Ewing, NJ …Richard Stockton College wrestled its way to a 56-47 win over The College of New Jersey women's basketball team on Wednesday night in Packer Hall.
 
It was a tough night for the Lions (3-3, 1-2 NJAC) as they shot just 28 percent from the field and committed 23 turnovers. The Ospreys (3-2, 1-1 NJAC) connected on 11-of-22 shots in the second half to break open an even match and capture their first New Jersey Athletic Conference win.
 
TCNJ junior Christina Merlin (North Brunswick, NJ/Bishop) put forth a gutty effort grabbing a career-high 13 rebounds in the loss. Guard Angelica Esposito (Lincroft, NJ/St. John Vianney) led the Lions with 11 points, while freshman Cindy Napolitano (Wall, NJ/St. Rose) contributed seven points.
 
The Ospreys had three players reach double figures on the night. Freshman Sasha Williams (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) and senior Lauren Alwan (Cherry Hill, NJ/Timber Creek) finished with 11 points, while senior Sara Farrell (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) netted 10 points. Williams was impressive in the paint, blocking seven shots and collecting 12 rebounds for a double double.
 
The lead changed hands multiple times in the opening half. Neither team was able to break away as 25 combined turnovers and spotty shooting kept the score in check. A late spurt by the Ospreys gave them a 26-24 advantage at the break.
 
After the intermission, a long jumper by junior Marina Lukianov (Howell, NJ/Howell) gave the Ospreys their biggest lead to that point at 40-34 with 10 minutes to play. The Lions answered with a pair of baskets underneath by senior Jessica Goldbach (Edison, NJ/John P. Stevens) and freshman Nikki Schott (Washington, NJ/Warren Hills), but the visitors retaliated with a three-pointer by Taylor Christina (Franklinville, NJ/Delsea).
 
Leading 47-42, Farrell drained a shot from behind the arc to put Richard Stockton up by eight. Senior guard Kylie O'Donnell (Magnolia, NJ/Sterling) got those three points right back, hitting nothing but net from downtown. Just 20 seconds later, however, junior guard Lauren Bowler (Little Silver, NJ/Red Bank Regional) dropped in a high-arcing shot from long distance to give Richard Stockton a 53-45 lead with 4:10 to play.
 
Junior Jess Lynch (Sandy Hook, CT/Newtown) knocked down a mid-range jumper to pull within 54-47, but it would be the final field goal of the night for the Lions. They missed their final six shots down the stretch, in large part due to a spirited Osprey defense.
 
O'Donnell showed hustle all over the floor, finishing with nine rebounds, seven assists and six points. Lynch finished with four points, four boards and three steals.
 
TCNJ continues its NJAC schedule this Saturday when they visit Rutgers-Newark. The game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start.