HILLSIDE, NJ—Sophomore Jennifer Callaghan scored the lone goal in the Highlanders 1-0 win over visiting UMass Lowell Friday afternoon at Kean University East Campus Facility.

The Highlanders pick up its third straight win, improving to 3-1-1 on the young season.  Through five matches, this is the best start for NJIT since 2016 when the Highlanders went 4-0-1.  UMass Lowell, still in search for its first win in 2018, drop to 0-3-2.

"This was an important game for us to keep our momentum going," third-year head coach Ally Nick added after the Highlanders win. 

Callaghan tallied the game-winning goal for the Highlanders in the seventh minute, a blast from the top of the box past River Hawk keeper.  The goal for the Highlander midfielder is her second on the season.  Senior Arianna Gerber was credited with her first assist of the season on the play.
NJIT keeper Amelia Sapirman notched her third shutout of the season, stopping a season-best seven River Hawk shots. 

"I think we started the match with great energy and getting an early good was great," Nick added.  "This match showed the maturity of our program by holding onto the lead and closing out the match.  I thought our backline and goalkeeper Amelia (Sapirman) had a very good game today.  It's good to see player like Katrina (Nguyen-DeMary) and Jenny (Callaghan), being consistent go-to players for us and stepping up in big roles."

The shots were close with NJIT edging visiting UMass Lowell, 11-10, and 4-1 in corner kicks.  Gerber led the match with four shots while UMass Lowell's Rachel Morrier tallied three shots.

NJIT will return to action on Sunday at 5pm when the Highlanders visit Rider.

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