VIDEO: Post Game Interview w/ head coach Eric Wolf

NEWARK, NJ — Freshman Blake Piscitiello led the Highlanders offense with three goals, three assists for six points as the Highlanders defeated visiting UMass Lowell, 10-8, Saturday evening at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.

The Highlanders (5-7, 2-2 America East) took control in the second quarter, scoring five goals to establish a lead they maintained throughout the game. The NJIT defense held strong with 21 saves, countering a late surge by the River Hawks, who scored four goals in the final quarter.

Blake Piscitiello was a significant offensive presence, recording three goals and three assists, with nine shots on goal.  Piscitiello has combined for 55 points through 12 games (30G, 25A) which is a new program single-season record, surpassing Aaron Forster 53 points in 2019.

Carson Piscitiello scored two goals from three shots, demonstrating efficiency in front of the net. Will Corry contributed two goals, including the game-winning goal, to seal the team's performance. 

Cameron Kurdyla stood out defensively, making 21 saves and allowing only eight goals, maintaining pressure on the opposing offense.  The 21 saves for Kurdyla is a new personal-best mark.

Both teams struggled to find the net, with NJIT's Cameron Kurdyla and UMass Lowell's Scott Kosakowski each making several key saves. Shots from the Highlanders' Blake Piscitiello and Benjamin Roberts were stopped by Kosakowski, while Kurdyla denied attempts from UMass Lowell. Despite multiple opportunities, including a shot that hit the post by NJIT's JC Echezuria, the quarter ended scoreless at 0-0.

NJIT capitalized on UMass Lowell's early turnover, with Blake Piscitiello scoring the first goal of the second quarter at 13:08, assisted by Wyatt Viste. Piscitiello continued to pressure, scoring again at 8:43 after a series of missed shots from both teams. Carson Piscitiello added to the tally with his goal at 12:22, while Viste contributed a goal at 9:10, assisted by Ryan Sininsky. NJIT maintained its momentum, with Blake Piscitiello securing another goal at 1:05, ensuring a commanding 5-0 lead by the end of the second quarter. Kurdyla made several saves to keep UMass Lowell scoreless.

UMass Lowell initiated the third quarter with momentum, as the River Hawks scored two straight goals narrowing NJIT's lead to 5-2. NJIT responded with Carson Piscitiello scoring at 10:37, assisted by Blake Piscitiello, maintaining their advantage. Despite Will Corry's goal at 1:52, assisted by Blake Piscitiello, UMass Lowell kept the pressure, scoring at 3:53 and netted one more with just nine seconds remaining, slimming the Highlanders lead to 7-4.

The River Hawks began the fourth quarter scoring early with a goal at 11:51 and extending their lead shortly after with a goal at 10:24, pulling within one, 7-6. NJIT responded with a man-up goal from Callum Zarsky, assisted by Blake Piscitiello, at 9:50. As the quarter progressed, Ryan Proctor added two goals for UMass Lowell for a 9-8 score. NJIT fought back with goals from Will Corry, assisted by JC Echezuria at 4:18, and a late score by Echezuria with 16 seconds remaining, gave the Highlanders a two-goal lead, 10-8. 

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NJIT will face UMBC on Saturday, April 18 at Noon in Baltimore, Maryland on ESPN+.

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