Ewing, N.J. - Eastern Field Hockey suffered its first loss since week one as the Eagles fell to No. 1 ranked TCNJ 6-0. The first half was controlled by the Lions as they tallied four goals which all but sealed the win for them and moved them to 10-0 overall on the season.
TCNJ came out firing scoring twice in the first 12 minutes of the game. Junior midfielder Jaclyn Douglas netted the first one at the 7:09 mark and then struck again just over four minutes later to stretch the lead to 2-0.
The Eagles managed to take only four shots in the half putting two of those on net. That was the extent of the offense as the TCNJ defense shutdown any attack that came their way. Head Coach Camrin Azzarano said of the game "TCNJ are ranked #1 and the reigning DIII champs for a reason. The fact we have the opportunity to play them is an experience we do not regret."
The Lions struck again late in the first half to extend their lead scoring two goals a minute apart from each other. Off a penalty corner Shannon Cowles was able to find the net making the score 3-0. Then at the 29:30 mark off a shot and save by Nicole Berger TCNJ's Alicia Wagner was right there to tip home the rebound and make the score 4-0 heading into the break.
TCNJ rode their wave of momentum right into the second half as they tallied their fifth goal of the match just over a minute in. The Lions would tack on one more goal to extend their lead to 6-0 which proved to be the final.
Berger and Jennifer O'Neill did everything they could combining for 15 saves on the night for Eastern. Coach Azzarano went on to say "Playing the best teaches us how we can be our best. It gives us an opportunity to reassess our focus, mental preparation, and physical training. Our team has great chemistry and will work hard in the next three days to strengthen our confidence in how we know we can play together."
The loss dropped Eastern to 8-2 overall on the season. The Eagles will take on King's College (Pa) Saturday October 10th at 11 AM to kickoff homecoming weekend. Both teams are currently tied for first place in the MAC Freedom.
