EWING, N.J. - The 10th-ranked TCNJ women's soccer team hosted Montclair State in conference action Wednesday night, scoring twice early en route to a crucial, 2-1 win over the reigning NJAC champions.
Â
It took just over two minutes for the Lions (7-1-2, 2-1 NJAC) to open the scoring on a well-executed combination play that began with
Jenny Ward. The junior beat her defender down the left sideline before sending a perfectly-weighted pass to a streaking
Katie Naughton, who one-timed a cross to a wide open Alyssa Afano at the back post to give TCNJ the early lead.
Â
After an electrifying start to the contest, fans didn't have to wait much longer for a second goal, with the Lions doubling their lead five minutes later off the head of
Elaina Williams.
Â
This time it was Naughton earning a corner for TCNJ to be taken on the far side by
Maggie Murphy. The junior sent a curling ball into the six where Williams rose above the rest to redirect the ball into the far corner and give the hosts an almost-immediate 2-0 advantage.
Â
 Momentum swung toward the visitors over the ensuing 10 minutes, but making a trio of saves to keep the Red Hawks' (8-2-1, 2-1 NJAC) high-powered attack at bay was
Ellen Williams. Both Williams and Montclair State's Mackenzie Sibello were tasked with one more save down the stretch before the halftime whistle blew with the Lions up two.
Â
TCNJ came out swinging in the second half in hopes of putting the game away, but could not convert any of their nine shots in the opening 16 minutes into a goal. Instead it was the Red Hawks creating the best chance of the half just 30 seconds later, but there to make her second highlight-reel save of the evening was Williams, who paired a lofted shot over the crossbar to maintain her clean sheet.
Â
Entering desperation mode as the clock continued to wind, Montclair State finally got one back off the foot of top-scorer Isabell Kronow to trim the lead to one in the 75th minute. That is as close as the visitors would get, however, with the final whistle securing TCNJ the 2-1 win and handing the Red Hawks their first conference loss since 2024.
Â
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- The Lions held a 23-13 edge in shots but finished with a narrow, 8-7 lead in shots on goal.
- TCNJ took six corners to Montclair State's three.
- Ward fired off nine shots, putting four on frame.
NOTES
- Alfano's goal is her fourth of the season and the 23rd of her career.
- Ward's hockey assist pushes her total to five for the season and extends her streak of games with at least one point to four.
- Naughton's assist was the first of her career.
- Williams' six saves push her career total to 150.
- The junior is the seventh goalie in program history to reach those numbers.
UP NEXT
- The Lions are on the road Saturday, Oct. 10 to take on Rutgers-Newark, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m.
