WASHINGTON, D.C.— Led by fifth-year senior Sophie Popp's game-winning goal, #15 TCNJ field hockey clinched a hard-fought 1-0 overtime victory over Catholic in its season opener at Cardinal Stadium Thursday evening.

With just over three minutes left in the overtime period, senior Jess Hatch maneuvered her way through the Cardinals' defense before slinging a floating pass to Popp, who tapped the ball into the goal cage to give the Lions the victory.

The winning goal came after the Lions played mostly on the back foot throughout regulation, as the Cardinals outshot TCNJ, 22-13, heading into overtime with a notable 17-4 edge in penalty corners.

However, due to the stellar goalkeeping performance from fifth-year senior Dani Britton, who finished with 11 saves, TCNJ's defense weathered the storm to allow the offense to eventually strike.

Beginning early in the first quarter, TCNJ's Defense stopped two quick Catholic penalty corners that saw Britton record her first two saves of the game. In total, the Lions ended the first having halted three Catholic penalty corners, with Britton collecting three saves.

In the second quarter, TCNJ flipped the tide of the game as the offense took five shots and the defense allowed none from Catholic. The Lions also held a three penalty corners to none edge. The trend continued into the third quarter where the Lions outshot the Cardinals once again, 6-4. TCNJ's offense was led by sophomore Rayhanah Ahmed during regulation, as the reigning NJAC Rookie of the Year put all three of her shots on goal.

A key defensive moment took form in the middle of the third, when Britton stopped a penalty stroke from Niki Micciche to keep the game scoreless.

Catholic was led by Emma Shallow on offense, who finished with five shots on goal, and goalkeeper Abigail Kearney on defense with six saves.

In addition to Popp, Hatch and Ahmed, junior Mia Lanzilotta and sophomore Bella DiNardo each put a shot on goal.

With the victory, TCNJ continued its season opener win streak that dates back to the 2013 season, the last five of which have come against Catholic. Dating back to last season, the Lions have now won six straight regular-season road games.

The Lions will head out to Juniata on Saturday for another road game at 1 p.m., before hosting their home opener against Desales on September 10.