Ewing, NJ… For the 26^th time in program history, The College of New Jersey lacrosse team is making an appearance in the Final Four after defeating Franklin & Marshall 9-6 Sunday afternoon. The top ranked Lions tied a program record with their 20^th win improving to 20-2 matching the 2016 and 2011 sqauds. The seventh ranked Diplomats finished the season at 18-5.
 
The Lions got on the board early, getting the 34^th of the season from Kasey Donoghue (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape) just 37 seconds into the game. Alexandria Fitzpatrick (Burlington, NJ/Northern Burlington) then extended the lead just under ten minutes into the game.
 
The Diplomats were not intimidated, and quickly responded with three goals of their own to face TCNJ with their first deficit of the NCAA Tournament. TCNJ was unfazed, quickly tying the game on a goal from Allie Gorman (Sicklerville, NJ/Washington Twp.) and took the lead back with two more goals before the opening half was up. Gorman has scored in all 20 of the Lions win this season.
 
F&M came out swinging to start the second half, tying the game with just under 24 minutes to play. TCNJ would take control from that moment scoring four straight goals and held the Diplomats without a goal for a 24 minute stretch. Fitzpatrick completed her hat trick with a pair of goals while adding the second of her two assists during the rally.  Kathleen Jaeger (Whitehouse Station, NJ/Hunterdon Central) added her 53^rd of the year in run.
 
Defensively, the Lions were led by goalie Miranda Chrone (Moorestown, NJ/Moorestown) who made eight saves for the win. Chrone also added a team-high four ground balls. Brooke Lionetti (Malvern, PA/Great Valley) paced TCNJ with a pair of caused turnovers. Gorman and Elizabeth Morrison (Stonington, CT/Stonington) each nabbed three draw controls.
 
The Lions will next face Middlebury College in Salem, VA on Saturday, May 26.