Lexington, VA... The College of New Jersey field hockey will take its next step in pursuit of the program's 11^th NCAA Division III Championship this weekend when they square off against Middlebury College in the national semifinals.
 
The Lions (21-1) and the Panthers (19-1) will play that semifinal game on Saturday, November 22 in Lexington, VA at 2 p.m. The contest features two of the hottest teams in the tournament as TCNJ has won 13 straight, while Middlebury has reeled off 15 consecutive victories.
 
The winner on Saturday will advance and play for the national title on Sunday at 1 p.m. against either Salisbury University or Bowdoin College.
 
TCNJ and Middlebury have history in the NCAA Tournament. They have faced each other on four previous occasions on the national stage. The two programs have split those meetings, but the Lions won the most recent when they topped the Panthers 3-1 in the 2011 NCAA Championship game.
 
There are a lot of similarities between the teams, most notably their high-powered offenses. Middlebury leads the country in goals per game at 5.15 per game, while the Lions are fourth at 4.60. The Panthers have recorded 103 goals in 20 games with the Lions scoring 102 in 22 contests.
 
Senior Lindsey Hatch (Sewell, NJ/Washington Twp.) ranks second nationally with 85 points and leads TCNJ's attack with 32 goals. While her numbers certainly jump off of the stat sheet, she is getting plenty of support. Sophomore Jaclyn Douglas (Malvern, PA/Great Valley) has busted loose for a career-high 21 goals and senior Erin Healy (Spring Lake Heights, NJ/Manasquan) has 17.
 
That scoring depth runs even deeper with sophomores Danielle Andreula (New Egypt, NJ/New Egypt) and Lexi Smith (Florence, NJ/Florence Twp.) each netting eight goals.
 
Healy pointed to the fact the forwards have played together for two years as a major factor in the team's goal production.
 
"It's our ability to read each other as this is our second year of playing together," she said. "We also are all relentless when it comes to not giving up on the ball and keep it in the offensive end of the field."
 
The Panthers are balanced as well with seven players scoring at least eight goals, while senior midfielder Catherine Fowler leads that group with 20 goals and 50 points.
 
Middlebury has scored at least two goals in each of the last nine games. During their winning streak, the Panthers have outscored the opposition 78-9.
 
TCNJ's defense will look to contain that group with senior defender Victoria Martin (Clark, NJ/Arthur L. Johnson) and senior midfielder Erin Waller (Sewell, NJ/Washington Twp.) setting the tone. Martin is a three-time All-NJAC honoree and Waller is a key contributor at both ends of the field.
 
A trio of sophomores has been a staple for the Lions on the back line.  Alexa Magnotta (New Egypt, NJ/New Egypt), Shannon Cowles (Sewell, NJ/Washington Twp.) and Smith round out the starting unit. TCNJ's defense as a whole has been excellent at limiting the other team's chances, allowing only 76 shots on goal.
 
TCNJ has relied on sophomore Kelly Schlupp (Holland, PA/Council Rock South) in goal this season and she has responded in a big way. She has a season record of 21-1 with a 0.79 goals-against-average.
 
"We just want to keep up what we have been doing all year and continue to play the way we have been playing," Martin stated. "A lot of teamwork and communication."
 
Like the Lions, the Panthers are strong on the back end as they have only given up 13 goals this season. Senior goalie Emily Knapp boasts a 0.68 GAA and has five shutouts.
 
Another intangible TCNJ can take into this weekend is the experience from winning the title in 2011.
 
"I think with a young team, our experience makes them know it's possible," Waller explained. "If we did when we were young, then they know they can do it when they are young."
 
Head Coach Sharon Pfluger agreed that experience is something her team can draw from.
 
"Our seniors have brought their experience, leadership, teamwork and skill to our team every day. They have been outstanding and I am confident they will pave the way for our team to rise to the challenge this weekend," Pfluger said.
 
Tickets are priced at $7 for adults and $4 for students each day and will be available at the gate. All Sessions tickets may also be purchased for $10 and $6, respectively.