Ewing, NJ…In a rematch of the 2017 Women's Lacrosse National Championship Game, The College of New Jersey fell to defending champions Gettysburg College 9-5 Thursday night. The fourth ranked Lions dropped to 7-2, while the top ranked Bullets improved to 7-0.

The Bullets jumped out to an early lead on Katie Willis' 19^th goal of the season and Steph Colson's 12^th goal of the year.

After Kathleen Jaeger (Whitehouse, Station, NJ/Hunterdon Central) scored to cut the Lions deficit in half, Courtney Patterson scored back-to-back goals spurring a three goal run that broke the game open. Patterson would finish with four goals in the game.

The Bullets would lead 8-3 at the half.

Neither team could find the back of the net in the opening 20 minutes of the second half as both defenses clamped down. Olivia Cleale (Yardley, PA/Notre Dame (NJ)) broke through with nine and a half minutes remaining, but the Lions would only swap goals to produce the final score.

Bailey Pilder set a career-high in net for Gettysburg, making 13 saves to pick up the win.

Elizabeth Morrison (Stonington, CT/Stonington) led the Lions defense, recording game-highs in ground balls, caused turnovers, and draw controls. Morrison is now fourth in program history in career draw controls, passing both Lauren Dougher and Melanie Vasofski in the losing effort.

TCNJ outshot Gettysburg 35-14 and held an 18-12 shots on goal advantage. The Lions also forced the Bullets into 22 turnovers, while committing just 13.

The Lions will begin conference play a week from Saturday on April 7 when they travel to Montclair State University for a 1:00 PM game.