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Former TCNJ Baseball Coach Rick Dell center stage at 2008 Olympics

source Media Release

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey's former baseball coach, Rick Dell is slated to throw out the first pitch when the United States Olympic Baseball team opens action in Beijing, China. Dell, the Lions' baseball coach until July of 2007, is currently the director of baseball operations is Asia for Major League Baseball (MLB). He is based in Beijing, China. He began his new position started on September 1, 2007 and last summer was part of the first-ever China Baseball Academy in Wuxi, China, to train young baseball talent from across China, in conjunction with the China Baseball League.

PHOTO: President Bush with Coach Dell

Dell will have a front and center part when the U.S. opens competition on Wednesday, August 13 as the U.S. team takes on Korea at Wukesong Field 2 at 6 p.m. (Tuesday, Aug. 12 in the US).  The U.S. is 5-0 vs. Korea in Olympic history including a pair of wins at the 2000 Sydney Games.

The U.S. Olympic Baseball Team received a visit from President George W. Bush on Monday afternoon before the team's exhibition game with China. The President arrived about 40 minutes prior to the scrimmage at Wukesong Field 2 and met with manager Davey Johnson, as well as the players and staff. He then stayed around for an inning and a half of play with First Lady Laura Bush and his daughter Barbara Bush in attendance as well.

Dell was also amongst the staff on hand at the practice on Monday and also had an opportunity to meet President George W. Bush.

TCNJ Student Realizes Olympic Dreams

Kaburu Gilbert, a student in the elementary education master's teacher certification program at TCNJ's Johannesburg, South Africa, site, is a swimmer on the Ugandan Olympic Team. He will be carrying the flag for his country during the opening ceremony tomorrow as the Ugandan team processes into the Olympic stadium shortly before the United States' team.

Kaburu will compete in the freestyle, because the Olympic Games do not feature his specialty, the 50-meter butterfly. He has stated his intention to retire from competitive swimming after the Olympics.

Within his TCNJ master's program, Kaburu is researching the perceptions of upper-elementary level students, teachers, and coaches regarding the academic impact of organized physical activities.

Please joining us in wishing him well as he fulfills his Olympic dream.

The Department of Public Relations and Communications

TCNJ selects Dean Glus to serve as Head Baseball Coach

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey’s Director of Athletics, John Castaldo has announced the permanent appointment of Dean Glus (Formerly of North Braddock, PA and now of Tinton Falls, NJ) as the baseball coach at the College. Glus was appointed as the program’s interim coach in July of 2007 filling the void left by Rick Dell, when he resigned to accept a position with Major League Baseball last year. 

Dean Glus (photo) said of his selection, “I feel privileged and honored to be named the next head baseball coach of what has been and what I am confident will continue to be one of the top Division III baseball programs in the country.” Glus added,” I am grateful to The College of New Jersey's Administration - in particular, John Castaldo, Director of Athletics and Jim Norfleet, Vice President of Student Affairs- for giving me the opportunity to lead the baseball program not only on the field, but also in the classroom."

Athletic Director John Castaldo noted of the selection of Glus, “Under Dean Glus, TCNJ’s baseball program did not miss a beat this past season.” Castaldo added “Dean led the program to a strong finish with a 30-12 record and helped the Lions earn a spot in the NJAC and NCAA tournaments. Under his guidance the baseball program continued to be a strong national contender.”

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TCNJ’S SHARON PFLUGER NAMED IWLCA BOARDWALK REGION COACH OF THE YEAR

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey’s Sharon Pfluger added another honor to long list of awards as she was tabbed as the 2008 Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Boardwalk Region Coach of the Year.

This past season, Pfluger guided the Lions to the NCAA Division III semifinals for the 23rd time in program history and finished with a 17-2 record.

Acknowledged as one of the premier women’s lacrosse coaches in Division III, Pfluger became TCNJ’s all-time winningest coach in the sport in less than six full years at her alma mater.

Her teams have appeared in the NCAA Tournament 22 times, advancing to the NCAA Division III Championship game on 16 occasions.

TCNJ TAPS KELLY WILLIAMS TO HEAD MEN’S BASKETBALL PROGRAM

Media Release

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey’s Athletic Director, John Castaldo has announced the appointment of 1993 graduate, Kelly Williams to direct its men’s basketball program. Williams, who played for the Lions from 1989 to 1993, and served as an assistant men’s coach with the Lions as well returns to his alma mater and will assume his new role on July 1.

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TCNJ’S JEFF TOTH NAMED TO 2008 ECAC METRO ALL-STAR TEAM

Media release
Ewing, NJ – The 2008 Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III Metro All-Star Team was released this week and TCNJ’s placed one player on the First Team.  TCNJ’s junior shortstop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial) was recognized for his outstanding play this past season with the Lions.

TCNJ’S KAREN DOANE NAMED TO 2007-2008 ESPN THE MAGAZINE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA TEAM

Media Release
Ewing, NJ----The College of New Jersey’s senior women’s lacrosse player, Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) added an additional honor to her extensive list of accomplishments. On Thursday, she was named to the 2007-2008 ESPN The Magazine At-Large Academic All-America College Division Third team for her accomplishments in the classroom and on the playing field.

USSA’S DIRECTORS’ CUP:TCNJ Athletic Dept. Finishes in Third

Media Release June 12
DALLAS, TX----The College of New Jersey athletic department finished in third place in the race for the 2007-2008 U.S. Sports Academy Directors’ Cup. The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) released the final standings for the United States Sports Academy Directors’ Cup race for Division III for the academic year. The winners were honored at the Directors’ Cup Awards Luncheon sponsored by Collegiate Images in conjunction with the 43rd annual NACDA Convention in Dallas.

It was a three-peat in the U. S. Sports Academy Directors’ Cup, as the same institutions in Division I, II and III, and also the NAIA took home at least their third consecutive Directors’ Cup.

DOD Releases the names of 13 Casualities Killed between May 30 & June 3

The Department of Defense announced today the death of the following Marines and Soldiers of the United States Army who died supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and r Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Those listed died between May 30 and June 3.

Marine Cpl. Christian S. Cotner, 20, of Waterbury, Conn.

Marine Cpl. Justin R. Mixon, 22, of Bogalusa, La. 

Spc. Quincy J. Green, 26, of El Paso, Texas 

Spc. James M. Finley, 21, of Lebanon, Mo. 

Pfc. Andrew J. Shields, 19, of Battleground, Wash. 

Maj. Scott A. Hagerty, 41, of Stillwater, Okla. 

Pfc. Derek D. Holland, 20, of Wind Gap, Pa. 

Sgt. Shane P. Duffy, 22, of Taunton, Mass. 

PFC. Jonathan D. A. Emard, 20, of Mesquite, Texas 

Sgt. Cody R. Legg, 23, of Escondido, Calif. 

Chief Warrant Officer James Carter, 42, of Alabama 

Pfc. Andre D. McNair, Jr., 20, of Fort Pierce, Fla. 

Pfc. Joshua E. Waltenbaugh, 19, of Ford City, Pa.

Related: The Ultimate Sacrifice

TCNJ’S ALISON JAEGER TABBED TOP ROOKIE BY INSIDE LACROSSE

Media Release, June 6

Ewing, NJ… A big reason The College of New Jersey women’s lacrosse team spent the entire season ranked among the top teams in Division III was the play of freshman Alison Jaeger (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon). Her efforts did not go unnoticed as the Lion was tabbed the Inside Lacrosse Division III Rookie off the Year.

Jaeger was previously honored by the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association earning a spot on the Boardwalk Region First Team.

Jaeger stepped right in for TCNJ this spring starting every game and provided a big spark generating the attack off of the draw. She led the team with 55 draw controls, 16 assists and six game-winning goals, while finishing second in goals (46) and points (62). She was also the most consistent scorer for TCNJ being the only player to record a goal in each of the team’s 19 games, netting a career best four goals on three occasions.

The Lions had another successful season the field advancing to the national semifinals finishing with a record of 17-2.


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TCNJ’S JESSICA BONELLI AND STEPHANIE HERRICK HONORED FOR ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC SUCCESS

June 5


Ewing, NJ… Two runners from The College of New Jersey were cited for their academic and athletic prowess as senior Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) and junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) each earned a spot on CoSIDA’s ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country College Division First Team.   

By earning a spot on the first team, both student-athletes will move on to the national ballot and are candidates for the National College Division Academic All-America Team, which will be announced on June 25.

Bonelli, a marketing major with a grade-point-average of 3.48, capped her standout career with the Lions as a 10-time All-American. She garnered two of those citations last month at the 2008 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships placing third in the 400 meters with a season-best time of 55.61 seconds and was part of the fourth-place 4x400 relay team. She is a three-time All-American in the 400.

At the 2008 New Jersey Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships, Bonelli won the 400 meters and was part of the winning 4x100 relay.

In 2007, she was cited as the NJAC Indoor Most Outstanding Track Athlete winning 200, 400 and 4x200 relay team and then added that same honor during the outdoor season winning 200, 400 and being part of the 4x100 relay. Bonelli captured that same award in the 2006 NJAC Outdoor Championship and was previously a member of TCNJ’s 2005 National Champion 4x100 and 4x400 (outdoor) and 4x400 (indoor) relay teams. The senior is a four-time TCNJ Scholar-Athlete and three-time NJAC All-Academic Honorable Mention selection.

Herrick, who boasts a 3.50 GPA in communications, started her season running cross country and placed second overall at the 2007 NJAC Championships as the Lions garnered the team title. She was also an All-NJAC First Team honoree and then competed at the NCAA Atlantic Region Championships and helped the Lions earn an at-large bid to the 2007 NCAA Cross Country Championships.

In track, she was selected as the 2008 United States Track & Field Cross Country Coaches Association Division III Track Athlete of the Year and the Atlantic Region Women’s Track Athlete of the Year. She was tabbed as the 2008 NJAC Indoor Most Outstanding Female Athlete after winning the 800 meters and the mile, while setting a new conference record in the latter event. Herrick then went on to place seventh at the NCAA indoor championships in the 800.

In the spring, Herrick brought her All-American totals to seven picking up two more at the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Championships. She finished second in the 800 with a school-record time of 2:08.42 and was also part of the 4x400 relay team that placed fourth overall. At the NJAC Outdoor Championships, she won the 800 meters and the 1,500 for the second straight year. She is a three-time TCNJ Scholar-Athlete and two-time NJAC All-Academic Honorable Mention selection.

Both runners helped the Lions place 13th at the 2008 NCAA Outdoor Championships as well as winning both the indoor and outdoor NJAC Championships.

To be nominated, the student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for his/her career. No athlete is eligible until he/she has reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at his/her current institution (thus, true freshmen, red-shirt freshmen and ineligible transfers are not eligible). In the cases of transfers, graduate students and junior college graduates, the athlete must have completed one full academic year at the nominating institution to be eligible.

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FOUR TCNJ LACROSSE PLAYERS GARNER ALL-AMERICAN HONORS

May 29, news release
Ewing, NJ… The honors continue to pour in for the members of The College of New Jersey women’s lacrosse team as four players received honors with three of them landing a spot in the first team.

Seniors Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) and Toni-Anne Cavallo (Cedar Grove, NJ/West Essex) along with junior Katie Reuther (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North) each earned a spot on the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association/US Lacrosse First Team, while senior Caitlin Gregory (Winslow, NJ/Eastern) secured a spot on the third team. The three first-team All-Americans are the most by the Lions since 2004 when they landed four on the team.

All four of the players were previously named to the IWLCA Boardwalk Region First Team.

Doane, who is now a four-time All-American, led the Lions in scoring with a career-high 67 goals and 81 points as the team finished their successful season with a 17-2 record and advanced to the NCAA Division III semifinals for the 23rd time in the 24-year history of the tournament. She was also named to the 2008 NCAA All-Tournament Team.

Doane has also been named to CoSIDA’s ESPN The Magazine All-District At-Large First Team in addition to being a nominated by the Board of Collegiate Women Sports Awards as a candidate for the 2007-2008 Division III Athlete of the Year representing lacrosse. She finished her standout career at TCNJ fifth all-time in goals scored with 192 and sixth in points with 248.

