NEWARK, NJ — The NJIT men's lacrosse team closed out its 2026 campaign Saturday evening with a hard-fought 9-8 loss to America East regular-season champion UAlbany at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.
NJIT showed resilience throughout, rallying with three first-quarter goals and receiving a strong defensive effort highlighted by 12 saves from senior goalkeeper Joey Schwarz. Despite the Highlanders' push, UAlbany secured the victory with a late fourth-quarter goal to preserve its unbeaten 6-0 conference record.
Freshman Blake Piscitiello led NJIT offensively with two goals and one assist, placing five of his seven shots on target. Ryan Sininsky added two goals on a perfect shooting night, while Carson Piscitiello contributed two assists and a ground ball. Colin Lowe anchored key possession moments with four ground balls and two caused turnovers.
UAlbany opened the scoring in the first quarter with goals at 7:10 and 6:07. NJIT responded at 4:30, as Blake Piscitiello found the net off an assist from Dylan Sebastian. The Highlanders capitalized on a man-up opportunity when Will Corry scored the equalizer, assisted by Piscitiello. NJIT then took the lead at 2:01 on a goal by Wyatt Viste, set up by Carson Piscitiello. Strong defensive play, including a key save from Schwarz, helped NJIT carry a 3-2 lead into the second quarter.
The teams traded goals in an even second quarter, each scoring three times. After UAlbany struck early, Sininsky answered just 29 seconds later off a feed from Viste. He added another goal at 11:48 to give NJIT a 5-3 edge. UAlbany responded with two goals, but Blake Piscitiello extended the Highlanders' lead to 6-4 at 4:31. The Great Danes closed the half with a goal to cut the deficit to 6–5.
UAlbany tied the game at 6–6 early in the third quarter, but Sebastian restored NJIT's lead at 7:27. The visitors answered again at 5:48, sending the game into the final quarter tied at 7-7.
NJIT regained the lead in the fourth when Carson Bowley scored at 10:37, assisted by JC Echezuria. However, UAlbany netted two late goals to take a 9–8 advantage with under four minutes remaining. NJIT had opportunities to equalize, including a shot wide by Echezuria and a saved attempt by Sininsky, but could not convert in the closing moments.
Blake Piscitiello capped a standout freshman season as NJIT's single-season leader in points (65) and assists (30), finishing one goal shy of tying the program record for goals in a season (36). The Lakeville, MN native ranks tied for ninth nationally in points per game (4.77) and 14th in assists per game (2.23), leading all Division I freshmen in both categories.
Sophomore goalkeeper Cameron Kurdyla also had a strong season, ranking second nationally in saves per game (14.69). He recorded a career-high 21 saves earlier this season against UMass Lowell, a mark tied for sixth-best in a single game this year.
Stay Connected
Follow NJIT Men's Lacrosse on Instagram (@njitmlax), X (@NJITMLAX), and Facebook (NJIT Lacrosse) for the latest updates.
