WATERVILLE, Maine – The TCNJ lacrosse team advanced to the round of 16 in the NCAA Division III Lacrosse tournament for the 36^th consecutive season on Saturday, defeating Babson 21-9. The win improves the Lions' record to 8-2 on the season, while the Beavers close out the season at 4-2.
 
TCNJ was in control from the opening draw, getting goals from Jennifer LaRocca, Anna Wright, and Erin Jaffe to stun the Beavers in the game's first four minutes. After a Babson timeout and goal, Anna Devlin and Jillian Westerby answered with goals that continued to showcase the high-powered and deep offense. LaRocca's third goal of the game with just under seven minutes to go in the half put TCNJ on top 10-4 before the Lions entered the break leading 10-5.
 
The second half began just like the first as Devlin, Westerby, and LaRocca extended the Lions advantage to eight. Leading 13-7, TCNJ went on a 6-1 run capped by back-to-back goals from Jaffe to put the game out of reach.
 
As has been the case for most of the season, TCNJ held a large advantage on the draw circle. Eight draw controls by Devlin and seven from Westerby helped the Lions to a 20-12 overall advantage on the draw. Westerby and Kaela Sierra each had three ground balls to lead all players in the game.
 
In net, Alexa Natalicchio made six saves to earn the victory. Backup goalie Julia Charest was quickly called into action late in the first half after Natalicchio was given a yellow card and made a huge save as the final minute ticked away to preserve the lead going into the break.
 
With the win, the Lions improve their all-time record in NCAA Tournament games to 88-22.
 
TCNJ returns to action next Saturday when it makes the return trip to Maine to face Western Connecticut State in the Round of 16. The Colonials won their first-ever NCAA Tournament game earlier today, topping Johnson & Wales (RI) 20-5.