By Jhett Laurie
Staff Writer
The Lions’ field hockey team’s season came to a heartbreaking end Saturday, Nov. 8, suffering a double-overtime loss to Rowan in the New Jersey Athletic Conference championship. The Lions advanced Wednesday, Nov. 5, after taking down Stockton in the semifinal matchup.
The Lions got up early following a barrage of shots from the Lions offense. Sophomore Julia Neff found the cage eight minutes in to give the Lions a 1-0 lead.
A defensive showdown ensued as the Lions didn’t allow a shot from Stockton for the remainder of the half. The Osprey also had a strong defensive showing, keeping the College from scoring on eight shots.
Stockton came into the second half with some momentum, attempting their first three shots. Sophomore Rachael Tetzlaff recorded her 16th career defensive save, tying her for the career record at the school.
The Lions had their first defensive mishap of the game late in the fourth quarter, as Stockton was able to tie it with just seven minutes remaining. Tetzlaff’s 17th career defensive save kept the score tied with four minutes left on the clock, bringing her to first on the all-time defensive saves list for the school. Tetzlaff is just a sophomore and will look to add to her record in the coming seasons.
Junior Isabel Maher was able to find the go-ahead goal with two minutes remaining, effectively sealing the game for the Lions. The defense kept their cool for the remainder of the game, carrying the Lions to their fourth straight conference championship appearance.
The Lions were set to take on No. 14 Rowan in a rematch of their loss earlier in the season. The Lions defense showed up in Glassboro, keeping the Lions alive for the majority of the game.
The Profs kept the pressure on the entire night, attempting 24 corners and 19 shots. The Lions defense stayed strong, with Senior goalie Brigette Racey tallying 10 saves. The College carried the game into extra time, clinging on defensively.
The Lions offense couldn’t make anything happen, and the Profs were able to slip one by Racey to secure the NJAC title.
The Lions took home a plethora of awards this season, including Racey, who won Goalkeeper of the Year, and junior Jadyn Huff was named Offensive Player of the Year.
The College had a total of six players named to an All-NJAC Team, the most they have had since 2016.
The Lions' season has likely come to an end, unless they can secure an NCAA tournament appearance off power points and rankings.
