EWING, N.J. – The College of New Jersey lacrosse team jumped out to a 10-0 lead on their way to a 14-3 victory over Montclair State University to open NJAC play Saturday. The 15^th-ranked Lions improved to 5-4 on the season, while the Red Hawks evened their season record at 6-6.
 
In the opening half, TCNJ jumped out to a 7-0 lead using a balanced scoring attack. Five different players scored goals, led by Alexandria Fitzpatrick and Kathleen Jaeger who scored a pair each. The goals moved Jaeger into sole possession of 21^st in program history in career goals with 141.
 
The second half began much like the first with Talia Bouzakis and Olivia Cleale each finding the back of the net for the second time in the game. Kasey Donoghue scored her 16^th of the season. After a Red Hawk goal, Donoghue answered sparking a three goal rally for the Lions capped by another pair of goals by Fitzpatrick.
 
TCNJ was backed by strong defensive play the entire game. Miranda Chrone made eight saves and scooped a game-high five ground balls. Brenna Jaffe made the most of her first career start, nabbing a career-high four ground balls and causing a turnover.
 
"I've definitely been waiting for this moment for a while," said Jaffe. "I just wanted to come out and play as hard as I could. We've been practicing a lot of scooping eight-meter ground balls. Whenever I saw it go on the ground, I didn't care about anyone else, I was going to be the one to come away with it."
 
Erin Harvey and Avery Sweeney each grabbed four draw controls for the Lions.
 
TCNJ hits the road for the first of three away contests Tuesday when they visit Rutgers-Camden for a 4 p.m. game.