NEWARK, N.J. — The LIU women's soccer team kicked off the Lucy Gillett era and officially christened the 2022-academic year by playing the first official game of 2022-23.

Unfortunately for the Sharks, NJIT defeated LIU, 4-0, on Thursday night at Lubetkin Field.

Gillett coached her first regular-season match as a head coach after ascending to the lead role in April.

Freshman Rielly Chesna and redshirt freshmen Matiana Valdez and Eva Katsaitis  started in their collegiate debuts and freshman Izzy Stein debuted off the bench in the second half.

The Highlanders, also opening their season, received a pair of goals from Ciara Adams — in the sixth and 55th minutes. NJIT tacked on a pair of late scores.

The Sharks next open the home portion of their schedule when they host Delaware State on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the LIU Soccer Park.