EWING, N.J. – The College of New Jersey women's basketball team defeated Stockton University in the NJAC opener on Tuesday night by a final score of 75-50. The Lions improved their record to 4-2 on the season, while the Ospreys dropped to 3-2.

Stockton came out of the first quarter with a slim 16-15 lead. A three-pointer put the Ospreys up 19-15, but TCNJ scored the next 12 points. Shannon Devitt made a pair of free throws, then Jen Byrne scored on a put back after grabbing an offensive rebound. Byrne then hit back-to-back trifectas to put the Lions on top 25-19. Two free throws from Rachel Gazzola capped off the 12-0 run.

As the first half was winding down, TCNJ held a 37-27 lead. Elle Cimilluca took a three-pointer that was no good, yet Gazzola made a heads up play. She got the offensive rebound and put it up to just beat the clock, and the bucket was good to give the Lions a 12 point advantage heading into the locker room.

TCNJ started the second half strong, and built a 50-30 lead with an 11-3 run to start the third quarter. With 30 seconds left in the quarter, Byrne found an open Gazzola beyond the arc. Gazzola knocked it down to extend the lead to 58-39.

TCNJ was able to control the rest of the game to earn the victory. Byrne led the way with 23 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting from the field. She made it a double-double with 10 rebounds. Devitt also posted a double-double 14 points and 13 rebounds, and added six rejections. Gazzola tallied 15 points on the evening. Mollie Brueggemeier scored seven points and added four rebounds.

The Lions will return to action Dec. 4 to host Rowan at 6:00 p.m.