Ewing, NJ... The College of New Jersey field hockey team advanced to the title game of the New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament as the Lions got past William Paterson University 3-0 on Wednesday.
 
The hosts scored twice in the opening half of the conference semis and then wrapped things up with another goal in the final frame.
 
The Lions (17-1) will now host second-seeded Rowan University (14-5) in the conference championship game on Saturday, November 7 at 7 p.m. The Profs advanced with a 2-0 win over Montclair State University. The winner of Saturday's game will also claim the NJAC's automatic bid to the 2015 NCAA Division III Tournament.
 
The Pioneers finished their season at 10-8.
 
The win was the 1,000^th career combined victory at TCNJ for head coach Sharon Pfluger. Since joining her alma mater, Pfluger has 545 wins at the helm of the field hockey program and another 455 victories directing the women's lacrosse team. Overall, she has garnered 1,009 career victories.
 
TCNJ jumped out to the early lead when senior Alicia Wagner (Hopewell, NJ/Hopewell Valley) tipped in a shot off of the stick from junior Danielle Andreula (New Egypt, NJ/New Egypt). That goal came 7:40 into the contest.
 
The Lions doubled that advantage with 13:12 left before the break as senior Mikayla Cimilluca (Fairfield, NJ/West Essex) sent a precise pass to freshman Taylor Barrett (Neshanic Station, NJ/Hunterdon Central). Barrett was camped out waiting for the pass by the far post and redirected it in for her ninth goal of the season.
 
In the second half, junior Lexi Smith (Florence, NJ/Florence Twp.) notched the lone goal of the period with a blast from the top of the circle. Barrett earned an assist on the play after inserting a ball on a penalty corner.
 
Lion goalie Kelly Schlupp (Holland, PA/Council Rock South) earned the win with two saves. The win was her 40^th career victory.
 
In goal for the Pioneers, senior Meg Davies (Havertown, PA/Haverford) finished with 14 saves.