Post-Game Interview
Photo Gallery
NEWARK, NJ—Melanie Zrno scored twice, leading NJIT to a 7-0 victory over visiting Saint Peter's Monday afternoon in women's soccer non-conference action at Alumni Field on the campus of Rutgers-Newark.
NJIT's seven-goal output on Monday was the highest total for the Highlanders since they bagan competing against a Division I schedule in 2006. The old record, which stood at five goals, came most recently against Saint Peter's in the 2015 season opener. NJIT scored five goals on two other occasions – vs. Delaware State in late October 2009, and first done vs. Howard in October 2007.
The Highlanders, who are off to the best start in program history, have exceeded their 2015 win total and remain undefeated in 2016 with a 3-0-1 mark.
With construction for NJIT's Wellness and Events Center ongoing at the University Heights campus in Newark, the match with Saint Peter's was first slated to be played at Kean University's East Campus Field in Union, NJ but was moved due to field conditions.
Sophomore
Noelle Batista, who scored two goals as a freshman, netted her first goal of 2016 in the 28th minute off a short corner kick pass after carrying the ball five yards and scored to the left of Saint Peter's keeper. Sophomore
Nicole Baldassini was credited with the assist.
That marker stood as the only scoring of the first half.
The Highlanders took control in a stretch of six minutes in the second half, as they poured in three goals between the 48th minute and 53rd minutes.
Fifth-year senior
Kaelyn Gamel scored her first goal of the season after taking a pass from sophomore
Alex Gilgorri, settling at the top of the box and sailing the shot over the Saint Peter's goalkeeper at 48:37.
Two minutes later, NJIT sophomore
Neema Liverpool extended her scoring streak to four games, assisted by Gilgorri, taking on a Saint Peter's defender on the right side and scoring in the upper left corner for a 3-0 advantage. Liverpool, the reigning Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Week, ranks tied for second in the NJIT all-time Division I records with four goals in the season and is one goal shy the program season record five set by Kori Washington in 2005.
NJIT's 3-0 lead grew to 4-0 on freshman
Lizzy Wolfe's goal at 53:41, assisted by
Arianna Gerber, followed by Zrno's two goals at 65:56, assisted by
Brooke McGee and 66:49, assisted by
Carly Berdan respectively.
Highlander freshman
Fiorella Doglio closed out the scoring at 76:45, assisted by
Briana Hackos. The goal for Doglio was her second while Hackos collected her first collegiate assist.
Senior
Karen David started in goal, stopping two shots.
Amelia Sapirman made her college debut in goal, replacing David for the final 20 minutes of action. Taylor McLean, Saint Peter's junior goalkeeper, was credited with 18 saves in 90 minutes.
NJIT outshot Saint Peter's 39-2, including 25 on goal, and a 19-1 corner kick advantage.
The Highlanders, who have played their first four games at home, will make their first road trip on September 2, visiting Iona in New Rochelle, NY, for a 3pm match on Friday.
