Ewing, NJ ... An electric atmosphere. Passion and intensity, fueled by cheering crowds and motivational chants. Talented players, working together to achieve one common goal –one shared dream. 

That's what it took for The College of New Jersey's women's soccer team to make it to the 2009 NCAA Division III Tournament. The Lions earned an automatic bid to the 2009 NCAA Division III Tournament, after tying Richard Stockton College in the NJAC finals and then defeating the Ospreys in penalty kicks, 7-6. 

It was a nearly perfect season. A team with a superb record of 16-2-1, three players selected to the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) All-Conference First Team, and a goalie who etched her name into TCNJ's record book by becoming the women's soccer program's all-time leader in shutouts. For this group, success is not unknown. 

“Everyone on our team works hard and doesn't give up,” said Briann McDonough (North Arlington, NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy), a junior forward and member of the NJAC First Team All-Conference, “There have been tough times, but we still fight through and find a way to win and I think that's what helps us be successful, and hopefully it helps us win a national championship.” 

The team will open the tournament on Saturday, November 14 at Amherst College in Massachusetts. The Lions will take on the Plattsburgh State Cardinals, who garnered an at-large bid out of the State University of New York Athletic Conference. 

“There was a lot of energy and passion,” said 20-year veteran head coach Joe Russo, describing the atmosphere during the game, “Our kids just continue to fight and fight and we're very resilient. We persevered through both overtimes and into the penalty kicks.”

The TCNJ women's soccer program should prove to be a dominant force in the game, as the Lions defense acts a major strength and challenge to the opposing Cardinals. With career shutouts record-holder Jessica Clarke (Wayne, NJ/Wayne) between the pipes and a defensive unit that has contributed heavily to that mark, Plattsburgh may find it difficult to generate offense. Getting quality scoring chance against the Lions defense is one arduous task. Getting the ball past Clarke is another. 

“I think right now, we're looking good,” said McDonough as she enters her third NCAA tournament. “We're focused and we're determined. I think we should have a good run in the tournament if we keep playing the way that we've been playing. We just need to keep working hard and fighting for every chance and to just do what we do best.” 

Last year, the women's soccer program suffered from many injuries and had lost six starters coming into the 2009 season. The team had been out of sorts at the start of this season because many of the athletes were playing in different positions. But once they settled into their roles, the team found its' identity and went on a roll. 

“I think seasons are like kids,” said Russo, “They each take on their own personality every year. There's no two that are alike.” 

If the Lions win the opening game of the tournament, they will play the following day (November 15) against the winner of tourney host Amherst College and Eastern Connecticut State. Should TCNJ prevail, the women will move on to the sectional round the following weekend, bringing them a step closer to a national title. 

“Traditionally, we've always done fairly well,” said Russo on how he feels his team will perform in the tournament. “Only time will tell.”