EWING, N.J. – The No. 12 TCNJ lacrosse team stormed from behind, outscoring Haverford, 7-2, over the final 17:53 to win, 13-11, on Saturday. The Lions' win in their season opener has become a tradition, with the game marking the 33^rd straight opening day victory for TCNJ. The Fords' record was evened at 1-1.
 
Trailing 9-6, Larissa Hatzold found Veronika O'Donnell to stop a six-goal Ford rally. Hatzold was strong in her Lions debut, finishing with a goal, an assist, and three ground balls.
 
Minutes later, Alexandria Fitzpatrick drew a double team and hit a wide-open Kasey Donoghue. Donoghue beat the Haverford goalie to draw the Lions within one. The goal was the 100^th of Donoghue's career.
 
"We made some game-changing plays," said Jennifer LaRocca. "Once we got the momentum back, we were able to continue to score goals."
 
The Fords scored off a transition opportunity to go up 10-8, but Fitzpatrick responded with a free-position goal. LaRocca scored her first career goal to tie the score at 10-10. LaRocca assisted on each of TCNJ's final three goals, one each for Donoghue, Olivia Cleale, and O'Donnell. LaRocca finished with a game-high four assists.
 
"The defense really started to pick up their level of play," said LaRocca. "At that point on attack we knew we had to raise our level of play to match."
 
With the Lions leading 13-11, Haverford won the draw with just over two minutes remaining. Bobbi O'Neill forced a turnover and scooped the ball to give TCNJ possession and allow the Lions to run out the clock.
 
"It was stressful at times," said LaRocca. "At the end of the day, we found a way to get it done. That's all we can ask for."
 
The Lions jumped out to a 6-3 lead at the half, thanks in large part to a pair of goals from both Fitzpatrick and Allie Gorman.
 
Haverford opened the second half on a 6-0 run. Hailey Morris recorded a pair of goals during the rally, and Julia Manetta had three assists during that stretch.
 
Ali Natalicchio made 10 saves in her first career start to earn the win. She also led the Lions with four ground balls.
 
TCNJ held an 18-8 edge on the draw circle. Fitzpatrick grabbed eight draws, Avery Sweeney grabbed six, and Anna Devlin grabbed four.
 
The Lions remain home for a game against Moravian on Tuesday at 4 p.m.