EWING, N.J. – The College of New Jersey field hockey team topped a second straight undefeated opponent Saturday afternoon, defeating Salisbury University 4-2. The fifth ranked Lions improved to 6-0 on the season, while the Seagulls fall to 7-1.
 
The Lions got on the board first when Jess Hatch made the insert on a penalty corner, and then deflected a shot from Kayla Peterson into the cage. With TCNJ controlling play for most of the quarter, Salisbury took advantage of one Lions mistake, countering with a two-on-zero situation to tie the game at the end of the first.
 
TCNJ took control of the game early in the second quarter. Just over a minute into the frame, Samantha Reed controlled a rebound deep in the right corner. The junior fired a centering pass to Cayla Andrews who beat the goalie for her NCAA leading 12^th goal of the season.
 
"We really surprise defenses with the variety of our attack," said Andrews. "A lot of times they are expecting us to try to drive, and a long pass can catch them off guard. Our midfielders do a good job at putting the forwards in a position to succeed."
 
Late in the second, Tori Hannah corralled a rebound and scored to put the Lions up by two at the half.
 
The Seagulls came out strong to begin the third quarter. Salisbury earned four penalty corners and took six shots in the first four minutes of the period. Maddie Beaumont was up to the challenge, making four saves and watching a shot ring off the post to see the score remain 3-1. Beaumont finished with 10 saves.
 
Late in the quarter, TCNJ tacked on an insurance goal as a long drive from Peterson was deflected by Andrews over the goalie to put the game out of reach. The Seagulls would get an answer in the fourth quarter, but the lead was never again truly threatened.
 
The Lions now hit the road as they travel to Cabrini on Sept. 24 for a 7 p.m. start.