EWING, N.J. – It was 364 days ago when the TCNJ lacrosse team last took the field. That day it was a trip to Cabrini University for a win that moved the Lions to 4-0 in what would ultimately be their final game of the season. The Lions faced off against the Cavaliers again on Tuesday night to open the 2021 season, winning 18-4.
 
"It's really nice to be coaching again," said head coach Sharon Pfluger. "We're grateful for the opportunity to be around each other and to watch the team play."
 
The Lions led just 7-4 at the half before exploding for 11 straight goals in the second period, while shutting out the Cabrini offense. Erin Jaffe scored three of her career-high seven goals in the second half and Jennifer LaRocca scored three of her career-high five during the run.
 
"It felt surreal," said Jaffe. "To be able to get back on the field was incredible. We were able to read each other well today. I was able to cut to open space and my teammates found me."
 
The Lions jumped out to an early lead, 3-0, on a pair of goals by Jaffe and one by LaRocca. Leading, 4-2, Ally Tobler scored her first career goal to spark another three-goal rally before the Cavaliers scored twice to produce the halftime score.
 
The Lions offense shared the ball well as seven players combined for 11 assists.
 
Ali Natalicchio was dominant in goal for the Lions, allowing just the four goals while making seven saves. Sabrina Phillips led the Lions with seven draw controls and four caused turnovers to go with four ground balls. Jillian Westerby also recorded a team-high four caused turnovers and added four ground balls and six draw controls. LaRocca had six ground balls to lead TCNJ.
 
The win in the season opener is the 34^th-straight season-opening victory for the program. The Lions feature an extremely young team in 2021. Only senior Kaela Sierra has started more than five games in their career, and three TCNJ starters were playing in their first career game with the Lions.
 
"We saw the ability to adjust to different situations," said Pfluger. "We saw some nice movement, strong fundamentals, and great teamwork today. The next time we play in a week and a half, I expect us to be that much stronger."
 
The Lions will play that game in a week and half on March 20, when the team travels to Salisbury to face the sixth-ranked Seagulls at 1 p.m.