EWING, N.J. – The No. 14 TCNJ softball team is set to face Kean in the NJAC Championship series this weekend. The conference finals are a best-of-three, with games one and two to be played Friday, beginning at 2:00 p.m. Game three, if necessary, will be played at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. All games will be played at Dr. June Walker Field at TCNJ.

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HOW WE GOT HERE
The second-seeded Lions advanced to the championship by defeating Stockton in the semifinals by scores of 4-1 and 2-0. TCNJ earned the two seed after a 16-2 conference record in the regular season.

Kean upset top-seeded Rowan in the semifinals by two 4-2 final scores. The Cougars posted an 11-7 NJAC record in the regular season.

REGULAR-SEASON SERIES
In the regular-season meeting between these two teams, the Lions swept the Cougars by 2-0 and 6-2 final scores. In game one, the pitching combination of Eliza Sweet and Ally Schlee threw the shutout. Lauren Conroy ripped a solo home run to right center.

In game two, Alanna Namit got the win in the circle and tossed a complete game. The offensive attack was highlighted by a two-run home run by Elyse Nardozza.

LIONS RIDING A WINNING STREAK
Coming into the championship series, the Lions have won 10 games in a row, with their last loss coming to Rowan on April 20.

TCNJ also has won its last seven games in the NJAC Tournament dating back to 2019. The Lions captured the last NJAC Championship, which was the 2019 season. It marked the 11^th in TCNJ program history.

THEY CAN'T WIN IF THEY CAN'T SCORE
The Lions' pitching staff is ranked sixth in NCAA Division III in ERA with a mark of 1.41. TCNJ also ranks eighth in the nation in shutouts with eight on the year. Prior to allowing a run in game one against Stockton, the Lions had a 27-inning scoreless streak, dating back to May 1 against William Paterson.

TICKET TO THE BIG DANCE ON THE LINE
The winner of the conference championship will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. The field will be announced by the NCAA on Monday, May 17.