Ewing, NJ... Freshman Taylor Barrett (Neshanic Station, NJ/Hunterdon Station) tipped home the game's only goal as The College of New Jersey field hockey team posted a 1-0 overtime win on Saturday against Messiah College.
 
The win elevated top-ranked TCNJ to 5-0 on the season, while the 20^th-ranked Falcons fell to 2-4.
 
Barrett started the play that created the winning goal as she inserted the ball on a penalty corner to junior Lexi Smith (Florence, NJ/Florence Twp.). Smith laced a low shot on goal that Barrett, who moved in toward the goal after putting the ball in play, redirected in for the "golden goal."
 
The teams played an even opening 35 minutes as Messiah had two shots on goals and the Lions had one. One of the Messiah shots was denied by a defensive save by TCNJ's Ally Pennypacker (Mullica Hill, NJ/Clearview).
 
The later stages of regulation saw a close call on each end of the as TCNJ's chance came when Alicia Wagner (Hopewell, NJ/Hopewell Valley) put a shot off the post with less than six minutes left.
 
Messiah had a penalty corner in the closing seconds, but the Lion defense held setting up overtime.
 
Goalie Kelly Schlupp (Holland, PA/Council Rock South) recorded her first solo shutout of the season with five saves.
 
The Lions are off until September 26 when third-ranked Salisbury University visits Lions Stadium for a 1 p.m. contest.