Ewing, NJ … The College of New Jersey will host a pair of New Jersey Athletic Conference championship games on Saturday. The Lions' field hockey team will battle Montclair State University at 1 p.m. followed by the women's soccer match against Rowan University at 6 p.m.
 
Both games will played in Lions Stadium. The winner of each contest is not only crowned NJAC champ, but will receive an automatic bid to the 2016 NCAA Championship Tournament.
 
FIELD HOCKEY - #1 TCNJ VS. #2 MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY - Live video/Live stats

 
Players to Watch: Lexi Smith is a force in the defensive backfield, midfield, and on the offensive end for TCNJ. While her powerful hits and shots on goal draw attention, her stick work and knowledge of the game are equally impressive. Jaclyn Douglas is a constant threat on offense and has a nose for the goal. Elizabeth Morrison is dangerous in transition, utilizing her tremendous athleticism and long strides that chew up real estate quickly. Focusing on those three players is no guarantee of shutting down the Lions. Danielle Andreula, Cayla Andrews, and Jackie Schwartz are a threat to create scoring chances and finish plays.
 
Kaitlyn Struss has been a clutch player for Montclair this season. Her 13 goals lead the team, but her five game-winners are a greater indication of her value to the Red Hawk offense. Struss deposited the lone goal in the NJAC semifinal win over Kean. Amber Haslett has come into her own during her sophomore season. She is a double threat with 10 goals and six assists this season. Forward Danielle Butrico, along with Haslett, was an All-NJAC First Team selection this season. She has found the back of the cage nine times during her senior campaign. The MSU defense will have its hands full with the Lions' offense, but veteran Camille Maimone is a talented and experienced senior, who will look to contain TCNJ and minimize their chances.
 
Regular Season Match-up: TCNJ 4  Montclair State 0
 
The game was scoreless through the first 30 minutes before Jaclyn Douglas broke the ice at 31:43 on the game. The Lions rattled off three, second-half goals to pull away from the Red Hawks. Montclair was in the midst of a rough patch in early October when they visited Lions Stadium, and since that loss, has rebounded to win seven straight matches.
 
Wild Card: Goaltending. A hot goalkeeper making smart decisions can be the difference-maker in tournament play. TCNJ goalkeeper Christina Fabiano has won 10 straight starts and surrendered just five goals during that period. Kelly Schlupp also provides the Lions with another talented goalie on-call. Red Hawk goalie Kaitlin Maguire has faced 145 shots this season and has a save percentage of .745. She has given up just two goals in her last three games and made three stops in a 4-0 shutout over Kean in the semifinal.
 
WOMEN'S SOCCER - #1 TCNJ VS. #2 ROWAN UNIVERSITY - Live video/Live stats
 
Players to Watch: Christine Levering has put together a tremendous season overall, but has been on fire of late. She has registered at least one point in eight straight games and tallied 11 goals during that stretch. Levering scored twice and assisted in the 4-0 semifinal win over Kean and seems to perform better on the bigger stage. The speed and tenacity of Elizabeth Thoresen wreaks havoc on opposing defenses, and crafty midfielder Jessica Goldman demands attention, which gives Levering and Thoresen moments of freedom to exploit. Abigail Emmert is a danger on restarts and Marissa Scognamiglio and Hannah Richman generate pressue from the outside. The defensive backfield led by Brianna Petro, Kelly Wieczerzak, and Jen McGrogan are rock-solid, and when the opposition is able penetrate, goalkeeper Jessica Weeder has permitted just seven goals all season.
 
Rowan is no stranger to big games as they will defend their 2015 NJAC title. Maxine New is the top scorer for the Profs with 11 goals (with five of those being game-winners). She works alongside Shannon Reardigan, who has knocked home nine goals and dished out eight assists. Melissa Kelly and Megan Charchidi patrol the midfield, while Emily Daigle and Ali Hicks spearhead a defense that permitted just five goals this season. Goalkeeper Shelby Money sheriffs the net and has been one of the top goalies in the region this seaso and held Montclair State scoreless through the 110 minutes in the seminfinal match. Her back-up keeper Courtney Simpson was between the pipes for the shootout against the Red Hawks and stopped two penalty kicks to propel Rowan to the win. The Prof defense ranks ninth nationally in goals allowed per game at 0.27.
 
Regular Season Match-up: TCNJ 2  Rowan University 0
 
In a battle of undefeated teams, the Lions scored twice in the second half to top the Profs. Christine Levering directed a header into the top left corner of the net off a cross from Jessica Goldman to give TCNJ a 1-0 lead. Taylor Nolan iced the game in the 82^nd minute when she settled a pass from Marykate Sullivan and ripped a shot into the left corner. The outshot the Profs 13-3 in the match.
 
Wild Card: Finishing. Possessions and control of play is all well and good, but in an elimination game, putting away scoring chances is paramount. The Lions have scored 61 goals this season and the Profs have netted 57 tallies. Both teams are capable of pounding the back of the net, but both squads also have exceptional defenses and goalkeeper. Quality scoring chances will be at a premium, so the team that takes advantage and finishes will be presented with the NJAC trophy.