Cavallo has earned first-team honors for the second straight year proved to be a versatile midfielder for the Lions finishing third on the team in goals (34) and points (43), while adding 31 ground balls, 30 draw controls and causing 11 turnovers. Her 34 goals were a career high and she finished her career with 108 goals and 149 points.

Reuther played a variety of roles for the Lions ranging from a standout defender to an emerging offensive threat. The junior, who garnered All-American status for the first time, was among the top defenders on the team and set career highs in every offensive category. She finished with 20 goals and six assists for 26 points, while leading the team with 43 ground balls and ranked second with 39 draw controls and 23 caused turnovers. She was also named to the 2008 NCAA Division III All-Tournament Team.

TCNJ led the country in team defense and Gregory was a major reason why. The senior topped all goalies in Division III with a 6.42 goals-against-average and also ranked nationally with a .511 save percentage. She was the four-time ECAC Metro/South Goalie of the Week Selection and was 17-2 on the season with 117 saves. Her third-team selection was her first All-American honor.

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Doane nominated for Division III Athlete of the Year

Media Release May 28

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey senior Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) has been nominated by the Board of Collegiate Women Sports Awards as a candidate for the 2007-2008 Division III Athlete of the Year representing lacrosse.

This spring, Doane led the Lions’ women’s lacrosse team in scoring with a career-high 67 goals and 81 points as the team finished their successful season with a 17-2 record and advanced to the NCAA Division III semifinals for the 23rd time in the 24-year history of the tournament. She was also named to the 2008 NCAA All-Tournament Team.

Doane, a marketing major with a 3.39 grade-point-average, is a three-time All-American and capped her career at TCNJ fifth in goals scored with 192 and sixth in points with 248. She is a candidate for her fourth All-American citation with those teams being released later this week. The midfielder is a four-time all-region selection and was the 2007 ECAC Metro Player of the Year. Doane was a key member of TCNJ’s back-to-back national championship teams in 2005 and 2006 and was selected to the 2006 NCAA Division III All-Tournament Team.

She also excels academically being named 2008 CoSIDA’s ESPN The Magazine All-District At-Large First Team and now moves on to the national ballot and is a candidate for the National College Division Academic All-America Team, which will be announced on June 12. She earned second-team honors in 2007. Doane is also a four-time TCNJ Scholar-Athlete and was named to the 2007 IWLCA Division III Academic Honor Roll.

The Collegiate Women Sports Awards program has completed its 32nd year and recognizes the top woman collegiate athlete in each of 11 sports in Divisions II and III as nominees for the Division II and III Athletes of the Year. The program also honors the recipients of the Honda-Broderick Cup and the Honda Inspiration Award.

Divisions II and III athletes are nominated by national coaches associations for each of the 11 sports: basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, track and field and volleyball. The athletes are placed on ballots emailed to all Divisions II and III Senior Women Administrators in June every year and the Athlete of the Year for each division is determined by the outcome of the voting.

In addition, the 12 Division I Honda Sports Award winners are determined by balloting throughout the year to all NCAA senior woman administrators for each of 12 sports. These Division I athletes are also nominated by national coaches associations. After balloting for each sport, the winner of each of the 12 sports is a nominee for Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year to be given the Honda-Broderick Cup. The ballot for the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year completes the balloting and takes place later in June.

The Inspiration Award winner is determined separately by a call to all NCAA Sports Information Directors for nominations, making a total of 15 award recipients in the program.

The awards program is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and to celebrate these awards American Honda Motor Co., Inc. donates $1,000 to the women’s athletic fund of each Honda Sports Award nominee’s university and each Division II and III nominee’s university. The Division II and III winner’s institutions, along with the Honda-Broderick Cup and the Inspiration Award recipients’ schools receive $5,000 each.

A press conference will be held June 23, 2008 at Columbia University in New York City to announce and present The Divisions II and III Athletes of the Year along with the recipients of the Honda-Broderick Cup the Honda Inspiration Award.

DIVISION III ATHLETE OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS
1987-1988 Jessica Beachy, basketball (Concordia College)
1988-1989 Anna Prineas, track and field (Carleton College)
1989-1990 Yvonne Grierson, swimming (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
1990-1991 Ann Gilbert, basketball (Oberlin College)
1991-1992 Kim Oden, track and field (Nebraska Wesleyan University)
1992-1993 Jennifer Carter, swimming (Kenyon College)
1993-1994 Carla Ainsworth, swimming (Kenyon College)
1994-1995 Amy Albers, volleyball (Washington University)
1995-1996 Shelley Swan, volleyball (Washington University)
1996-1997 Turena Johnson, track and field (Luther College)
1997-1998 Tiffany Speckman, cross country (University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh)
1998-1999 Kelly Schade, softball (Simpson College)
1999-2000 Alia Fischer, basketball (Washington University)
2000-2001 Tasha Rogers, basketball (Washington University)
2001-2002 Julia Bergofsky, field hockey (Middlebury College)
2002-2003 Libby Hysell, softball (Central College)
2003-2004 Mary Ellen, Gordon tennis (Emory University)
2004-2005 Missy Buttry, cross country (Wartburg College)
2005-2006 Megan Silva, basketball (Randolph-Macon College)
2006-2007 Liz Bondi, tennis (Depauw University)

TCNJ’S HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER JOE CAMILLONE TO RETIRE FROM TCNJ AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE

Media Release
   
Ewing, NJ…After 35 years of service as the Head Athletic Trainer at The College of New Jersey, Joe Camillone, right, (Ewing, NJ) will be retiring on June 1, 2008.

Over the course of his tremendous career, Camillone dedicated himself to the safety and betterment of student-athletes at the College. He brought both distinction and acclaim to TCNJ’s athletic department and was recognized for his outstanding skills.

In 2007, he was awarded the 2007 Presidential Award at the 2007 Eastern Athletic Trainers Association Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. 

Camillone became only the second person honored with the Presidential Award, which is given to a person who shows unselfish and dedicated efforts which has advanced the EATA and the athletic training profession. Established in January 2006, the first recipient of the award was Bob O’Malley, former athletic trainer and assistant athletic director at Philadelphia University.

The Eastern Athletic Trainers' Association was first formed in January 1949 when a few athletic trainers in the northeast decided to gather and share information. Today, the EATA encompasses all members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association, who reside in either District I or District II.

The EATA holds an annual meeting and provides scholarships and research opportunities for students and certified athletic trainers who are members.
Camillone has worked at TCNJ for more than three decades with diligence, care and expertise to bring the best possible health care to literally thousands of student-athletes. 

Additionally, he has played a significant role in promoting the field of athletic training and has been mentor to countless assistant trainers, graduate assistants and student trainers who have gone on from TCNJ to a career in athletic training.

In the fall of 2003, Camillone was also honored by his alma mater, the University of Findlay (Findlay, Ohio) with the school’s Distinguished Alumni Citation. He was also honored in 2007 with the All-America Football Foundation Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award.

Certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA), he is also licensed by the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners. The Ewing Township resident came to TCNJ in August, 1973 after serving as a teacher and athletic trainer at Cedar Ridge High School in Old Bridge, NJ. He holds a bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Findlay College (Ohio) and a masters degree in physical education from Eastern Michigan University.

Camillone served as the first president of the Eastern Athletic Trainers Association from 1991-1993. He is also a member of the Governor's Athletic Training Advisory Committee. In 1995, he was honored by the NATA with the Distinguished Service Award for his dedication to athletic training.

Active with in the EATA, Camillone currently serves as the Chair of the Honors and Awards Committee.

At TCNJ, he is responsible for the development and maintenance of the health care program for student-athletes. In particular, he supervises the treatment of injuries and administers rehabilitative exercise. He also teaches Prevention of Athletic Injury and a Health Issues seminar at TCNJ.

Both he and his wife make athletic training a profession. Wife Lisa has served as the head trainer at nearby Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ, for the past 24 years. They are the proud parents of a daughter, Andrea, age 14.

A golf outing and dinner for Camillone is planned for Friday, July 18 at Mercer Oaks Country Club. For more information, please contact TCNJ’s athletic department at 609-771-2230.

 

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TCNJ’S WILLIAM KROPP NAMED TO 2008 ESPN THE MAGAZINE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA TEAM

Media Release May 27

Ewing, NJ – The College of New Jersey’s senior first baseman William Kropp (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts) has been named to the 2008 CoSIDA ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America College Division Second Team for his outstanding play on the field and excellence in the classroom.

Kropp becomes the fourth baseball player in program history to achieve this honor, while TCNJ has now produced 49 student-athletes that have earned CoSIDA Academic All-America citations. He follows in the footsteps of former Lion baseball players, Jeff Nevitt (1989 and 1991), Howard Forman (1992) and Dave Ceccanechio (1998) to have earned CoSIDA Academic All-America honors while wearing a Lion baseball uniform.


Kropp, who was a second team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team honoree a year ago, started 37 games for the Lions and excelled at first base in 2008. He earned NJAC All-Star Honorable Mention honors and the Senior Award from the NJCBA after capping his career at TCNJ. He finished the 2008 season with a .320 average at the plate with seven extra-base hits and 24 RBIs. He has committed only three errors in 345 total chances this season for a .991 fielding percentage and has helped the Lions turn 32 double plays. Overall on his career, he played in 128 games at TCNJ while collecting 127 hits and 74 RBIs in 104 starts with a .302 average. He also has a .991 career fielding percentage having been charged with just seven errors in 799 total chances. He ranks among the career leaders at TCNJ having collected 24 doubles, which is 21st best in school history, while his four career triples is 10th best as well.

He boasted a 3.93 gpa as a business major at the College and had the second highest gpa of TCNJ’s senior male student-athletes this year.  He is a Dean's List student as well as a four-time TCNJ Scholar-Athlete and a three-time NJAC Scholar-Athlete honoree. He missed five games in mid-March with a hamstring injury and returned to help the Lions make a run for the 2008 NJAC championship and post-season acclaim.


TCNJ went 30-12 on the season, while earning the No. 3 seed in both the 2008 NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional and NJAC tournaments. TCNJ, which captured three NJAC Championship titles from 2005-2007, earned one of the 14 at-large bids to the 2008 NCAA Division III Tournament and went 2-2 to advance to the final day of the 2008 NCAA Regionals, only to fall to Kean University in their bid to earn a trip to the 2008 College World Series.

To be nominated for CoSIDA’s ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America program, the student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for his/her career. No athlete is eligible until he/she has reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at his/her current institution (thus, true freshmen, red-shirt freshmen and ineligible transfers are not eligible). In the cases of transfers, graduate students and junior college graduates, the athlete must have completed one full academic year at the nominating institution to be eligible

TCNJ RUNNERS REEL IN ALL-AMERICAN HONORS AT NCAAS; Rams Alumni Jessica Bonelli, three-time All-American in the 400 meter

Oshkosh, WI…The final day of the 2008 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships proved to be a very successful one for The College of New Jersey women’s team as the Lions had two individuals and one relay team each garner All-American honors on Saturday.

The Lions finished the three-day event hosted by the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh in 13th place with 19 team points. University of Wisconsin - River Falls and Illinois Wesleyan tied for first place with 35 points apiece.

In the 4x400 relay, the Lions placed fourth as the team of sophomore Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler), freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Colts Neck), junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) and senior Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) combined for a time of season-best time of 3:46.31. By placing in the top eight, they secured All-American honors.

Finishing first in the relay was the team from Wartburg College with a top time of 3:45.72.

In the 800 meters, Herrick set a school record in the finals with a swift time of 2:08.42 to place second marking the third straight year she has garnered All-American status in the event. She finished fifth a year ago and is now a seven-time All-American at TCNJ.

University of Wisconsin – Platteville’s Marcia Taddy edged Herrick for the title with a time of 2:08.23.

Bonelli became a three-time All-American in the 400 meters as she boasted a season-best time of 55.61 seconds to claim third place. She capped her standout career with the Lions a combined 10-time All-American.

Rachel Anderson from Illinois Wesleyan won the race with a time of 54.35.
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Kean University Bow Out of World Series

 

Grand Chute, Wis. (5/24/08) - Freshman Ross Tonyan (Lake Orion, Mich.) crossed the plate in the bottom of the twelfth to send Adrian College (35-12) past Kean University, 7-6, and in turn giving the Cougars their second straight loss and elimination from the tournament.

