Box Score
DOVER, DE – Freshman Gechi Ukaegbu scored twice in the second half to lead a five-goal attack for New Jersey Institute of Technology in its 5-2 Great West Conference women’s soccer win over Delaware State Friday night at Alumni Stadium.
Friday's goal total was the highest for NJIT since it scored a 5-0 win against Howard on October 24, 2007. NJIT has played at the Division I level since 2006.
Ukaegbu scored two goals, while the Highlanders got a goal each from Piper Lunan, Kori Washington and Erin Morris. Washington and Morris each picked up an assist, as did Mariam Bestawros.
Lunan, a sophomore from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, opened the scoring for the Highlanders in the 15th minute, finishing an assist from Bestawros.
Sixteen minutes later, Delaware State Theresa Wappett knotted the match 1-1, registering her second goal of the season, unassisted.
Washington closed out the first half with her third goal of the season, giving the Highlanders a 2-1 lead, as she collected the ball off a deflection from Delaware State’s goalkeeper Courtney Haas finding the back of the net six yards out. Washington now has 11 career goals, ranking her fourth all-time.
NJIT opened the second-half scoring on back-to-back goals by Ukaegbu. Eight minutes into the half, Ukaegbu intercepted Delaware State’s attempt at a clearing pass, posting her second goal of the season.
The next goal from Ukaegbu was scored from 25 yards out in the 65th minute. Ukaegbu and Washington lead the team with three goals apiece on the season.
Delaware State’s Michelle Giorgilli scored her second goal of the season at 84:30, assisted by Allison Schragg. Schragg’s assist was the first of the season.
Morris wrapped up the scoring in the 86th minute for the Highlanders off a cross from Washington. Washington placed the ball on the far right post where Morris buried the goal.
Goalkeeper Sadie Mele went the distance in goal for the Highlanders, making three saves en route to her sixth win of the season. Haas made seven saves in goal for the Hornets.
NJIT’s next action is a home match on Sunday, October 25 at 1pm against Howard. Sunday will be the final home contest of the 2009 season. Senior Briana Morales will be honored before the start of the match.