Box Score
NEWARK, NJ -- NJIT scored twice in the first half for a 2-0 win over Delaware State in Great West Conference women's soccer action Sunday afternoon.
The Highlanders, who are 2-1-1 in conference play, got key boosts from freshman Mariam Bestawros and sophomore Millie Motta.
NJIT got on the board with a goal from Bestawros at 17:27, assisted by classmate Amanda Dotten. Bestawros registered her first collegiate goal receiving the pass from Dotten inside the box, slipping the ball past Delaware State’s goalkeeper Courtney Haas.
The Highlanders got an insurance goal at the 44 minute mark when Motta put one in the back of the net recording her first goal of the season. Motta took a pass from sophomore midfielder Piper Lunan scoring high over Delaware State’s goalkeeper. The assist for Lunan is the second of the season.
Junior goalkeeper Sadie Mele recorded her second shutout of the season with two saves on three Hornet shots. Mele, now has seven career shutouts, which ranks her tied for first all-time with Bruna Lotufo who played for NJIT in 2005 and 2006.
Delaware State’s closest chance came 12 minutes into the second half, when the Hornets were awarded a free kick just outside the top of the box. Freshman Theresa Wappett struck the free kick hard, but it was saved by Highlanders Mele.
The team stats were a fair reflection of the decisive for the home team, as NJIT outshot the Hornets, 20-3 overall and 12-2 in shots on goal. NJIT also had an 8-4 edge in corner kicks.
NJIT, with two wins in its last four contests, is 5-6-2 overall on the season. Delaware State is 1-13-0 overall, including a 0-3 record in the conference.
The Highlanders who have four matches left in the regular season will turn around and face Delaware State on Friday, October 23 at 8:00pm.