Nate Sarkissian (South Lyon, Mich.) led off the inning with a single up the middle.  Tonyan would come in and pinch run for him at first.  After a successful sacrifice moved him to second, Andrew Anderson (Farmington, Mich.) added a single of his own to put runners at the corners.  Todd Meyers (Adrian, Mich.) then hit a ball in the hole at short that was mishandled and Tonyan scampered across with the winning run.

The Cougars finish the season with a 39-11 mark after advancing to the championship tournament for the second year in a row after claiming the crown a season ago.

In the early going Kean seemed to be handling the Bulldogs scoring in each of the first five innings to take a 5-0 lead.  After a change in pitchers, KU would not record another hit until the 11^th inning.  After recording single runs in the first three innings, the Cougars tallied two in the top of the fourth.  Senior Dan Mattonelli (Hamilton, N.J.) led off the inning with a single followed by a single by senior Bryan Burke (Lindenhurst, N.Y.).  After a successful sacrifice by senior catcher Kevin O'Neill (Union, N.J.), senior Maikel De La Rosa (Newark, N.J.) drove in both with a single to center.

Adrian responded with four in the bottom of the inning to pull within 5-4.  With one out and one runner on freshman Brian Bilius (Toledo, Ohio) reached on a controversial catchers interference to prolong the inning.  Meyers later delivered a huge blow, clearing the bases with a double to left-center.

After exchanging runs, Adrian tied things up in their half of the seventh.  With two outs, the Bulldogs got things going with back-to-back walks.  Bilius tied things up with an RBI single to right.

The Bulldogs threatened in the bottom of the eleventh forcing the bases loaded with one out.  Aich got out of the jam getting Steve Vanderheyden (Lake Orion, Mich.) to pop up to short rightfield and Bilius to groundout to short on a bang-bang play to end the inning.

After committing just four errors to this point this season, De La Rosa uncharacteristically recorded three this afternoon while O'Neill's interference call led to four errors this afternoon, their second highest total of the season.

Offensively, De La Rosa was 3-for-5 with three RBI while Burke was 3-for-5 with a run scored and RBI.

Related: Rowan Downs TCNJ in NCAA Tournament

Kean Heads Back to World Series with 8-2 Win Over Rowan 

TWO TCNJ RUNNERS ADVANCE TO FINALS AT NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Media Release May 23

Oshkosh, WI… Two runners from the College of New Jersey qualified for the finals in their respective events on the second day of action at the 2008 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships hosted by the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh on Friday.

The first runner to move into the finals was senior Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) as she finished second in her heat of the 400 meters with a time of 56.53 seconds. She will now compete in the finals on Saturday and seeks her third All-American citation in the event. Bonelli placed seventh at last year’s championship.

Junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) moved into the finals of the 800 meters for the third straight year as she won her heat with a time of 2:13.87.  Herrick is a two-time All-American in the event, placing fifth a year ago.

Freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Colts Neck) and sophomore Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler) also competed in the 800 meters with Wimberly posting a time of 2:15.25 and Spadaccini at 2:15.54.

For the men, freshman Kyle Gilroy (Oak Ridge, NJ/West Milford Township) ran the 110-meter high hurdles and finished fourth in his heat with a time of 14.81 seconds.

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SEVEN TCNJ LACROSSE PLAYERS EARN REGIONAL HONORS

Media Release May 23

Ewing, NJ… On the heels of another success season on the field, the honors for members of The College of New Jersey’s women’s lacrosse team have started to pour in as seven players were named to the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Boardwalk Region teams.

The Lions landed five players on the first team, with two more being second-team selections. Earning Boardwalk Region First Team honors were seniors Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan), Toni-Anne Cavallo (Cedar Grove, NJ/West Essex) and Caitlin Gregory (Winslow, NJ/Eastern) along with junior Katie Reuther (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North) and freshman Alison Jaeger (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon).

These five players are now candidates for the IWLCA/US Lacrosse All-America teams that will be announced on Thursday, May 29.

Named to the second team were junior Tara Klein (Ocean, NJ/Ocean Township) and freshman Leigh Mitchell (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape).

TCNJ OPENS COMPETITION AT NCAA TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Media Release May22

Oshkosh, WI… The first day of the 2008 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships was a busy one for the Lions’ women’s team with several individuals and one relay team in action at the event being hosted by the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh.

TCNJ’s 4x400 relay team finished second in their heat to advance to the finals as the quartet of senior  Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic), sophomore Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler), junior Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) and freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Colts Neck) combined for a time of 3:49.63. The finals are set for Saturday at afternoon.

Bonelli also turned in a season-best time of 24.97 seconds in the 200 meters, but came up just .02 seconds short of advancing to Saturday’s finals.

Tricocci competed in the long jump as well and finished seventh in her flight sailing a distance to 5.21 meters.

In the 10,000 meters, junior Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) placed 16th with a time of 38:51.94.

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Oliver and Toth named to First Team All-Region; Gawlak and Oliver Tapped for Golden Glove Award

Media Release May 21

Ewing, NJ – The 2008 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Mid-Atlantic All-Region Team was released and The College of New Jersey had four players recognized on the team, while two others were named to the 2008 ABCA-Rawlings Mid-Atlantic Region Gold Glove First Team.

TCNJ's junior shortstop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial) and senior pitcher Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, NJ/Hamilton West) were all placed on the First Team for their play in 2008, while junior second baseman Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester) was named to the Second Team and junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) was named to the Third Team.

Oliver and Toth are now candidates for the 2008 ABCA-Rawlings All-America Team which will be released later this week at the 2008 NCAA Division III College World Series. Oliver and senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South) were also named to the 2008 ABCA-Rawlings Mid-Atlantic Region Gold Glove First Team.

Toth, who was named to the 2007 ABCA Mid-Atlantic Regional First Team a year ago, was also named to the 2007 ABCA National All-America Third Team in his first season with the Lions. He was named to the 2008 NJAC All-Star First Team, as well as the 2008 NJCBA All-State First Team for his play as a junior. On the 2008 season, Toth batted .353 with 38 RBIs, nine doubles, three triples, six home runs and is 21-24 on stolen bases. Toth, who added a .563 slugging percentage this year, also scored 45 runs, connecting on 55 hits with 31 walks and was 21-24 on stolen base tries. A 41-game starter in 2008, Toth has now started 86 games for the Lions and while driving in 82 RBIs, off 123 hits, including 14 home runs, 10 triples, 15 doubles and has scored 96 runs in his two seasons with the Lions.

Oliver boasted a 6-2 record with a 2.34 ERA in ten starts and had two complete games on the season. He worked in 73 innings this spring and fanned 64 batters, both tops this season for the Lion pitching staff. On his career, Oliver has a 19-4 record while amassing 168 strikeouts in 197.2 innings of work. He had an unbeaten streak that grew to 10 games and spanned two seasons, before suffering a 3-0 loss to Kean to close the month of April. Oliver is currently a candidate for the 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Team after earning First Team All-District honors. Overall on his career, Oliver made 33 starts, which is fifth best in school history, while his 36 appearances ranks 18th best. He worked in 197.2 innings which stands 11th best at TCNJ, while striking out 168, which is 7th best. His 3.28 career ERA ranks 14th best as well in program history.

Mazzaccaro, who earned a starting role late last season and has started every game this year at third base, added a .347 average on the 2008 campaign. He is second on the squad with 44 RBIs and added 58 hits with 15 extra-base hits including eight doubles and five home runs. He had a .509 slugging percentage in 42 starts at third and added 85 total bases with 35 runs scored.

Tussey, a transfer from nearby Rider University, started all 42 games for the Lions this spring at second base and led the Lions with his .400 average and 72 hits. Of those 72 hits, 67 are singles which broke a school record that had stood since 1991 at 62 set by Dave Lebak. Tussey drove in 30 runs. He also led the team with his 180 at bats and drew 27 walks, while striking out just eighth time, ranking nationally as the toughest to strikeout (22.5).

Mazzaccaro started all 42 games for the Lions at third base and posted a .347 at the plate, having driven in 44 runs off 58 hits. He had 15 extra-base hits, including five home runs this season, while finishing with a .509 slugging percentage and 167 at bats.

Gawlak, who saw limited time behind the plate in 2007, emerged as the Lions' starting catcher and capped his career with several statistics highs. He led the Lions with his 49 RBIs and was the squad's co-leader after adding 10 doubles. He batted .335 with 55 hits and was a 42-game starter. He committed just four errors in 365 total chances for a .989 fielding percentage and helped the Lions hold the opposition to a .761 stolen base percentage as the Lion catcher threw out 16 of those attempting to steal on 51 tries.

The College of New Jersey: Six Lion baseball players honored by NJCBA

Media Release

Ewing, NJ – The College of New Jersey had three players named to the 2008 New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association Division II/III All-State First Team, while two others earned Second Team honors and one player was named to the Third Team.

TCNJ's junior shortstop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial), junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic), and senior pitcher Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, NJ/Hamilton West) were all placed on the First Team for their play in 2008.

Named to the Second Team from TCNJ were junior second baseman Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester City HS) and senior pitcher Bob Buskett (Trenton, NJ/Notre Dame), while junior relief pitcher Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) was named to the Third Team.

The selection to the first team was a repeat honor for Toth, while Oliver was a second team honoree a year ago, while Buskett was a first team honoree as a sophomore in 2006.

Toth, a 2007 Division III All-America Third Team honoree, also earned a spot on the NJAC All-Star First Team this season after earning second team honors a year ago.

On the 2008 season, Toth batted .353 with 38 RBIs, nine doubles, three triples, six home runs and is 21-24 on stolen bases. Toth, who added a .563 slugging percentage this year, also scored 45 runs, while connecting on 55 hits with 31 walks.

A 41-game starter in 2008, Toth has started 86 games for the Lions and now has added 82 RBIs, 123 hits, 14 home runs, 10 triples, 15 doubles and scored 96 runs in his two seasons with the Lions.

Oliver boasted a 6-2 record with a 2.34 ERA in ten starts and had two complete games on the season. He worked in 73 innings this spring and fanned 64 batters, both tops this season for the Lion pitching staff. On his career, Oliver has a 19-4 record while amassing 168 strikeouts in 197.2 innings of work. He had an unbeaten streak that grew to 10 games and spanned two seasons, before suffering a 3-0 loss to Kean to close the month of April.

Oliver is currently a candidate for the 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Team after earning First Team All-District honors.

Mazzaccaro, who earned a starting role late last season and has started every game this year at third base, added a .347 average on the 2008 campaign. He is second on the squad with 44 RBIs and added 58 hits with 15 extra-base hits including eight doubles and five home runs.

He had a .509 slugging percentage in 42 starts at third and added 85 total bases with 35 runs scored.

Tussey, a transfer from nearby Rider University, started all 42 games for the Lions this spring at second base and led the Lions with his .400 average and 72 hits.

Of those 72 hits, 67 are singles which broke a school record that had stood since 1991 at 62 set by Dave Lebak.

Tussey drove in 30 runs. He also led the team with his 180 at bats and drew 27 walks, while striking out just eight times, ranking nationally as the toughest to strikeout (22.5).

Buskett added a 5-4 record this year for the Lions with a 4.84 ERA in 10 appearances in 2008. He racked up 67 innings, while fanning 41 and held the opposition to a .272 average with just 24 walks. On his career, he has worked in 207.2 innings with a 20-6 record with 132 strikeouts.

Gertie finished with a 3-2 record with a team-leading nine saves on the season, just missing the school's single-season save mark (10). A workhorse, he appeared in 19 games with a 2.49 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 25.1 IP.

TCNJ PREPARED TO COMPETE AT NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Media Release

Ewing, NJ… A host of runners from The College of New Jersey track and field teams are hoping to save their best performances for last as the Lions head to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh this weekend for the 2008 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

The three-day event opens on Thursday, May 22 and runs through Saturday, May 24 with the top eight finishers in each event garnering All-American honors. The Lions will have athletes scheduled to compete all three days of the event.

