Ewing, NJ ... The College of New Jersey women's swimming and diving team begins its 2013-14 season this Friday night when they visit New Jersey Athletic Conference opponent Montclair State University.

The Lions are seeking their sixth consecutive conference title since the NJAC re-introduced swimming and diving as a conference sport in 2008-09. TCNJ won its fifth straight title last season with an unblemished NJAC mark (4-0) and posted a 6-1 overall mark. They placed second at the 2012-13 Metropolitan Conference Championships before finishing 17^th overall at the NCAA championships.

The Lions will be led by seniors Ashley Conroy (Toms River, NJ/Monsignor Donovan) and Hailey Growney (Rockaway, NJ/Morris Hills), while juniors Brennah Ross (Paoli, Pa/Pa Cyber Charter School) and Summer Thomas (North Plainfield, NJ/Metuchen) will also play a key role off the blocks for TCNJ. Sophomore Eilish Devine (Oradell, NJ/River Dell) returns after a strong rookie campaign.

Senior Amy Schurer will add her experience and versatility to the swimmers, while newcomers Colleen Magley (Point Pleasant, NJ/Monsignor Donovan), Brenna Strollo (Long Branch, NJ/Biotechnology), and Maura Wright (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) will get their collegiate feet wet this weekend.

Off the diving board, senior Sabrina Lucchesi (Columbus, NJ/Notre Dame) will take the spotlight and continue to build on her tremendous career at TCNJ. Lucchesi earned All-American Honorable Mention for the third and fourth time in her career last March and will be counted on to earn points down in the diving well. Sophomore Edith Duggan (Aberdeen, NJ/Red Bank Catholic) will join Lucchesi off the boards.

Following it season opener, TCNJ will return to campus for their home-opening meet on Saturday, October 26. They will suit up against Ramapo College in TCNJ's Aquatic Center at 2 p.m. for their second NJAC meet in as many days. The Lions will look to avenge their lone dual meet defeat last season when they host Southern Connecticut State University on Saturday, November 2 at 2 p.m.

After competing on the road against New York University and Stevens Institute of Technology, TCNJ will host its Lions' Invitational from December 6 through December 8 before taking an extended break.

The Lions are led by head coach Jennifer Harnett '93, who is now in her 12^th season in charge of the program.