GLASSBORO, N.J. (NJCUGothicKnights.com) | Rowan University, nationally ranked in two polls, led 2-0 at halftime and defeated the New Jersey City University women's soccer team, 5-0, in the 2016 New Jersey Athletic Conference opener for both schools under the lights on September 21. The Profs have yet to yield a goal to any opponent after eight games.
 
Rowan (8-0-0, 1-0-0 NJAC) remained unbeaten after entering the game No. 10 in the nation in the D3soccer.com poll and No. 12 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) rankings. NJCU fell to 3-2-1 (0-1-0 NJAC).
 
It was the eighth consecutive shutout for an impressive opponent that has outscored teams 38-0 with a 180-32 margin in shots thus far this year. Rowan outshot NJCU, 21-3, including a 14-1 margin in the first half.
 
Junior goalkeeper Paula Viana (Elizabeth, N.J./Hamilton Prep Academy) made eight saves for NJCU. Freshman forward Liliana Ventura (West New York, N.J./Memorial) had two shots and reigning NJAC Rookie of the Week, midfielder Mallensy Vargas (North Bergen, N.J./Memorial) put the only shot on goal. Shelby Money cashed in for Rowan, making one save for the shutout.
 
Five different players scored for Rowan while Maddie Williscroft and Melissa Kelly each chalked up two assists. Kelly also scored and finished with four points.
 
Maxine New, Kelly, Cathryn McCarry, Shannon Reardigan and Danny Kitzinger each scored for Rowan; Reardigan assisted on the final goal.
 
New scored the first goal and the eventual game-winner in the 20th minute before Kelly added another just 4:03 later. The Profs added a tally in the 54th then struck twice in a span of 47 seconds in the 64th minute.
 
OF NOTE:

• Series: Rowan leads, 19-0.
• Rowan also ranked No. 2 in the NSCAA Division III South Atlantic Region.

 
WHAT'S NEXT?
In a rare Friday home game, NJCU hosts The College of New Jersey (4-0-1, 1-0 NJAC), ranked No. 16 by D3soccer and No. 19 by the NSCAA, on Friday, September 23 at 4 p.m. at the Robert L. McNulty Memorial Soccer Field. TCNJ leads the all-time series, 21-0 (all via shutout). TCNJ is also ranked third in the South Atlantic Region.