TCNJ has plenty of experience running on the women’s side, led by eight-time All-American Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic). The senior will have a busy schedule at the championship event running in the 200 and 400 meters and will be part of the 4x400 relay team. She boasted a qualifying time of 25.16 seconds in the 200 and 56.09 in the 400, which ranks sixth among the 19 entrants.

Another veteran in the group looking to add to her growing list of All-American honors is junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley). The Lions has already earned five All-American citations and will be running in the 800 meters for the third straight year. A year ago she placed fifth and entering this weekend she holds the second-best qualifying time of 2:08.60.

Herrick won’t be the only Lion running in the 800, as sophomore Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler) and freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Colts Neck) also qualified. Spadaccini enters the race having run the eighth best time (2:11.82), while Wimberly earned her spot in the event with time of 2:13.15.

Junior Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) is slated to run the longest race at the championships taking the track in the 10,000 meters. McGrath was a second-place finisher at the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships and had a qualifying time of 36:08.02.

In the field events, junior Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) is looking to add to her impressive season that saw her earn All-American honors in the long jump during the indoor season. This spring, she has continued to perform well as she was named the Most Outstanding Female Field Athlete at the recent 2008 NJAC Championships. She qualified for the event with a distance of 5.62 meters (18’ 5-1/4”).

Joining Bonelli on the 4x400 relay team will be Spadaccini, Tricocci and Wimberly.  The team secured a spot with a time of 3:51.33, which ranks eighth in the 16-team field.

Freshman Kyle Gilroy (Oak Ridge, NJ/West Milford Township) is running for the men as he qualified for the event in the 110-meter high hurdles. Gilroy has had a strong finish to the season, placing second at the NJAC Championships and then was fifth this past weekend at the ECAC Championships. He is one of 16 competitors in the event and qualified with a time of 14.63 seconds.

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Rowan Downs TCNJ in NCAA Tournament; Tussey Collected team leading 72nd hit of the Year

MEDIA RELEASE May 18th, 2008

Box Score

Newark, NJ…Rowan University handed The College of New Jersey a 5-2 loss in the 2008 NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament on Sunday afternoon. Rowan will now take on Kean University in the championship of the 2008 NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship at Eagles and Bears Riverfront Stadium. TCNJ, which earned the third seed in the regional, finishes their season with a 30-12 record, while Rowan University improves to 33-14.

Adam Tussey was 3-4 for the Lions with a pair of stolen bases.

Junior Tom Ready (Blenheim, NJ/Triton Regional) drove in two runs for the Profs, while senior Ryan Kulik (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) struck out 11 en route to his 10th win of the year and has provided the Profs a shot at the 2008 NCAA Division III Regional Championship title when they take on Kean University in the championship game.

Rowan's short stop Roland Rodriguez (Miami, FL/Miami Killian) reached in the first and scored to spot the Profs to a 1-0 lead. Junior outfielder John McMullin (Woodbury, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) connected on his team-leading eighth home run of the year in the second inning to left center field as Rowan took a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Frank Urbanovich (Rutherford, NJ/St. Peter's Prep) drove in senior Joe Franceschini (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East), who had reached with a single.

TCNJ's junior second baseman Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester City) was 3-4 and collected his team-leading 72nd hit of the year having added 67 singles on the season. After reaching with his third single of the game in the top of the sixth, he broke up Kulik's shutout bid on an RBI single by senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South). Gawlak led the Lions this year having driven in 49 runs as a starter in all of TCNJ's 42 games in 2008.

In the bottom of the sixth, junior Tom Ready (Blenheim, NJ/Triton Regional) came to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded, delivering a two RBI single to center to give the Profs a 5-1 lead and knocking TCNJ's starting pitcher, left handed senior Nick Amabile (Holmdel, NJ/Holmdel) from the game.

Junior fireman, Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) came in the game and got the Lions out of the jam, down 5-1 through six innings. The appearance was the 19th of the season for Gertie, worked 2.1 innings with no hits and a strike out. Amabile, drops to 3-1 after working in 5.2 innings with five earned runs off nine hits with one strikeout with six walks.

In the top of the eighth inning, the Lions had a scoring opportunity that was snuffed out as they had two runners on base before junior Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) struck out and senior Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) was thrown out trying to steal third to end the inning.

In the top of the ninth, Gawlak lead off with a single to centerfield to open the Lions' action, followed by a single to center by senior first baseman Bill Kropp (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts). With no outs and runners on first and second, Rowan replaced starting pitcher, 2008 NJAC Pitcher of the Year, senior Ryan Kulik (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) with junior reliever Kevin O'Hara (Clayton, NJ/Gloucester Catholic).

Sophomore Chris Esperon (Union, NJ/Union Catholic) stepped to the plate to face O'Hara and flew out to left field for the first out. Senior Tyler Hall (Stockton, NJ/Immaculata) pinch hit and grounded out to second. Senior right fielder Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley Regional) singled to right field to drive in Gawlak and pull the Lions closer. Mebs struck out looking to end the game.

Kulik collected the win to improve to 10-2, while O'Hara earned his eighth save after an inning of work, while making his 22nd appearance of the season.

For the Lions, Gawlak was 2-4 with a an RBI and a run scored, while Esperon was 2-4 as the Lions collected 10 hits, but left eight runners on base. Defensively, the Lions turned two double plays. Tussey added a pair of stolen bases, while Mebs was 1-2 on the base paths.

The 2008 NCAA appearance was the 18th in program history for the Lions who now boast a lifetime record of 41-35 in NCAA tournament history. The 2008 Lions were under the direction of interim head coach Dean Glus, who helped the team to an impressive 30-12 record as well as a No. 3 seed in the 2008 NJAC and 2008 NCAA Regional playoffs.

#3 F&M HOLDS OFF #2 TCNJ IN NCAA SEMIFINALS, 14-12

Media Release May 17th

Salem, VA… Trying to play catch up for most of the game, The College of New Jersey women’s lacrosse team saw several valiant rallies come up just short as defending NCAA champion Franklin & Marshall edged the Lions in the semifinals by the score of 14-12 on Saturday in Salem, Virginia.

The Lions trailed by five goals in the first half and on two occasions by three in the second half. Each time TCNJ closed the gap to one goal, but the Diplomats never relinquished the lead allowing them to defend their title on Sunday against Hamilton College.

The Lions closed out their successful season with 17-2 record and have now appeared in the NCAA semifinals in 23 out of 24 tournaments.

 

KLIMCHAK ADVANCES TO QUARTERFINALS OF 2008 NCAA MEN'S TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP

Media Release

KLIMCHAK AND MOSTELLER BOW OUT OF DOUBLES PLAY

Lewiston, ME.The College of New Jersey's senior Mike Klimchak (Clark, NJ/Arthur L. Johnson), opened competition on Friday at the 2008 NCAA Division III Men's Singles Championship on the campus of Bates College. With his performance on Friday, Klimchak has advanced farther than any other Lion
men's tennis player in program history. He has secured All-America honors for himself and will play in the national quarterfinals on Saturday morning.

Klimchak, who earned ITA All-American honors in the fall, opened competition in the 32-player singles draw with a 6-2, 6-0 win over John Krauss of Gustavus Adolphus. By virtue of his victory, he has earned All-America honors. He then defeated Christopher Newport University's John
Mook in the second round, 6-2, 6-2. Klimchak, who holds a No. 6 regional ranking stands at 19-10 on the year in singles play. Overall on his singles career, he has produced a 75-22 record, while adding a 69-21 mark in doubles play. On his TCNJ tennis career, Klimchak, who earned ITA All-America
singles honors this past fall, boasts a 144-43 record.

Later in the day, Klimchak and senior Roger Mosteller (Medford Lakes, NJ/Shawnee) opened competition in the 16-team doubles championship. The Lion duo drew the tournament's top seeded pair from the University of California Santa Cruz, Marc Vartabedian and Jared Kamel and fell from the
tournament after dropping a 6-1, 7-5 decision.

Klimchak and Mosteller had posted a number of impressive wins this season. In the regional championship match against No. 8 nationally ranked Wiliams, they posted a 9-8 (1) win over William's top pair, who held a No. 8 regional ranking.

Klimchak and Mosteller hold a No. 4 regional ranking and produced a 13-5 record with one another this spring. The Lion duo produced a 47-13 record with one another having earned back to back bids to the NCAA Division III Doubles Championships. Mosteller went 12-4 this spring in singles play
and 32-10 on his career in singles action. In three seasons at TCNJ he has added a 46-13 doubles record as well, producing a career mark of 69-23.

TCNJ BASEBALL TOPS ROWAN, 5-2 IN NCAA FIRST ROUND

Media Release May 15, 2008

NEWARK, NJ – Third seeded The College of New Jersey defeated second seeded Rowan University, 5-2 in game eight of the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament first round at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium on Thursday night.

 

The double elimination tournament continues at Bears and Eagles Stadium in Newark, NJ on Friday-Sunday, May 16-18. On Friday, seventh seeded Keystone College (31-11) meets fifth seeded Messiah College (28-17) in game nine at 10 a.m., the eighth seed Gwynedd-Mercy College (22-19) plays Rowan (31-13) in game 10 at 1:15 p.m. Game 11 features top seeded Kean University (37-9) against TCNJ (30-10) at 4:30 p.m. and the winner of game nine takes one the winner of game 10 at 7:45 p.m. in game 12. Earlier on Thursday, Gwynedd-Mercy eliminated the fourth seed Penn State Behrend (34-12), 5-3. Keystone knocked out DeSales University (24-20-1) with an 11-5 win and Kean topped Messiah, 7-1.

 

Pitcher Mike Oliver (sr. Hamilton, NJ/Hamilton W.) got the win on the mound for the Lions. Oliver (6-2) only gave up one run in seven innings and recorded five strikeouts. Eric Gertie (jr. Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) tossed the final 0.1 innings for his ninth save. Left hander Joe Cichy (sr. Vineland, NJ/St. Augustine Prep) took the loss for the Profs. Cichy (5-3) allowed five runs in 6.1 innings, while striking out eight hitters.

 

Center fielder Dave Mebs (sr. Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) led TCNJ with two hits (five at bats), one RBI and one run scored. Third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (jr. Gloucester, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) was two for three with two runs scored. Catcher Rich Gawlak (sr. Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro S.) had two hits (four at bats), a double and two RBIs. Left fielder Chris Esperon (so. Union, NJ/Union Catholic) recorded one RBI, while Right fielder Matt Barrett (sr. Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) scored once.

 

For Rowan, center fielder Garrett Mull (jr. Chatsworth, NJ/Lenape) was one for three with a home run, one RBI and one run scored. Right fielder John McMullin (jr. Woodbury, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) added one hit (three at bats), a double and one RBI. Third baseman Paul Urbanovich (sr. Rutherford, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep) had on hit (four at bats), a double and scored one run.

 

TCNJ went ahead 2-0 in the top of the first inning. Mebs reached base with a single and he scored on second baseman Adam Tussey’s (jr. Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester) single to right center field. Gawlak doubled in Mazzaccaro. Rowan cut the deficit to 2-1 with Mull’s solo homer in the fifth.

 

The Lions answered with two runs in the top of the sixth. Gawlak’s single scored shortstop Jeff Toth (jr. Parlin, NJ/Sayreville War Mem.) and Esperon drove in Mazzaccaro with a single through the right side. TCNJ took a 5-1 lead after getting one run in the seventh. Mebs hit a RBI single, plating Barrett who got on base with a double. Rowan tried to rally with one run in the ninth, but TCNJ held on for the win. Urbanovich got on with a double and came home on McMullin’s double to left center field.

 

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TCNJ TALLIES 5-2 WIN OVER ROWAN IN 2008 NCAA MID-ATLANTIC REGIONALS

Media Release May 16

 
Newark, NJ…The College of New Jersey’s baseball team continued action in the 2008 NCAA Division III Tournament with a 5-2 win over Rowan University on the second day Mid-Atlantic Regional hosted at Eagles and Bears Riverfront Stadium. TCNJ improved to 30-10 and stands at 2-0 in the regional moving into the third day of competition, while Rowan drops to 31-13. TCNJ will now play Kean University at 4:30 p.m., while Rowan takes on Gwynedd-Mercy College at 1:15 p.m.

