7:55. The Pioneers responded with goals from Jake Carney and Matt Pepe, tying the game at 2-2. NJIT regained the lead through a man-up goal by Carson Piscitiello, assisted by Wyatt Viste, before Sacred Heart's Will Moulton equalized. NJIT closed the first quarter with a 4-3 advantage after Corry scored, capitalizing on a penalty against Sacred Heart.
In a closely contested second quarter, NJIT and Sacred Heart each managed to score five goals, keeping the match evenly balanced. NJIT's Ryan Sininsky equalized at 14:26 following an early goal by Sacred Heart's John Murray. Blake Piscitiello proved pivotal for NJIT, scoring two quick goals. Sacred Heart responded with goals leveling the score 7-7. In the quarter's closing moments, Frankie Semiraglio netted a goal with just four seconds remaining, granting NJIT a narrow advantage heading into the next quarter.
Sacred Heart surged ahead in the third quarter, netting five goals. The lone Highlanders goal in the quarter was from Blake Piscitello at the 10:19 mark. Sacred Heart capitalized on their offensive opportunities, ending the quarter with a 13-10 advantage.
In the fourth quarter, Sacred Heart extended its lead with a man-up goal just 20 seconds into the quarter. NJIT responded promptly as Corry scored at 13:59, narrowing the gap, 14-11. Corry found the net again at 10:21, with Carson Piscitiello assisting, bringing NJIT even closer, 14-12. Despite several attempts, including a late effort by Blake Piscitiello with 27 seconds remaining, NJIT could not close the deficit further, as Sacred Heart held on to a 14-12 road victory. Kurdyla played a crucial role defensively, making multiple saves throughout the quarter.
Next Up
NJIT will face Monmouth on Tuesday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
Follow Us
Stay updated on NJIT Men's Lacrosse through Instagram (@njitmlax), X (@NJITMLAX), and Facebook (NJIT Lacrosse).
