EWING, N.J.- The TCNJ women's soccer team saw its terrific season come to a close on Sunday in the second round of the NCAA tournament with a 3-0 loss to Tufts University.
 
The Lions (16-3-1) fought hard for the entire ninety minutes against Tufts (9-5-4), but unfortunately could not capitalize on some scoring opportunities.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Tufts took an early lead in the 7^th minute on a corner kick that was headed past Bella Norman as she charged to punch the ball out of harms way.
• The best chance for the Lions in the first half came on an Emma Pascarella cross from just outside the box from right to left that was headed by Ava Garay just outside the woodwork.
• TCNJ generated another quality chance in the 26^th on an Ava Curtis entry pass that was shot by Pascarella but blocked by a Tufts defender.
• The Jumbos extended their lead to two and then three goals within a minute of each other in the 55^th and 56^th on two impressive shots that barely snuck into the back of the net.
• The closest opportunity for a goal in the second half was on a Rachel Burkhard corner that hit the crossbar.
• Another solid chance for TCNJ in the second half came on a set piece from Allie O'Keefe from the top left corner of the box which sailed just high of the crossbar.

 
NOTES:

• TCNJ secured the program's 21^st NJAC Championship in 2023.
• Victoria D'Imperio closed out 2023 with one of the best offensive seasons in school history as she netted 20 goals and totaled for 47 points on the year. Both of those are good for second best in TCNJ history.
• Pascarella finished the season with 15 assists, which is the best single-season mark in school history. Nationally, her 15 assists are second in Division III. She ends her career at TCNJ 3^rd on the all-time assists list with 30.
• The Lions finished as the 7^th best scoring offense in the nation, averaging just under four goals a game.