The Lions struck first as senior centerfielder Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) led off with a single to center field and advanced to second on a wild pitch. He was driven in on an RBI single by junior second baseman Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester). Junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) singled to left center and was driven in by senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South) who had an RBI double to put TCNJ up 2-0 after their first at bats.

Rowan threatened in the bottom of the third, but the Lions were able to get out of the jam after Paul Urbanovich (Rutherford, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep) doubled and was stranded at third. In the bottom of the fourth, with two outs, Tom Reindel doubled down the right line but was picked off to end the inning.

In the fifth inning, junior Garrett Mull (Chatsworth, NJ/Lenape) connected on a solo home run to left center field to put the Profs on the scoreboard. The home run was his fourth of the year.

Gawlak tacked on a run for the Lions with an RBI single to left center to drive in junior short stop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville), who reached with a lead-off single. Sophomore left fielder Chris Esperon (Union, NJ/Union Catholic) drove in a run with a single to right center, but the Profs were able to stop the Lions getting Gawlak out at home on the play and Esperon out at second on a key defensive play as the Lions sent the runners.

TCNJ’s right hander senior Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, NJ/Hamilton West) got the nod as the Lions’ starter. Oliver worked seven innings for the Lions, yielding one run off five hits with three walks with five strikeouts. Oliver collected the win to improve to 6-2 and now stands at 19-4 with 168 career strikeouts, while making his 36^th career appearance.

Senior reliever Brad Kittle (Millville, NJ/Millville) came in the game in the middle of the eighth inning and worked 1.2 innings with a pair of strikeouts. Kittle moved into the eighth spot on TCNJ’s career appearance list after making his 50^th career appearance.

Rowan’s left handed senior Brian Cichy (Vineland, NJ/St. Augustine Prep) worked six and a third innings and allowed five runs off 11 hits with a walk and eight strikeouts to drop to 5-3 with two of those losses coming at the hands of TCNJ this year. Rookie Chris Zagyi (Summit, NJ/Oratory Prep) came in the game in relief and got the Profs out of the jam.

Rowan’s junior John McMullin (Woodbury, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) drove in Urbanovich with an RBI double in the bottom of the ninth after Urbanovich doubled to left center. With two outs, junior Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) came in the game in the bottom of the ninth with runners on first and second and got Mull to pop up to the catcher to end the game. Gertie earned his ninth save of the year while adding his team-leading 18^th appearance of the season.

RAMOS-DOMINKO FANS 9 AS LIONS’ BASEBALL TEAM OPENS 2008 NCAA PLAY WITH 3-0 WIN OVER DESALES

5/14/2008 8:37:03 PM

 

Box Score

Newark, NJ…The College of New Jersey’s baseball team opened their 2008 NCAA Division III Tournament with a 3-0 win over DeSales University on the opening day of the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Regional hosted at Eagles and Bears Riverfront Stadium.

TCNJ improved to 29-10 and stands at 1-0 in the regional moving into the second day of competition, while DeSales drops to 24-19-1.  Seeded third, the Lions will take on the winner of tonight’s final contest featuring Rowan University and Keystone on Thursday night at 7:45 p.m.

TCNJ’s junior pitcher Dan Ramos-Dominko (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon) fanned nine batters in making his NCAA debut. Ramos-Dominko threw eight scoreless innings for the Lions and gave up four hits as he combined with junior Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) for the team’s fourth shutout win on the year.

Ramos-Dominko improves to 4-2 on the season after striking out nine with five walks on the night. Gertie, who made his 17th appearance of the season, allowed one hit and struck out one as the Lions moved on in the NCAA’s to improve to 40-33 lifetime in the NCAA’s in the program’s 18th appearance in the tournament.

The Lions struck early putting a run on the scoreboard in the bottom of the first, and scored additional single runs in the bottom of the 3rd and fourth innings en route to the win as DeSales held the Lions to six hits.

Senior centerfielder Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) was 3-4 at the plate and scored a run with a stolen base to pace the Lions, while junior short stop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) was 1-3 with a run scored and three stolen bases. Toth is now 18-21 on the year in stolen bases for the Lions, while Mebs continues to lead TCNJ having scored a team-high 48 runs this year.

Junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) added an RBI and was 1-4 at the plate, while senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South) added an RBI as well. Senior right fielder Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) drove in the final run to spot TCNJ to the 3-0 lead. Gawlak leads the Lions with 44 RBIs, while Mazzaccaro is in hot pursuit with 43 RBIs this season.

source http://www.tcnjathletics.com

For Game schedule & LIVE STATS

 

NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Regional Begins Today

 

 

 

For Game schedule & LIVE STATS

Welcome to the NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Regional hosted by

Kean University at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark, N.J.

Check back often for continuous information and updates!

SOURCE http://www.keanathletics.com/NCAA/baseball2008/index

Note: Two local men play for The College of New Jersey, Vince Mazzacarro,  of Gloucester City and a graduate of Gloucester Catholic plays third base and playing second base is Adam Tussey, of Brooklawn who graduated from Gloucester City High School.

Related: The College of New Jersey

Related Rowan University sports

 

TCNJ TRACK PERFORMS AT SWARTHMORE’S LAST CHANCE MEET; HERRICK SETS TCNJ SCHOOL RECORD

Swarthmore, PA… The College of New Jersey’s men’s and women’s outdoor track and field team competed on Tuesday night at the Swarthmore College Last Chance Meet. The Lions produced an NCAA automatic qualifying time at the meet, a school record and four NCAA provisional marks at the meet.

Women’s Highlights…
TCNJ’s junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) produced an NCAA automatic qualifying time and broke the Lions’ school record as she posted a fourth place finish in the 800 meter run with her time of 2:08.6. Also posting NCAA provisional marks in the race were sophomore Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler) with her 2:11.82, while freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Colts Neck) also had a provisional time as she posted a 2:13.15 in the race.

In the 100 meter high hurdles, sophomore Priscilla Senyah (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial) had an NCAA provisional time of 14.97. In the 1,500 meter run, junior Justine Carnevale (Oceanport, NJ/Shore Regional) and sophomore Michelle Wallace (Emerson, NJ/Emerson) had personal best and ECAC worthy times of 4.49.70 and 4.52.10, respectively.

Men’s Highlights…
Freshman Kyle Gilroy (Oak Ridge, NJ/West Milford Twp.) added an NCAA provisional effort in the 400 meter high hurdles as he took third in 54.34. In the men’s 5,000 meter run, rookie TJ Bocchino (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East) posted an ECAC qualifying time of 15:03.14 to add to his season accomplishments.

A Look at Desales University, First Round Opponent for TCNJ

http://athletics.desales.edu

Center Valley, Pa. (May 12, 2008) – The DeSales University baseball team was named the #6 seed in the NCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament and will face third seeded, The College of New Jersey, in the opening round of the 2008 NCAA Regional Tournament on Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 pm at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark, NJ.

 

       Joining the Bulldogs (24-8-1) at the eight-team regional will be the #1 seed and tournament host Kean University (35-9) as they will take on #8 seed Gwynedd-Mercy College (21-18) at 1:15 pm on Wednesday. The opening day’s first game features the #4 seed PSU-Behrend (34-10) taking on the #5 seed Messiah College (27-16) at 10:00 am, the Bulldogs (24-18-1) meet the Lions (28-10) at 4:30 pm and the #2 seed Rowan University (30-12) finishes up the day with a matchup against the #7 seed Keystone College (30-10) at 7:45 pm.

 

       The entire tournament takes place at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark, NJ. Live stats are scheduled for each game of the tournament so you can follow DSU’s progress on the web if you are unable to attend (the link is at the bottom of the tournament web page). You can also access the tournament’s complete schedule as well as other pertinent tournament information at the tournament’s official web page – CLICK HERE. Ticket prices for the event will be $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for students/seniors/youth children. There will also be a $5.00 parking fee if you park in the garage near the stadium.

 

       The Bulldogs are returning to the NCAA Tournament for the ninth time in the program’s history and for the first time in the last three years after making six straight appearances from 2000-05. DSU holds an 11-14 overall record in the NCAA Tournament including one appearance in the College World Series in 2003 when they went 4-0 in the regional tournament. Head Coach Tim Neiman is in his 19^th year at the helm of the Bulldogs and enters the NCAA Tournament with a 473-254-4 (.650) overall record. He is all-time winningest coach in DeSales history (all sports) and is the only coach with 400+ career wins at DeSales.

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TCNJ’S BASEBALL TEAM EARNS NO. 3 SEED IN NCAA REGIONALS

Media Release May 12

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey’s baseball team earned the program’s 18th NCAA Division III Tournament appearance on Monday. The Lions, ranked No. 23 in the newest ABCA Division III poll, have earned the No. 3 seed in the regional tournament to be held in Newark, New Jersey at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. The Lions are among the eight teams competing in the regional to be held at Bears Stadium with the regional winner advancing to the College World Series. Winners of the eight first-round tournaments will qualify for the double-elimination championship at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, Wisconsin, May 23-27.
In 17 previous appearances, TCNJ has compiled an NCAA tournament record of 39-33 (.542 win percentage) since first appearing in 1979, while advancing to the College World Series twice. In 1991, the Lions of then Trenton State College, finished as the NCAA Division III runners-up, while the 2002 team finished in fourth place nationally. The Lions have now earned five straight appearances in the NCAA’s having earned bids in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

TCNJ punches ticket to NCAA Baseball Championships

5/12/2008 8:30:20 AM

 

INDIANAPOLIS---The NCAA Division III Baseball Committee has announced the 54 teams that will compete in the 2008 NCAA Division III Baseball Championship.

Six teams will compete at five first-round sites; eight teams will compete at three first-round sites. All first rounds will use a double-elimination format. Thirty-four conference champions qualified automatically.
Winners of the eight first-round tournaments will qualify for the double-elimination championship at Fox Cities Stadium in Appleton, Wisconsin, May 23-27.

DATES/SITES/SEEDINGS:
May 14-18
Hosted by Eastern College Athletic Conference, Harwich, Massachusetts
1. Trinity (Connecticut) (37-0)
2. Wheaton (Massachusetts) (32-8)
3. Keene State (33-9)
4. Southern Maine (32-12)
5. Western New England (31-11)
6. St. Joseph’s (Maine) (28-16)
7. Worcester State (23-16)
8. Castleton State (20-10)

Hosted by USA South and Old Dominion, Danville, Virginia
1. Salisbury (38-2)
2. Johns Hopkins (34-5)
3. Piedmont (33-12)
4. Lynchburg (30-11)
5. Christopher Newport (28-12)
6. Randolph-Macon (25-15)

Hosted by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, Indiana
1. Heidelberg (37-8)
2. Wooster (34-9)
3. Calvin (32-8)
4. Rose-Hulman (31-13)
5. Adrian (30-10)
6. Transylvania (31-12)

Hosted by Kean University, Newark, New Jersey
1. Kean (35-9)
2. Rowan (30-12)
3. The College of New Jersey (28-10)
4. Penn State-Behrend (34-10)
5. Messiah (27-16)
6. DeSales (24-18-1)
7. Keystone (30-10)
8. Gwynedd-Mercy (21-18)

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Related: The College of NJ 

LAST-SECOND GOAL SENDS #2 TCNJ BACK TO NCAA SEMIFINALS

Media Release May 11

Ewing NJ…Senior Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) scored with 3.4 seconds left on a free-position shot to send The College of New Jersey to the NCAA Division III Women’s Lacrosse Semifinals as the Lions edged Union College (NY) 9-8 on Sunday at TCNJ’s Soccer Complex.

Doane drew a foul inside the eight-meter arc and then cashed in on the opportunity putting the Lions (17-1) in the national semifinals on Saturday, May 17 at 2:30 p.m. against defending NCAA champion Franklin & Marshall. That game is set for Donald J. Kerr Stadium in Salem, Va. The Dipolmats advanced with a 16-9 win over Amherst College.

This marks the 23rd time in the 24 years of the tournament the Lions have advanced to the semifinals.

Union capped its successful campaign with a record 15-4, with those wins matching the most in program history.

