GALLOWAY, N.J. – The No. 17 TCNJ field hockey team suffered its first conference defeat on the season after a 4-2 loss at Stockton on Tuesday evening.

Despite a valiant one goal, one assist performance from Rayhanah Ahmed, the Lions (9-4, 3-1 NJAC) couldn't keep pace with an Ospreys (13-3, 3-1) offense that repeatedly answered TCNJ's multiple second half comeback attempts with timely scores of their own.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Kristen Bailey scored the first goal of the match at the 4:10 mark of the second quarter after receiving a pass directly in front of the cage and sending a reverse hit to the opposite post and in 
• TCNJ secured the equalizer in the opening seconds of the second half on an incredible solo fast break attack from Ahmed in which she maneuvered the ball around every Stockton defender before landing the ball into the back of the cage.
• However, Stockton quickly responded on a Carlee Thompson score four minutes later to retake the lead, before creating separation with a second Thompson goal to secure a comfortable two-goal advantage with a minute left in the period.
• With 16 seconds left in the third, the Ospreys had another golden opportunity to extend their lead on a penalty corner, but a brilliant diving save from Brigitte Racey neutralized the opportunity to keep the blue and gold in the match.
• The Lions slashed their deficit in half a minute into the final frame when Ahmed dished a brilliant pass to sophomore Mackenzie Hart after rebounding her own initial shot attempt which had been blocked.
• But once again the home team quickly responded with a goal of their own just two minutes later, as Bailey would find the back of the goal for the second time to effectively seal the match.

STANDOUT LIONS

• Since moving into the starting lineup against Moravian, Hart has now scored three goals in four games.
• Ahmed finished with all seven shots being on goal.  

NOTES

• While Stockton held a narrow 12-to-10 edge in total shots attempted, TCNJ finished the game with more shots on goal (9-to-8). Both teams generated seven penalty corner opportunities.
• The Ospreys snapped a 19-game losing streak in the series matchup against the Lions

UP NEXT
The Lions journey out to Salisbury on Saturday in a nationally ranked matchup against the No. 5 Sea Gulls. The start time is scheduled for 1 P.M.