NEWARK, N.J. - The Lehigh women’s soccer team controlled play from the start, outshooting NJIT, 17-3 and converting two of those chances for a 2-0 win at NJIT on Sunday. Sophomore Murphee Greeley gave Lehigh (3-2-1) a 1-0 lead while freshman Darby Wiegand netted her first-career goal to add insurance. The Mountain Hawks return to action next weekend when they play at Saint Joseph’s and La Salle on Friday and Sunday, respectively.

 

“We did a great job of possessing the ball and being patient,” said Lehigh head coach Eric Lambinus. “NJIT is a much improved team from last year; they’re much more organized. Their goalie did a great job, making a bunch of saves. We pressured them and kept the ball in their half of the field.”

 

Along with Wiegand’s first-career goal (and point), fellow freshman Sophie Mayeux recorded an assist on Greeley’s first-half goal for her first collegiate point. Sophomore Paige Dyrek helped set up Wiegand’s goal in the second half. Sophomore Ali Griffin started in goal, making two saves for her second-career shutout, both against NJIT.

 

Lehigh controlled play in the first half, outshooting the Highlanders 8-0, with six coming on goal. After a number of glittering scoring chances, the Mountain Hawks were able to finish at 26:53. Mayeux’s initial shot deflected over to sophomore Murphee Greeley, who roofed a tough-angle shot past NJIT goalkeeper Amanda Murray to give Lehigh a 1-0 advantage.

 

NJIT turned up the pressure a bit in the second, recording its first shot and shot on goal at the 60:43 mark. But Griffin came up with one of her two saves to keep Lehigh in front.

 

The Mountain Hawks continued to gain chances, and it paid off when Wiegand netted her first-career goal at 73:58 for a two-goal advantage. Dyrek corralled a cross, and made a quick touch to her left, setting up Wiegand, who did the rest.

 

Lehigh led the final shot count, 17-3 while the Mountain Hawks had four corner kicks to NJIT’s two. Griffin made two saves across Murray, who had nine.

 

The Mountain Hawks head to Philadelphia next weekend for a pair of games before opening Patriot League play. Lehigh plays at Saint Joseph’s on Friday (5 p.m.) before facing La Salle on Sunday (1 p.m.).