TCNJ AND UNION COLLEGE ADVANCE IN NCAA WOMEN’S LACROSSE TOURNAMENT

media release May 10

Ewing NJ…The College of New Jersey and Union College (NY) will meet for the first time in women’s lacrosse as both teams advanced to the regional championship in the 2008 NCAA Division III Tournament with wins on Saturday.

TCNJ (16-1) won the opening game at TCNJ’s Soccer Complex with a 12-3 victory over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (CA), before Union College (15-3) held off a late charge from SUNY Cortland to pull out a 13-12 victory over the Red Dragons.

The regional championship is slated for Sunday, May 11 at 1 p.m.

TCNJ RUNNERS EXCEL AT MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Dallas, PA…The College of New Jersey outdoor track and field teams continued their last-season push as they the Lions competed at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships hosted by Misericordia University on Saturday.

The Lions will be back on the track Monday participating at the Tuppeny Twilight Mett held at Swarthmore College.

ESPN THE MAGAZINE ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT SECOND TEAM

Media Release May 9

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey shortstop Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) continued to reel in post-season honors, but this time she was recognized for her effort in the classroom in addition to her performance on the field. Seavers was selected to the 2008 CoSIDA ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Second Team in the College Division.

Seavers is an early childhood education major with an emphasis on psychology and boasts a grade-point-average of 3.97.

Earlier in the week, she was named Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association East Region Honorable Mention.

Seavers anchored the middle infield for the Lions starting all 42 games she played and led the team in a host of offensive categories. The 2008 All-New Jersey Athletic Conference First Team honoree finished with a .395 batting average that led the team and ranked sixth in the conference. She also topped the 1team in hits (58), runs (35), doubles (13), home runs (4) and on-base percentage (.422), while ranking second in runs batted in (20) and stolen bases (14).

She was consistent from the start hitting safely in 36 of 42 games with 19 multiple-hit games. The infielder also put together hitting streaks of eight, 11 and 12 games.

She received All-NJAC Honorable Mention as a freshman last season.

TCNJ finished the season strong advancing to the title game of the NJAC Tournament after knocking off 13th-ranked Ramapo College and fifth-ranked Montclair State University. The Lions finished the season 26-17.


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OLIVER AND KROPP EARN FIRST TEAM ALL-DISTRICT ACADEMIC HONORS; ANDERSON NAMED TO ALL-DISTRICT SECOND TEAM

Media Release May 8

Ewing, NJ – The College of New Jersey had two players named to the 2008 CoSIDA ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District First Team, while another was named to the Second Team on Thursday. TCNJ’s seniors Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, NJ/Hamilton West) and William Kropp (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts) were tapped  for the first team and are now candidates for the 2008 CoSIDA ESPN Academic All-America Team. Junior pitcher Dan Anderson (Lincroft, NJ/Middletown South) was named to the second team.

Oliver and Kropp will now move on to the national ballot and are candidates for the National College Division Academic All-America Team which will be announced on May 27. TCNJ has had three baseball players earn four CoSIDA Academic All-America citations in the history of the program, while TCNJ has produced 48 student-athletes that have earned CoSIDA Academic All-America citations.

Oliver, who was also named to the 2008 NJAC All-Star Honorable Mention Team, boasts a 5-2 record with a team leading 2.45 ERA in nine starts and has two complete games on the season. He has worked in 66.0 innings this spring and fanned 59 batters, both tops this season for the Lion pitching staff. On his career, Oliver has an 18-4 record while amassing 163 strikeouts in 190.2 innings of work. He had an unbeaten streak that grew to 10 games and spanned two seasons, before suffering a 3-0 in late April to defending NCAA Division III Champion, Kean.   He ranks sixth all-time on TCNJ’s career starts list with 32, while his 163 strikeouts is seventh best. He sports a 3.35 career ERA which ranks 16th best in school history, while his 35 appearances in 19th best in school history.

He has a 3.52 gpa at the College and is a Dean’s List student as well as a four-time TCNJ Scholar-Athlete honoree. He is also a three-time NJAC Scholar-Athlete Honoree and was named to the 2007 Mid-Atlantic First Team All-Region Team as well as the 2007 NJCBA All-State Second Team. He has earned numerous NJAC and ECAC player of the week citations during his career and has been active outside of baseball. A math, science and technology teaching major, he is a member of the Teachers of Young Children Association as well as the Council for Exception Children. He also volunteers in Circle K, while having worked the past four years as a volunteer at Lalor Elementary School in the Special Education classroom and worked as a volunteer last summer with the New Jersey Special Olympics.

Kropp, who was a second team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team honoree a year ago, has started 33 games for the Lions and has excelled at first base in 2008, earned NJAC All-Star Honorable Mention honors. He boasts a .336 average at the plate with seven extra-base hits and 23 RBIs. He has committed only two errors in 303 total chances this year for a .993 fielding percentage and has helped the Lions turn 29 double plays this season. Overall on his career, he has played in 124 games at TCNJ while collecting 124 hits and 73 RBIs in 100 starts with a .307 average. He also has a .992 career fielding percentage having been charged with just six errors in 757 total chances.

He boasts a 3.93 gpa as a business major at the College and had the second highest gpa of TCNJ’s senior male student-athletes this year.  He is a Dean's List student as well as a four-time TCNJ Scholar-Athlete and a three-time NJAC Scholar-Athlete honoree. He missed five games in mid-March with a hamstring injury and returned to help the Lions.

Anderson, a finance major at TCNJ, boasts a 7-0 record on the mound for the Lions during his career, including a 4-0 mark this season. Thus far on the 2008 season, he has a 3.86 ERA in seven starts with 25 strikeouts in 37.1 innings of work. He has held the opposition to a .237 average while working and has now started 13 of 17 games on his career with 45 strikeouts in 72.2 innings of work. He has earned a spot on TCNJ’s Dean’s List every semester and is a member of the International Business Honor Society, and is an inaugural member of TCNJ’s Business Scholars Program and was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. He is working to establish TCNJ’s Chamber of Commerce.

TCNJ stands at 28-10 on the season, while earning the No. 3 seed in the 2008 NJAC tournament after a 12-6 record in the league. TCNJ, which captured three NJAC Championship titles from 2005-2007, will hope that they are one of the 14 at-large programs to earn a bid to the 2008 NCAA Division III Tournament when bids are released on May 12.

To be nominated for CoSIDA’s ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America program, the student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for his/her career. No athlete is eligible until he/she has reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at his/her current institution (thus, true freshmen, red-shirt freshmen and ineligible transfers are not eligible). In the cases of transfers, graduate students and junior college graduates, the athlete must have completed one full academic year at the nominating institution to be eligible.

TCNJ SOFTBALL PLAYER ELLEN SEAVERS EARNS LOUISVILLE SLUGGER/NFCA ALL-REGION HONORS

Media Release May 7


Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey shortstop Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) earned her second post-season honor as the sophomore was named Louisville Slugger/National Fastpitch Coaches Association East Region Honorable Mention.

Seavers anchored the middle infield for the Lions starting all 42 games she played and led the team in a host of offensive categories. The 2008 All-New Jersey Athletic Conference First Team honoree finished with a .395 batting average that led the team and ranked sixth in the conference. She also topped the 1team in hits (58), runs (35), doubles (13), home runs (4) and on-base percentage (.422), while ranking second in runs batted in (20) and stolen bases (14).

She was consistent from the start hitting safely in 36 of 42 games with 19 multiple-hit games. The infielder also put together hitting streaks of eight, 11 and 12 games.

She received All-NJAC Honorable Mention as a freshman last season.

TCNJ finished the season strong advancing to the title game of the NJAC Tournament after knocking off 13th-ranked Ramapo College and fifth-ranked Montclair State University. The Lions finished the season 26-17.

Officials say artificial turf isn't hazardous

source www.nj.com

Lions' Stadium at TCNJ has since been closed, and officials there said the school is ditching the 10-year-old artificial turf to be replaced with an alternative.

Following the investigation, TCNJ had the artificial turf tested twice more -- with elevated lead levels coming back each time, said spokesman Matt Golden.

Donna Leusner, a spokeswoman from the state DHSS, said the dangers posed by the lead found are "low."

Health officials yesterday maintained the AstroTurf product is not hazardous.

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TCNJ Athletic Week in Review May 6th

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Three-time NJAC Champions, TCNJ fall from NJAC's with 5-4 loss

Media Release 5/3/2008 9:41:54 PM

 

Newark, N.J. (5/3/08) - Sophomore Joe Bartlinski (South Amboy, N.J.) tossed his fourth complete game of the season as #1 Kean University edged #3 The College of New Jersey, 5-4, in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament Saturday afternoon at Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium in Newark, N.J.

The loss for the Lions (28-10) eliminates them from the NJAC Tournament, after winning the same event for the past three seasons. Kean improves to 32-9 with the win and will advance to take on the winner of the #4 Rowan/#5 William Paterson game on Sunday, May 4th at 10 a.m.

Photo: TCNJ Pitcher  Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, N.J.)

TCNJ got things going first with a two spot in the bottom of the second as senior Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, N.J.) got his first homerun of the season, a two run shot to right.

Kean responded with three runs in the top of the fourth as sophomore Mike Moceri (Yardville, N.J.) hit a one-out RBI single. Freshman Gabe Ramirez (North Bergen, N.J.) put the Cougars ahead with a two-out, two RBI single through the right side.

Kean added insurance in the top of the fifth as sophomore Nick Nolan (Linden, N.J.) lined a sacrifice fly. Sophomore Chris Carrano (Lincoln Park, N.J.) followed with an RBI single to right to put KU ahead, 5-2.

The Lions rallied for two runs in their half of the fifth as senior Matt Barrett (Pennington, N.J.) scored on a bases-loaded wild pitch and junior Vince Mazzacarro (Gloucester, N.J.) recorded an RBI fielders choice.
Bartlinski and the defense shut the door from there, as Bartlinski tallied four strikeouts the rest of the way.

Bartlinski (7-2) allowed seven hits and three earned runs while striking out five and walking five in the win. Senior Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, N.J.) suffered his second straight loss to the Cougars after allowing five runs, three earned, in eight and a third innings of work. Oliver (5-2) also walked six and fanned three.

Offensively catcher Kevin O'Neill (Union, N.J.) left) was 3-for-4 while Carrano was 2-for-4 for the Cougars. Junior Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, N.J.) was 3-for-5 for the Lions.

NO. 17 TCNJ AND NO. 8 RANKED WILLIAMS POST WINS TO ADVANCETO SUNDAY’S REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Ewing, NJ – The 17th ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey posted a 5-4 victory over the 19th ranked Blue Jays of Johns Hopkins University in the second round on Saturday in the 2008 NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis Championships on Saturday on the campus of TCNJ. Ranked 8th and seeded third in the tournament, Williams College opened their 2008 tournament with a 5-0 win over 24th ranked Christopher Newport University.
TCNJ and Williams College will meet on Sunday at noon with the winner advancing to the National Championship Tournament at Bates College (Lewiston, MA).

TCNJ softball team beats #5 Montclair State; to face Red Hawks for NJAC title

Media Release May 3, 2008

Montclair, NJ...Sophomore pitcher Ashley Minervini (Cliddside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) tossed her third straight shutout and scored the winning run as the Lions knocked off host and top-seeded Montclair State University 1-0 in eight innings on Saturday.

TCNJ (26-15) advances to Sunday's title game and will face Montclair State . Game time is set for noon. Should the Red Hawks win that game, the two teams will met again at 2:30 p.m. for the championship. The winner of the NJAC Tournament also earns the conference's automatic berth to the NCAA Division III Championships.

Minvervini led off the eigth inning with a double and then scored when Camile Heller (Maple Shade, NJ/Maple Shade) walked with the bases loaded and two outs.

Sophomore Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) went 2-for-3 at the plate for the Lions.

Minervini allowed just four hits in the eight innings with three strikeouts. She is now 15-8 on the season and is a perfect 3-0 in the tournament and has not allowed a run in 22 innings of work.

ROWAN ADVANCES IN NJAC BASEBALL TOURNAMENT WITH A 6-2 WIN AS KULIK STARS

Media Release May 1

Ewing, NJ – The Lions of the third seeded The College of New Jersey hosted fourth seeded Rowan University Profs on Thursday at George Ackerman Park in the first round of the 2008 New Jersey Athletic Conference playoffs. Rowan University picked up a 6-2 win to improve to 29-10 on the year and move on in the winner’s bracket, while TCNJ drops to 28-9 on the season and drops into the loser’s bracket.

