Box Score
Ewing, NJ... The College of New Jersey women's soccer team earned a shot at repeating as New Jersey Athletic Conference Champions as the Lions doubled up visiting Richard Stockton College 2-1 in the semifinals held at Lions' Stadium on Wednesday.
The win lifted the top-seeded Lions to 15-2-1 on the season as they get set to host the NJAC title game on Saturday, November 6 in a 6 p.m. start. TCNJ will face second-seeded William Paterson University, which advanced via penalty kicks after a scoreless draw with Rowan University. The winner of Saturday's game will receive an automatic bid to the 2010 NCAA Division III Tournament.
The loss capped fourth-seeded Richard Stockton's season at 12-7-1.
Sophomore Amy Van Dyk (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) got the Lions on the board first as she ripped a shot from the near wing that went over the outstretched arms of Osprey keeper Sarah Hinkle (Mullica Hill, NJ/Paul VI). That goal came 16:40 into the game and was her fourth of the season.
Richard Stockton had two good chances to pull even 15 minutes later as Lion goalie Kendra Griffith (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) made back-to-back saves on Kiera Hines (Deptford, NJ/Deptford) and Rachel Carlson (Mullica Township, NJ/Oakcrest) from close range.
In the second half, the Ospreys had another quality opportunity, but again came up empty as Carlson got off a good shot from the near side, but the shot hit the far post.
The Lions added what turned out to a much-needed insurance goal with 12:25 left in the second half as junior Brittany McGinley (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) headed the ball ahead to sophomore Brenna Rubino (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern), who punched a shot into the near corner for her team-leading 11th goal of the season.
The Ospreys made a late push as they got on the board with 5:19 remaining as Dailey Todd (Millville, NJ/Millville) drove the net and knocked in a cross from Hines cutting the Lion lead in half.
TCNJ then was able to out the remainder of the clock getting the chance to win its fifth NJAC title in the last six years.
Griffith finished the game with three saves for the Lions to pick up the win, while Hinkle also had three stops.
