Reifschneider, Ocampo Lead Women's Soccer To 3-1 Win Over Drexel

Published: Monday, February 22, 2021

The NJIT women's soccer team kicked off the 2020 season in emphatic fashion, defeating the Drexel Dragons 3-1 Sunday afternoon at Lubetkin Field at Mal Simon Stadium.

The veteran-laden Highlanders (1-0) got surprising contributions from a pair of their freshmen en route to the program's first season opening victory since posting a 3-0 shutout against Wagner Aug. 19, 2016.

NJIT's three goals came from newcomers Corbin Reifschneider and Alexis Ocampo, with Reifschneider putting together the first multi-goal game for Highlander since former Highlander Fiona Wright netted two goals against Rider on Sept. 5, 2019 (W, 5-0).

Reifschneider's first goal came in the 29th minute at the end of a busy sequence for the Highlanders. Sophomore Bailey Chant's initial shot from 30 yards out bounced down off the crossbar towards the foot of graduate Lizzy Wolfe. Wolfe's rebound shot was blocked by Drexel's goalkeeper, ricocheted off Wolfe and bounced in front of Reifschneider, who calmly knocked it out of the air and into the net. 

Ocampo recorded her goal (44') less than two minutes before the end of the half to give the Highlanders a 2-0 lead heading into the break. Wolfe set up Ocampo near the edge of the offensive third and Ocampo launched a one-touch shot from over 35 yards out. Drexel keeper Miyuki Schoyen appeared to make the two-handed overhead save but the ball spilled from her hands and into the goal for the Highlanders.

Reifschneider would strike again roughly 15 minutes into the second half to add extra insurance to the Highlanders' lead. A quick corner kick gave senior Christine Conaghy a crossing opportunity from the left side of the box and Reifschneider used her height to head the ball to the lower left corner with ease.

Drexel (0-1) would add a goal in the 81st minute but it would not be enough to spark a rally.

OTHER NOTES

--While Drexel outshot NJIT 16-11, the Highlanders made more of their chances count, to the tune of an 8-7 advantage in shots on goal.

--Redshirt sophomore Molly Saylor and sophomore Cassidy Landis split the game's 90 minutes in goal, with each making three saves on the day.

--Today's matchup with Drexel was the first meeting of the programs in over a decade. The teams last met on Sept. 4, 2009 in Newark; the Highlanders earned their first win of the all-time series, 2-1 (2 OT).

NEXT UP
NJIT will return to Lubetkin Field on Thursday, Feb. 25 with a non-conference contest against La Salle.