2008 NJAC Pitcher of the Year, senior Ryan Kulik (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) picked up the win after striking out 11 to improve to 8-2 on the year. Kulik, who leads the NJAC with his 123 strikeouts, worked 8.1 innings yielding five hits with four walks and just one earned run.

Junior reliever Kevin O’Hara (Clayton, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) earned his seventh save after a two thirds of an  inning of work , while making his 20th appearance of the season. O’Hara struck out the first batter he faced, right fielder Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley Regional) with runners on second and third and then got Dave Mebs to fly out to center to end the game.

Rowan would score first in the top of the third inning when senior Joe Franceschini (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East) lead off with a walk and stolen second. He scored on an RBI single to left field by junior Tom Ready (Blenheim, NJ/Triton Regional) to give Rowan a 1-0 lead. In the top of the fourth, Franceschini drove in another run with a pair of runners on as he singled to center field, spotting the Profs to a 2-0 lead with no outs and runners on the corners. Senior Frank Hausenauer (Iselin, NJ/John F. Kennedy) singled to right center to push Lenig across the plate, but was able to move to second on the throw as Barrett threw out Franceschini at third. Ready added a double to left field driving in Hausenauer giving Rowan a 4-0 lead.

The Lions threatened in the fourth allowing two baserunners with no outs before Rowan’s Kulik retired the side to and get out of the jam. Kulik, who earned NJAC Pitcher of the Year honors on Thursday (7-2)

TCNJ’s senior pitcher Bob Buskett (Trenton, NJ/Notre Dame), who earned NJAC Honorable Mention honors as well on Thursday, managed to get out jams in the top of the second and third inning as he managed to strikeout out Rowan batters with the bases loaded in back to back innings. In the second inning, Buskett fanned sophomore David Lenig (Pennsville, NJ/Pennsville) to get out of a jam and then send down senior catcher Robert Fox (Ocean Township, NJ/Ocean Township) to prevent a scoring threat from the Profs.

Buskett would suffer the loss and drops to 5-3 after working six innings, yielding five earned runs off 12 hits with eight strikeouts, a balk and three walks.

Senior Brad Kittle (Millville, NJ/Millville) came in the game in the top of the seventh inning and loaded the bases before getting Lenig to ground into a fielders’ choice to end the inning. Rookie Joe Marchitelli (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) came in the game to work the eighth inning and ninth innings for the Lions.

TCNJ scored their two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning after senior Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) reached with a walk and junior Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester) walked. Junior short stop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial) reached on a fielder’s choice that put Tussey out on the play and moved Mebs to third. Junior Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) reached on an error at third that allowed Mebs to score. One play later and senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro-South) would also reach on an error at third and Toth would score an unearned run before Kulik would get out of the jam as Gawlak was caught stealing at second.
At the plate, Rowan’s Franceschini was 3-4 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Ready drove in three runs on the day and was 2-4 with his eighth double of the season.

TCNJ’s Mazzaccaro was 1-4 with an RBI to share the team’s RBI lead with Gawlak as he too has 41 on the year. Mebs was 1-4 with a run scored as well for the Lions.

Rowan University advances in the winner’s bracket and will face William Paterson University on Saturday, May 3 at 6 p.m. at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. TCNJ will face top seeded Kean also on May 3 at 2 p.m. in Newark, NJ.

TOTH LEADS LIONS HONORED BY NJAC; FIVE OTHER LIONS CITED ON 2008 NJAC ALL-STAR BASEBALL TEAM

Media Release May 1, 2008

Pitman, NJ – The College of New Jersey had one player named to the 2008 New Jersey Athletic Conference All-Star First Team, while five others earned second team and honorable mention honors.  TCNJ’s junior shortstop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial) headlined the 2008 Lions honored, while junior Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester) was named to the second team and senior pitchers Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, NJ/Hamilton West) and Bob Buskett (Trenton, NJ/Notre Dame) as well as senior first baseman Bill Kropp (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts), and junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) were all tapped for the honorable mention squad.

Toth, a 2007 Division III All-America Third Team honoree, earned a spot on the NJAC All-Star First Team this season after earning second team honors a year ago. On the 2008 season, Toth is batting .382 with 37 RBIs, nine doubles, three triples, six home runs and is 14-17 on stolen bases. Toth, who has a .625 slugging percentage this year, has also scored 40 runs, while connecting on 52 hits with 27 walks.  A 35-game starter in 2008, Toth has started 80 games for the Lions and now has added 81 RBIs, 120 hits, 14 home runs, 10 triples, 15 doubles and scored 91 runs in his two seasons with the Lions.

Tussey, a transfer from nearby Rider University, has started all 36 games for the Lions this spring at second base and leads the Lions with his .392 average and 62 hits. Of those 62 hits, 57 are singles and has driven in 28 runs. He also leads the team with 158 at bats and has drawn 24 walks and struck out just six times, ranking 20th nationally as the toughest to strikeout.

Oliver boasts a 5-1 record with a 2.34 ERA in eight starts and has two complete games on the season. He has worked in 57.2 innings this spring and fanned 56 batters, both tops this season for the Lion pitching staff. On his career, Oliver has a 18-3 record while amassing 160 strikeouts in 182.1 innings of work. He had an unbeaten streak that grew to 10 games and spanned two seasons, before suffering a 3-0 loss last weekend at Kean.  Oliver is currently a candidate for the 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team.

Buskett has a 5-2 record this year for the Lions with a 3.74 ERA in eight appearances this year. He has racked up 55.1 innings this season while fanning 30 and has held the opposition to a .238 average with just 18 walks. On his career, he has worked in 196 innings with a 20-4 record with 121 strikeouts.

Kropp, who is also a candidate for the 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team, has started 31 games for the Lions and has excelled at first base. He boasts a .346 average at the plate with eight extra-base hits and 23 RBIs. He has committed only two errors in 281 total chances this year for a .993 fielding percentage and has helped the Lions turn 27 double plays. Overall on his career, he has played in 122 games at TCNJ while collecting 123 hits and 73 RBIs.

Mazzaccaro, who earned a starting role late last season and has started every game this year at third base, has a .359 average on the 2008 campaign. He is second on the squad with 40 RBIs and has 52 hits with 15 extra-base hits including eight doubles and five home runs. 

TCNJ finished the 2008 regular-season with a 28-8 overall record, while earning the No. 3 seed in the 2008 NJAC tournament after a 12-6 record in the league. TCNJ, which has captured the last three NJAC Championship titles, will open their 2008 championship run on Thursday, May 1 hosting fourth seeded Rowan University at George Ackerman Park at 3:30 p.m.

The NJAC tournament will then shift to Newark, New Jersey and will wrap on May 3-5 at Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium with the league’s tournament champion earning the conference’s automatic bid to the 2008 NCAA Division III Championships. The 2008 NJAC championship baseball marks the fiftieth year the league has had a baseball champion and in those 49 previous year no program has won four championships in a row.

KEAN'S GIANAKAS & ROWAN'S KULIK NAMED NJAC BASEBALL PLAYER AND PITCHER OF THE YEAR

KEAN'S IOVIERO NAMED COACH OF THE YEAR FOR SECOND STRAIGHT SEASON

NJAC Media Release

Kean University senior outfielder Derek Gianakas and Rowan University senior left-hander Ryan Kulik have been named the New Jersey Athletic Conference Baseball Player and Pitcher of the Year respectively for the 2008 season.

A two-time first-team all-conference selection, Gianakas currently leads the NJAC in both slugging percentage (.746) and home runs (11). A two-time NJAC Player of the Week selection, he also ranks second in total bases (100) and third in runs scored (45). Against NJAC pitching, Gianakas hit .400 and posted league-best totals in slugging percentage (.917); runs scored (24); home runs (7); and total bases (55).

Kulik's selection as NJAC Pitcher of the Year marks the second time that he has garnered the league's top pitching honor, and the fifth time in six seasons that a Prof hurler has earned the selection. A two-time first-team all-conference selection, he currently leads the NJAC in opposing batting average (.173); innings pitched (73.0); strikeouts (112); wins (7); and games started (11). A four-time NJAC Player of the Week selection and the current NCAA Division III national leader in strikeouts, Kulik posted league-best conference-only marks in opposing batting average (.163) and strikeouts (55).

Kean junior right-hander Brandon Aich was named the league's Fireman of the Year as the conference's top relief pitcher. He currently ranks second in the NJAC in earned run average (1.72), opposing batting average (.174), and wins (6). Against NJAC competition, Aich posted a league-high five victories and ranked second in both earned run average (1.53), and opposing batting average (.167).

Rutgers-Newark freshman second baseman Matt Connors was named NJAC Rookie of the Year. A four-time NJAC Rookie of the Week selection, he hit .382 overall and currently ranks second in the league in hits (65) and third in the conference in runs scored (45). Connors finished the NJAC conference season ranked second in total hits (30).

One year after leading the Cougars to the NCAA Division III National Championship, Kean head coach Neil Ioviero was selected as NJAC Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season by his peers. Ioviero has led the Cougars to a 30-9 overall record, and their second consecutive NJAC regular season championship via a 14-4 conference mark. In 12 seasons at the helm of the Kean program, Ioviero has guided the Cougars to an overall record of 311-134.-2.      

             2008 NJAC BASEBALL ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS

TCNJ SOFTBALL PLAYERS NAMED TO ALL-NJAC TEAMS

Media Release

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey softball team had four players honored by the New Jersey Athletic Conference for their performances on the diamond during the regular season, with two Lions earning a spot on the All-NJAC First Team.

Senior Christina Lizzi (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) and sophomore Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) both garnered first-team honors, while sophomore Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) was named All-NJAC Second Team and sophomore Danielle Hagel (Egg Harbor, NJ/Oakcrest) received All-NJAC Honorable Mention.

Lizzi made the team as a first baseman after earning second-team honors in 2005 and 2006 as an outfielder. The change of positions did not slow her at the plate as she batted a steady .291 with three home runs and 19 runs batted in. She was also a perfect on the base paths with 16 steals in 16 attempts and leads the team with 21 walks.

At shortstop, Seavers and anchored the middle infield for the Lions and has led the team in a host of offensive categories this season. She has been consistent from the start hitting safely in 33 of 38 games with 17 multiple-hit games. The infielder put together hitting streaks of 11 and 12 games and is batting team-leading .396. She received All-NJAC Honorable Mention as a freshman last season.

Minervini has been the workhorse of TCNJ’s pitching staff logging a team-best 136.1 innings in 27 appearances and is third in the NJAC in strikeouts with 124. She is also fifth in the conference with 13 wins, which is a career best, to go along with a 1.90 earned-run average.

Hagel earned All-NJAC Honorable Mention for the second straight year, with this year’s recognition coming as an outfielder. The sophomore has set career highs in home runs (3) and runs batted in (20), while making 36 starts this season. One of her home runs was a game-winning grand slam in the top of the seventh inning to beat New Jersey City University.

The team has already advanced to the second round of the NJAC Tournament as the fourth-seeded Lions knocked off third-seeded Rowan University on Tuesday, 4-0.  TCNJ is currently 24-15 on the season and has won six of its last seven games.


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TCNJ Defeats Rowan, 4-0 in NJAC First Round

Center fielder Kristina Brenner

Box Score

GLASSBORO, NJ –The College of New Jersey softball team shut out Rowan University, 4-0 in the first round of the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Championship Tournament on Tuesday.

The two other first round games of the conference tournament were postponed and will be played on Wednesday, April 30 at 4 p.m. TCNJ (24-15), the fourth seed, will play the winner of the #2 Ramapo College and #5 Kean University first round game on Friday, May at 4 p.m. Rowan
(31-8), the third seed, faces the first round winner of #1 Montclair State University and #6 William Paterson University at 1:30 p.m.

The remainder of the NJAC tournament will be played at Montclair State University, Friday-Sunday, May 2-4. For tournament results and the updated schedule go to www.njac.net or www.rowanathletics.com. The conference champion receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.

