NEWARK – The NJIT Highlanders (3-0) took care of the Wagner Seahawks (1-2) on Tuesday night, winning 78-58. The Highlanders are now a perfect 3-0 to start the season, a first in their program’s history.
Entering Tuesday’s contest against their opponents from Staten Island, the Highlanders were off to their best start to a season since the 2023-2024 season. Much of that can be thanks in large part to senior guard Alejandra Zuniga.
Coming off a week where she was named the America East Conference Player of the Week, Zuniga was ready to showcase her talent once more. Add to that it was NJIT’s home opener and Zuniga and her squad wanted to extend a third straight victory.
But for the three-time America East All-Conference member Zuniga, it was a tough start for the guard. Averaging 18 points through two games, Zuniga failed to establish her presence offensively, shooting 0 for 8 from the field. Her one and only point in the game came at the free-throw line early in the first quarter.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck for NJIT and Zuniga when the guard was seen grabbing her right knee at the 8:22 mark of the second quarter. That moment appeared to affect the Highlanders in the second frame.
After a fast-moving, high-scoring first quarter in which NJIT scored 21 points, the second quarter was the opposite. The slower pace worked in favor of the Seahawks and when halftime arrived, NJIT was only up 32-28.
Thankfully for NJIT, this was still a contest in their favor. Junior guard Marissa Gingrich made sure that was the case entering the second half of the contest.
As the third leading scorer for NJIT, entering Tuesday’s game with 14.5 points, Gingrich torched the opposing squad in the third quarter. With 12 points in the third frame, Gingrich helped her team significantly as NJIT led Wagner 56-46 entering the fourth. Gingrich would finish the night with a career-high 23 points.
The scoring depth, even in the absence of Zuniga, proved to shine bright with many players enjoying great performances.
Sophomore guard Olivia Kulyk provided 20 points, shooting an efficient 67 percent from three. Junior guard Madilyn Dogs attacked the boards, grabbing six rebounds and scoring a season-high 12 points.
Tremendous defense and outstanding offense from the Highlanders in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for them. By holding the Seahawks to a low 25% from the field and scoring 22 points, NJIT continued its perfect start to the season.
Following away wins against Sacred Heart and Fordham last week, the Highlanders appear ready to shock some people this season. Entering the season, they were picked fifth in the America East Preseason Coaches’ Poll.
The big question will be how serious Zuniga’s injury is. The guard was named to the Preseason All-Conference Team and has been an incredible piece for the program since stepping foot on campus in 2022.
For now, NJIT’s eyes are set on the great state of Minnesota this weekend. The Highlanders will take on the Golden Gophers on Friday, then face St. Thomas in St. Paul on Sunday.
