NEWARK, NJ — The NJIT men's lacrosse team closed out its non-conference schedule Saturday afternoon, falling to visiting Jacksonville, 9–6, at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
Despite the loss, NJIT (3-5) finished strong with three fourth-quarter goals, including a man-up tally. Goalkeeper Cameron Kurdyla recorded 12 saves while facing 40 shots from Jacksonville.
Jacksonville (4-4) built its advantage with two goals in the first, third, and fourth quarters and three in the second, capitalizing on multiple extra-man opportunities.
Ryan Sininsky led the Highlanders with two unassisted goals. Blake Piscitiello, the reigning America East Rookie of the Week, added a goal and an assist, while Will Corry converted a man-up opportunity late in the game. JC Echezuria also found the back of the net for NJIT in the third quarter.
NJIT opened the scoring early in the first quarter as Sininsky struck at 13:38. Jacksonville responded with a goal from William Krupsky at 9:24 before Zane Czeschin gave the Dolphins a 2–1 lead with a man-up goal at 5:31. The Highlanders created several opportunities late in the quarter, including a shot off the post from Dylan Sebastian, but Jacksonville carried the one-goal lead into the second.
The Dolphins extended their advantage in the second quarter, scoring three unanswered goals to take a 5–1 lead into halftime.
Sininsky opened the third-quarter scoring at 13:02 to cut the deficit to 5–2, and Sebastian followed with a goal at 9:04 to bring NJIT within two, 5-3. Jacksonville answered with a man-up goal at 7:52 and added another at 5:35 to push the lead to 7–3.
Jacksonville struck first again in the fourth quarter at 13:03 to extend the lead to 8–3. Echezuria responded for NJIT at 12:00, but the Dolphins added another goal at 10:40 to make it 9–4.
NJIT mounted a late push as Blake Piscitiello scored at 6:58 and later assisted on Corry's man-up goal with 43 seconds remaining. The Highlanders' rally fell short as Jacksonville held on for the 9–6 win.
Next Up
NJIT opens America East Conference play on Saturday, March 21, hosting Binghamton at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium. Faceoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., with the game streaming live on ESPN+.
Stay Connected
Follow NJIT Men's Lacrosse on Instagram (@njitmlax), X (@NJITMLAX), and Facebook (NJIT Lacrosse) for updates throughout the season.
