Newark, N.J. (September 8, 2006)--The Manhattan Lady Jaspers improved to 4-0-0 on the season with a 3-0 victory over NJIT on Friday evening. Manhattan's offense was certainly diversified on this night as all three goals were scored by different players, including
Katie Kuntz's team leading fourth goal.
The Lady Jaspers dominated a game that was originally scheduled to be played at Gaelic Park, but was moved due to poor field conditions. Despite the inconvenience of having to travel, Manhattan didn't seem to be daunted, as they out shot the Highlanders by a whopping 30-3 margin, 13 of which were on goal.
In the first half however, Manhattan's efforts went for naught. Even though the Lady Jaspers held a 13-1 edge in shots, Highlanders' keeper Bruna Lotufo frustrated Manhattan and kept them out of the net, making four saves.
In the second half, the Lady Jaspers continued to pepper NJIT's net with shots, but ironically, a penalty kick from senior co-captain Kuntz in the 51st minute gave Manhattan a 1-0 lead.
While Manhattan kept firing away to no avail deep into the second half, Manhattan's stellar defense, and the goalkeeping of junior
Alicia DeFino allowed Manhattan to maintain its slim lead. Finally in the 85th minute,
Mikaela Coni provided some breathing room when she scored unassisted from 15 yards away. Less than a minute later, Chrissy Reina got in on the act, scoring her second goal of the season after dribbling through the box to make it 3-0.
With the victory, the Lady Jaspers have yet to allow a goal in four straight games, tying a school record set in 1999. On Sunday, Manhattan will attempt to equal another school record with five straight wins to begin a season, set in 1995, when they take on VMI at 10:00 a.m. at Gaelic Park.
