SALISBURY, Md. – The College of New Jersey field hockey team knocked off a ranked opponent for the second time this season, defeating Salisbury University 3-1 Saturday afternoon. On the day following her 20^th birthday, Kayla Peterson celebrated with a natural hat trick in the victory. The fourth-ranked Lions improved to 5-1 on the season, while the sixth-ranked Seagulls dropped to 6-2.
 
Tara Daddio kicked off the scoring in the sixth minute collecting the rebound on a blocked shot and finding the back of the cage.
 
The Lions responded just under five minutes later. Peterson ripped a shot from the top of the circle that deflected off a Seagull defender and into the net to tie the score.
 
Both defenses settled in and Salisbury seemed to be getting the better of play until a TCNJ counter attack earned a penalty corner. Peterson received the insert from Caroline and gave the Lions a lead they would not relinquish. She would go on to finish the scoring before the opening half was through. Sidney Padilla took a shot on a penalty corner that was saved. Samantha Reed tipped the loose ball to Peterson who took the shot through traffic and into the back of the net.
 
Maddie Beaumont was key in net for the Lions, particularly in the second half when she turned away seven shots for a clean half to preserve the win. Jillian Farley made a key defensive save early in the game to assist in the defensive effort as well.
 
The Lions won for the first time in 2018 when getting out-shot. The Seagulls maintained a 21-6 shot advantage.
 
The Lions will return home Thursday, Sept. 27 when they host Ursinus College. Pushback is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.