Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey field hockey team suffered their second 2-1 defeat of the season Saturday night falling in overtime to Salisbury University. The third-ranked Lions fell to 4-2 on the season while the fourth-ranked Sea Gulls improved to 6-1.
 
Both defenses dominated the first 65 minutes with both teams failing to find the back of the net. With just under four minutes remaining in regulation, Emily Lemanski hit the post for the Sea Gulls. Less than a minute later Salisbury finally broke through off a penalty corner. Arielle Johnston found Emma Vicchio on the right side of the net for a quick one-timer.
 
The Lions came out with a renewed sense of urgency, controlling play and earning a penalty corner with a minute and a half to play. Cayla Andrews (Hackettstown, NJ/Hacketttstown) made the pass to Sidney Padilla (Suffern, NY/Suffern), who ripped a shot through the traffic in front to tie the game with just 81 second remaining.
 
Just two minutes into the overtime period, Johnston took advantage of a blocked shot that deflected right on to her stick for the game winner.
 
Christina Fabiano (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Hills) made eight saves in the loss.
 
Salisbury out-shot TCNJ 22-11 in the game and earned 14 penalty corners to just six for the Lions.
 
The Lions will get one final test before conference play begins on Tuesday when they host FDU-Florham at 7:30 PM.