Ramapo, NJ …The College of New Jersey women's basketball team stretched its winning streak to four games as they defeated Ramapo College 62-53 in New Jersey Athletic Conference action on Wednesday night.
 
The Lions (6-6, 3-3 NJAC) reached .500 for the first time this season and have now won six of their last seven games.
 
Senior Angelica Esposito (Lincroft, NJ/St. John Vianney) racked up a season-high 22 points. She was 6-of-11 from the field (three treys) and a perfect 7-for-7 from the line. Senior Christina Merlin (North Brunswick, NJ/Bishop Ahr) put forth another gritty effort in the paint, finishing with nine points and a team-high eight rebounds. Sophomore Nikki Schott (Washington, NJ/Warren Hills) also had nine points and grabbed four boards.
 
TCNJ took advantage of opportunities as they scored 21 points off turnovers to go along with seven second-chance points. They also showcased their depth as their bench accounted for 22 points in the win.
 
Neither team was able to take command for the majority of the opening period. TCNJ trailed 17-16 with 9:58 remaining in the half before a jumper by junior Kim Dana (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) gave the Lions a lead they would not relinquish. From that point on, the Roadrunners were on the chaase. A pair of free throws and a three-point bucket by Esposito put TCNJ in front 25-19 with five minutes left before the break. Solid defensive play gave the visitors a 28-22 advantage at the intermission.
 
TCNJ led by as many as 13 points in the second half, but a late push by the Roadrunners cut their deficit to six points. Ramapo's Doris Ilic sank two free throws to draw within 52-46 with 2:26 to play.
 
Dana quickly responded with a short jumper and Schott took a feed from sophomore Cindy Napolitano (Wall, NJ/St. Rose) and found the bottom of the net to put the game out of reach at 56-46.
 
Esposito had a terrific all-around game as she also dished out a game-high four assists, hauled in five rebounds, and copped two steals. Senior Jess Lynch (Trumbull, CT/Trumbull) picked off a game-high three steals and collected six boards.
 
 
The Lions continue conference play this Saturday when they visit New Jersey City University for a 2 p.m. tip-off.