Carbone Stands Tall, Pirates Defeat NJIT 3-1
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.
Don't forget to follow @Hall_Puck on Twitter for live updates, player profiles, and more!!
