JERSEY CITY, N.J. – The New Jersey City University (NJCU) women's soccer team battled back from an early deficit to edge Mount Saint Mary College 2-1 on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex.

NJCU (4-2) outshot the Knights 22-17 overall and 13-11 on target, while also owning the corner kick battle 4-0. Alvaranga and Digristina combined for 12 shots and played all 90 minutes alongside Aubrey Gulbin (Scotch Plains, N.J./Scotch Plains-Fanwood) and Kyanah-Belle Jean-Louis (Montreal, Canada/Washington Township (N.J.)).

Mount Saint Mary (1-4) struck first in the 21st minute when Emma Mihale pounced on a rebound after a blocked shot and calmly slotted the ball into the low left corner. NJCU's defense looked shaky early, but the addition of senior defender Gabriella Sharpe (Bayonne, N.J./Bayonne) in the 30th minute helped steady the ship.

The Knights responded right before halftime, when Nyrohah Alvaranga delivered a perfect cross to Jess Digristina (Marlton, N.J./Cherokee), who powered a header into the top left corner. That equalizer sparked NJCU heading into the break, with freshman goalie Jessica Martin (Union, N.J./David Brearley) standing tall, making six saves in her first collegiate start. Senior goalkeeper Lorraine Valenzuela (Bayonne, N.J./Bayonne) replaced Martin in the second half, adding four more saves to preserve the lead.

The second half saw NJCU turn up the heat immediately, peppering the Mount Saint Mary goal with shots. Their persistence paid off in the 51st minute when Gabriella Cardona (Elizabeth, N.J./Alexander Hamilton) was fouled in the box, earning a penalty kick. Alvaranga calmly converted from the spot, securing the game-winning goal and her fourth of the season.

UP NEXT:
The Gothic Knights return to action on Saturday, Sept. 20 when they head to Lehman College for a 1:00 p.m. non-conference matchup.