Ewing, NJ … The College of New Jersey field hockey team got off to a hot start with a 6-0 victory over Stevens Institute of Technology in their 2016 season opener on Thursday night in Lions Stadium.

The third-ranked Lions (1-0) ran off four goals in the first 11 minutes to take command from the onset. Lexi Smith (Florence, NJ/Florence Twp.) ignited her senior campaign in style, racking up three goals and an assist. The 2015 All-American and New Jersey Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year was nearly unstoppable in the first half, registering a hat trick in the first 15 minutes of play.

Smith opened the scoring just 1:59 into the game, delivering a winner from the top of the circle. Less than four minutes later, junior Elizabeth Morrison (Stonington, CT/Stonington) doubled the advantage with her first goal of the season off a feed from senior Danielle Andreula (New Egypt, NJ/Newe Egypt).

Less than a minute following Morrison's tally, Smith found the stick of Sydney Padilla (Suffern, NY/Suffern), who deposited a shot into the back of the cage for a 3-0 lead.
Smith then blasted back-to-back goals just over four minutes apart to extend the lead to 5-0.

The Ducks tightened up on defense and did not permit a goal the remainder of the first half.  Taylor Welch had a pair shots with two minutes remaining, but goaltender Kelly Schlupp (Holland, Pa/Council Rock South) made the stop before sophomore Caroline Quinn (Allendale, NJ/Northern Highlands) made the defensive save on the follow-up shot.

Early in the second period, freshman Iris Schuck (Swell, NJ/Washington Twp.) capped the scoring with her first collegiate goal. It came off a feed from Morrison in a scramble in front.

Schlupp and junior Christina Fabiano (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) combined for the shutout in goal. Stevens goaltender Emily Stukenborg registered seven saves in the contest.

TCNJ will return to the practice field for a week before visiting Cabrini College on Thursday, September 8 at 6:30 p.m.