BETHLEHEM, PA – The NJIT women's soccer team rally late in 2-1 win over Lehigh for the Highlanders first win of the season on Sunday Afternoon.
After trailing 1-0 at the break, the Highlanders scored twice in the second half to earn their first victory of the 2026 season and improve to 1-1-1 on the year.
The Mountain Hawks opened the scoring in the 30th minute to take the early 1-0 advantage.
NJIT responded in the second half, with freshman Taylor Stuart scored her first collegiate goal to tie the match in the 54th minute. Stuart finished a feed from freshman Paige Eckert to bring the Highlanders even at 1-1.
The Highlanders continued to apply pressure and completed the comeback in the 72nd minute when sophomore Filipa Heintzelmann scored her first goal of the season off an assist from senior Merle Hueser, giving NJIT its first lead of the afternoon.
NJIT's defense held strong over the final 18 minutes to preserve the victory. Sophomore Kaele Smith played the second half in goal and made one save, while sophomore Penelope Krieger recorded two saves during the opening 45 minutes.
Stuart and Heintzelmann each finished with a goal, while Eckert and Hueser each contributed an assist. Junior Bella Ramirez led the Highlanders with three shots, including two on target.
The Highlanders finished with seven shots and put four on goal, while Lehigh recorded 13 shots and four shots on target. NJIT also held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks during the second half.
Next Up
NJIT will return to Newark as the Highlanders host Drexel on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 1 p.m.
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