Hockey / Carbone Stands Tall, Pirates Defeat NJIT 3-1

Carbone Stands Tall, Pirates Defeat NJIT 3-1

Date:  Source: Seton Hall University Ice Hockey

Seton Hall looked to complete the season sweep of cross town rival NJIT. As they did the week before, the Pirates jumped on the board first with a goal from Sophomore Ben Bala. Senior PJ Carfagno won a puck battle below the goal line, moving it to Freshman sensation Thomas Healy, who found Bala open at the point for a quick shot. Both the Highlanders and Pirates traded chances through out the first, but Freshman goaltender Joseph Carbone stood tall for the Pirates, leading them into the first intermission up 1-0. Carbone has started all 4 of the Pirates games, after returning starter Austin Francois went down with an injury in preseason.

Carbone would be needed in the second. After a strong first 5 minutes by the Pirates, the Highlanders pushed back. The Pirates would relay heavily on Carbone to stand tall in net. The Freshman goaltender battled throughout, keeping the 1-0 lead until midway through the second, when the Highlanders tied the score from a point shot through traffic. The period would end tied at 1-1.

The 3rd period would be the Pirates best, as they jumped all over the Highlanders from the drop of the puck. A great pass by Junior Beuk Forrest found Senior sniper Charlie Mule with room to beat the Highlander defense , out wait the goaltender, and find the back of the net to give the Pirates a 2-1 lead. After the goal, the Pirates continued the pressure, and would add to the lead halfway through the final frame when Forrest again joined the rush, and rifled a low shot past the NJIT goaltender. Carbone would stand tall as the Pirates would again defeat the Highlanders 3-1, completing the season sweep. 

"Joey has been strong for us" Assistant Coach Michael Haggerty commented after the game. "We have 3 starting goaltenders who can win games for us, and after the injury to Austin, Joey has brought his game to next level". The freshman is 3-1 on the season, allowing a total of 6 goals through 4 games.

:The Pirates face off against UPenn Sunday night for a battle to decide first place at 8:15.

 

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