Ewing, NJ … The College of New Jersey women's basketball team fought hard, but suffered a 57-49 setback to Montclair State University on Monday night in Packer Hall.

The loss drops the Lions to 10-10 overall and 6-7 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference standings. Rutgers-Camden also lost on Monday night to William Paterson University 75-55, allowing TCNJ to remain tied for sixth place. The Red Hawks improved to 14-6 this season and 10-3 in league play.
 
Senior Angelica Esposito (Lincroft, NJ/St. John Vianney) led the Lions in points and rebounds with 10 and eight, respectively. Clasmate Jess Lynch (Newtown, CT/Newtown) also contributed a team-high ten points, while junior Kim Dana (Freehold, NJ/Freehold) was a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc.
 
Katie Sire (Hazlet, NJ/Raritan) led Montclair in points with 12 and rebounds with eight. Also in double figure scoring was Kate Tobie (Elizabeth, NJ/Roselle Catholic) with 11 points.
 
TCNJ came out strong in the first quarter, leading 12-2 early on due to an 8-0 run. The Red Hawks answered back, however, with a flury of three-point field goals to take a 15-14 lead entering into the second quarter.
 
Montclair extended its lead throughout the second quarter, relying on their long-distance shooting as they went 6-for-11 from three in the first half. The Red Hawks a 30-19 at the break.
 
TCNJ continued to battle throughout the second half, doing a much better job under the boards.The Red Hawks were stingy on defense, however, and held the Lions under 50 points for just the third time this season.

The Lions will continue their conference schedule this Wednesday when they visit Rowan University for a 6 p.m. start.