EWING, N.J. – In a nail-biting season opener, the No. 11 TCNJ Field Hockey team managed to tie the game late in regulation before ultimately falling, 2-1, in double overtime against Catholic on Friday afternoon.  

Despite holding a sizable advantage in total shots (24-to-13) and penalty corners (18-to-11), the Lions offense stalled just enough against a tough Cardinals defense for an untimely penalty stroke in the second overtime period to seal the game.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Lions began the game by controlling possession on the Catholic side of the field, generating two penalty corners for three shots as the Cardinals couldn't record a single shot attempt in the first quarter.
• Catholic turned the tide in the second, striking first on a penalty corner score by sophomore Mary Rojack to take the lead. The Cardinals would end the quarter with a 5-to-3 edge in corners and a 6-to-4 advantage in shots.
• Looking to respond, the Blue and Gold once again went on the offensive in the third period by putting up six shots on six penalty corner. However, three saves from goalie Abigail Kearney kept the TCNJ offense at bay.
• With a little under five minutes left in regulation, the Lions finally broke through on a penalty corner when freshman Codie Sciacca deflected a Claire Engebreth shot attempt past the Cardinals backline, tying the game and ultimately sending the home opener into extra periods.
• After a first overtime period ended in a stalemate, the Cardinals would get a golden opportunity at the start of the second when Rojack was gifted a penalty stroke. She would promptly capitalize to lift Catholic over the Lions.

STANDOUT LIONS:

• Junior All-American Rayhanah Ahmed finished her afternoon with a career-high 12 shots, five of which were on goal.
• In her first career start as goalie, senior Saige Berkowicz recorded six saves to help lead a Lions defense that shut down multiple Cardinals scoring chances on penalty corners.
• Entering the game from the bench, Sciacca made her collegiate debut a memorable one with the Lions' lone score of the game. She finished the match with three shots, two of which were on goal.
• Getting the start in her first ever game, fellow first year Jadyn Huff had a stellar debut of her own after finishing with four shots, with two on goal.

UP NEXT:
The Lions will head out for the first road trip of the season to play DeSales next Saturday, September 9. The game time is scheduled for a noon start.