EWING, N.J. – The second-ranked TCNJ women's soccer team won its sixth consecutive game to start the season on Saturday. The Lions topped Rutgers-Newark, 4-0, in the NJAC opener. Newark fell to 5-1 on the year.

Sophie Vieira converted a penalty kick in the 17^th minute to get TCNJ on the board. Vieira took a tough foul in the corner of the box and punched in the penalty kick for her team-high fourth goal of the season.

The Scarlet Raiders had a prime scoring opportunity in the 27^th minute when a shot by Tamia Howell appeared to be heading into the net, yet it was denied by Kristina Ng at the goal line. Ng was in perfect position on the left side of the net to record the defensive save and preserve the shutout.

In the 34^th minute, Gianna Minerva found the back of the net to give TCNJ a 2-0 lead. Minerva was assisted by Lindsay O'Keefe, who took the ball low on the left goal line. She found Minerva in the middle who scored her second goal of the year.

That same combination connected again with 10 seconds left in the first half as Minerva returned the favor to O'Keefe. She sent in a blistering shot from 25 yards out that sailed into the top left of the net to give TCNJ a 3-0 edge heading into halftime.

Another goal from Vieira, this time assisted by Allie O'Keefe, gave TCNJ a 4-0 lead in the 55^th minute. The Lions' strong defense held the Scarlet Raider attack at bay, and TCNJ has yet to surrender a goal this season.

With the win, TCNJ is now 22-0 all-time in the head to head series against Rutgers-Newark. TCNJ is also an impressive 190-15-12 in conference play in program history.

Next up for the Lions is another NJAC game, this time at William Paterson on Sept. 25.