Box Score

Ewing, NJ... Johns Hopkins University's Ariana Branchini (Old Lyme, CT/Choate) scored on a penalty stroke with 5:11 remaining in the second overtime to lift the Blue Jays to a 2-1 victory over The College of New Jersey field hockey team on Tuesday at Lions' Stadium.

The win by the 13th-ranked Blue Jays (8-2) marked the first time they had defeated eighth-ranked TCNJ (6-2) after the Lions claimed wins in the first 11 meetings between the two institutions.

In the second overtime, Branchini was awarded a penalty stroke in the closing minutes and shot high on Lion keeper Shannon Syciarz (Garwood, NJ/Arthur L. Johnson). Syciarz got a piece of the shot, but the ball had enough momentum to carry it just under the cross bar for the deciding goal.

In the opening half, the Lions jumped out in front quick as freshman Emilie Taylor (Robbinsville, NJ/Robbinsville) scored 1:40 into the game. That goal came on an assist from junior Kellyn Riley (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West).

The Blue Jays knotted the score midway through the half as Branchini fired in a shot from the top of the circle off of a penalty corner that eluded TCNJ's defense. Brittany Bland (Littleton, CO/Colorado Academy) and Jenn Motylinski (Medford Lakes, NJ/Shawnee) each earned assists on the play.

Syciarz finished with four saves for the Lions.

In goal for the Blue Jays, Kim Stein (New Hyde Park, NY/New Hyde Park Memorial) made four saves in the first half, while Sophia Tieu (Cupertino, CA/Cupertino) went the rest of the way and made eight stops, including a pair of saves in each overtime session.

The Lions face another ranked opponent on Saturday hosting New Jersey Athletic Conference Rowan University at 7:30 p.m. at Lions' Stadium. Johns Hopkins remains on the road as they head to Washington (MD) College to face the Shorewomen in 7 p.m. Centennial Conference game.