Right hander Ashley Minervini (so. Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) pitched a complete game for her third shutout and only allowed three hits. Minervini (13-8) struck out six batters. Designated player Camille Heller (jr. Maple Shade, NJ/Maple Shade), right fielder Kelly Armstrong (jr. Jackson, NJ/Jackson Mem.) and Minervini each had one hit and one RBI. Shortstop Ellen Seavers (so. Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) contributed with a double and scored one run.

For Rowan, center fielder Kristina Brenner (jr. Vineland, NJ/Vineland), third baseman Kristin Wallace (sr. Glassboro, NJ/Washington Twp.) and left fielder Casey Roselle (fr. Sparta, NJ/Sparta) each had one hit. Jackie Sasko (jr. Hamilton, NJ/Steinert) took the loss on the mound. Sasko (19-4) gave up five hits and four earned runs.

TCNJ got on the scoreboard with two runs in the sixth inning. Seavers led off with a double and left fielder Colleen Cawley (fr. Riverston, NJ/Holy Cross) followed with a walk. First baseman Christina Lizzi (sr. Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) advanced the runners with a sac bunt. With two outs, Armstrong singled in Seavers and Cawley crossed the plate on a single by Minervini. The Lions added two insurance runs in the seventh. Center fielder Danielle Hagel (so. Egg Harbor City, NJ/Oakcrest) came home on an error and Heller drove in Lizzi with a single.

TCNJ’S WOMEN’S TENNIS TEAM EARNS NCAA TOURNAMENT BID

Indianapolis, IN…The College of New Jersey’s women’s tennis team earned a bid to the 2008 NCAA Division III Women’s Tennis Tournament on Monday night. The Lions sport a 12-6 overall record and will be competing in a regional tournament on the campus of the University of Mary Washington (Fredericksburg, VA), May 2-4.

The NCAA Division III Women’s Tennis Committee has selected the 48 teams that will compete in the NCAA Division III Women’s Tennis Championships. The teams will play a single-elimination tournament with the first, second and third rounds played at regional sites. The quarterfinal, semifinal and final rounds of the team championship will be played May 13-18 on the campus of Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter, MN).

The 2008 bid marks the program’s 13th bid as the Lions became the first college or university team from any NCAA division from the East to win the NCAA women’s tennis title when the Lions won the 1986 NCAA Championship.

Since then, the Lions have combined for a 5-11 record in NCAA tournament play having appeared in the NCAA tournament in 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004 and 2007.

TCNJ will compete at the regional at UMW that will also feature Johns Hopkins University (15-3), Cabrini College (14-3), Methodist College (20-3), Elizabethtown College (13-3), and the host Eagles of UMW (20-3). TCNJ and Mary Washington each have first round byes. TCNJ will face the winner of the contest between Johns Hopkins and Cabrini, while Mary Washington will meet the Methodist-Elizabethtown victor in the second round on Saturday in Virginia.

Ranked No. 26 in the most recent ITA Division III Women’s Tennis poll, the Lions won the 2007 New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships this past fall and overall on the season have posted seven 9-0 wins over opponents this season. TCNJ went 10-2 against regional opponents and faced Mary Washington earlier this season, dropping a tight 5-4 decision to the Eagles.

TCNJ’s women’s coach Scott Dicheck is closing in on his 100th career win as the coach. Dicheck stands at 98-29 at the helm of the women’s team and is in his eighth season with the team.

The Lions suffered a tough off the court loss last week as sophomore Jackie Shtemberg (Franklin Lakes, NJ/Ramapo) suffered a broken finger and is lost for the remained of the year.  She leads TCNJ with her 23-8 singles record, while adding an 11-5 dual meet record. The 2007 ITA All-American, boasts a record of 95-27 on her career and is ranked first regionally in singles action. She had teamed at first doubles with senior Christina Contrafatto (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West). The pair compiled a 21-9 on the season with a 12-4 mark in dual action and were ranked third regionally.

With the loss of Shtemberg from the lineup last week, Contrafatto played at first singles against Swarthmore. She is 16-10 this year and is ranked 19th regionally. She holds a combined 138-55 record at TCNJ.

Rookie Amanda Berg (Mendham, NJ/West Morris-Mendham) is 14-13 on the year in singles play with an 8-9 dual meet record having played at second and third singles this spring.

Sophomore Stefanie Haar (Morganville, NJ/Marlboro) boasts a 17-8 overall singles record this year and has played at fourth singles. She leads the Lions with her 13 dual meet victories and is 13-4 on the year.  Haar has teamed with two partners this year and is 22-5 overall in doubles action. This spring, she has enjoyed success at second doubles with junior Haley Kutner (Franklin Lakes, NJ/Dwight Englewood) to go 10-4. Kutner, who has seen limited time in the singles lineup is 8-5 on the season.

Junior Lindsay Katzel (Boyds, MD/Quince Orchard) is 7-4 in singles play on the year, while sophomore Sarah Roser (Bernardsville, NJ/Bernards) is 12-8 in singles action.

College Softball: TCNJ Secures Fourth Seed in NJAC Tournament

Source www.tcnjathletic.com

College Baseball: NO. 9 RANKED KEAN TAKES TWO FROM TCNJ

Media Release

Union, NJ – Union, N.J. (4/26/08) - Sophomore Joe Bartlinski (South Amboy, N.J.) and senior Tom Paglione (Hamilton, N.J.) each earned wins as Kean University swept visiting The College of New Jersey, 3-0 and 6-1, Saturday afternoon in the New Jersey Athletic Conference regular season finale for both.

With the sweep the Cougars improve to 30-9 and 14-4 in the always competitive NJAC.  The Lions fall to 28-8 overall and 12-6 in conference action.

Game One (Kean 3, TCNJ 0)

Kean got the only run they would need in the bottom of the first without the aid of a hit.  Senior Maikel De La Rosa (Newark, N.J.) got things going with a leadoff walk.  After a successful sacrifice, De La Rosa stole third. Senior Eric Ammirata (Hamilton, N.J.) then grounded out to bring in De La Rosa.

Kean added two more in the third as De La Rosa and senior Bryan Burke (Lindenhurst, N.Y.) led off the inning with back-to-back walks.  Later in the inning senior Derek Gianakas (Edison, N.J.) recorded an RBI after reaching on an error.  Another Lions miscue forced in Ammirata for the final of 3-0.

Bartlinski (6-2) picked up his second complete game win of the season.  He allowed five hits (all singles) while also fanning five and walking two in the shutout.

Senior Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, N.J.) suffered his first loss of the season for TCNJ.  Oliver (5-1) allowed three runs, two earned, in the complete game effort.  He walked seven and struck out three

College Softball: TCNJ SPLITS SOFTBALL DOUBLEHEADER WITH WILLIAM PATERSON

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey softball team split a doubleheader with visiting William Paterson University on Saturday wrapping up the fourth seed in the upcoming New Jersey Athletic Conference Tournament.

The Pioneers won the first game 3-2, while the Lions bounced right back with a 6-0 shutout to earn the split. TCNJ finished the regular season with a mark of 23-15 and went 11-7 in the conference to finish fourth. William Paterson is now 22-17 and 8-10 in the NJAC.

Next up for the Lions will be the 2008 NJAC Tournament as they head to Rowan University to take on the third-seeded Profs in the opening round on Tuesday, April 29. The Pioneers finished in the sixth and final spot and will open the tournament at top-seeded Montclair State University.

Prior to the game, TCNJ honored its two seniors for their hard work and dedication to the program. Recognized were Christina Lizzi (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) and Lauren Musacchia (Westfield, NJ/Westfield).

Game 1: William Paterson 3, TCNJ 2
William Paterson’s Nicole Jimmerson (North Bergen, NJ/High Tech) hit a two-run home run in the top of the sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie lifting the Pioneers to the win in the in the opening game.

The Lions got one of those runs back in the latter half of the inning as Musacchia doubled in Kathy Sikora (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee).

Pioneer pitcher Jenna Vitale (Kenilworth, NJ/Brearley) tossed a complete game to pick up the victory.

On the mound for TCNJ, sophomore Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) took the loss going the distance.

The Pioneers got on the board right off the bat as Kate Braun (Philadelphia, PA/Gloucester Catholic) led off the game with a double and came around to score on a base hit by Jimmerson.

TCNJ got that run back in the last of the third as Lizzi picked up an infield single that plated freshman Colleen Cawley (Riverton, NJ/Holy Cross) to knot the score at 1-1.

Jimmerson went 3-for-4 for the Pioneers with three RBI.

For the Lions, sophomore Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) finished with a pair of hits.

Game 2: TCNJ 6, William Paterson 0
Freshman Alex Sietsma (Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock) hurled a two-hit shutout for the Lions with six strikeouts. The win was her eighth of the season.

The Lions got off to a good start in the second game, scoring three times in the top of the first. Camille Heller (Maple Shade, NJ/Maple Shade) started the inning with a sacrifice fly to right field scoring Seavers, who led off the game with double. Sophomore Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury) drove in the next run with a double, while Kelly Armstrong (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) singled in the other.

Seavers remained hot at the plate, making it 5-0 with a RBI double in the second and a run-scoring single in the fourth.

TCNJ added another run in the fifth as sophomore Danielle Hagel (Egg Harbor, NJ/Oakcrest) singled home a run making it 6-0.

Seavers finished the game going 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles and two RBI.

For William Paterson, Meghan Reilly (Middlesex, NJ/Middlesex) and Chelsea Winkelspecht (Sicklerville, NJ/Washington Twp.) each had a hit.

Vitale got the start for the second straight game for the Pioneers, but was replaced by Kerrie Mascarelli (Montcale, NJ/ Pascack Hills), who finished out the game.

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TCNJ MEN’S 4x400 RELAY TEAM EARNS ECAC TIME AT PENN RELAYS

Media Release, April 25

Philadelphia, PA…The College of New Jersey men’s outdoor track and field 4x400 relay team turned in a solid performance at the annual Penn Relays in Philadelphia boasting a ECAC time in their heat.

TCNJ was represented in the 4x400 by the team of junior Pasquale DiGioacchino (Bernardsville, NJ/Bernards), Jule Brooks (Atlantic City, NJ/Atlantic City), freshman Kyle Gilroy (Oak Ridge, NJ/West Milford Twp.) and sophomore DeShard Stevens (Jersey City, NJ/James T. Ferris) as they collected a of 3:19.57.

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NO. 8 RANKED TCNJ TOPS RAMAPO 4-2 ON SENIOR DAY

Media Release
Ewing, NJ – The Lions of the eighth-ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey hosted Ramapo College of New Jersey on Friday in Ackerman Park.   The Lions posted a 4-2 home win to improve 28-6 overall and 12-4 in the NJAC, while Ramapo drops to 17-18 and 5-11 in the NJAC. TCNJ has now won five in a row heading into a doubleheader on Saturday against No. 9 ranked Kean University.

TCNJ took a 2-0 lead as junior  third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) had an RBI single in the bottom of the fourth and senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro-South) came up with an RBI of a sacrifice fly to center field.

Ramapo tied the action in the top of the fifth when senior Aaron Drury (Canton, MI/North Farmington) had a solo home run to left field.  Rookie Rob Dimperio (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) would tie the game with an RBI single as Ramapo had five hits in the inning.

Senior Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) drove in the go ahead run in the bottom of the fifth on a single to right center to drive in senior Tyler Hall (Stockton, NJ/Immaculata) who had walked.

In the bottom of the seventh, Hall led off with a single, stole second and was driven in on an RBI double down the left line by senior right fielder Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley), giving TCNJ a 4-2 lead through seven innings.

In the top of the eighth, senior Ryan Paxton (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) walked with one out before senior Jairo Jimeniz (Bronx, NY/Dewitt Clinton) singled to center. Junior Mike Manges (Glen Rock, NJ/Paramus Catholic) grounded out to the pitcher moving the runners to second and third and knocking TCNJ’s starting pitcher, senior Nick Amabile (Holmdel, NJ/Holmdel) from the game.


Senior reliever Brad Kittle (Millville, NJ/Millville) came in with two outs and runners on second and third and faced junior pinch hitter, John Calllandrello (Montville, NJ/Seton Hall Prep) and got him to ground out to end the inning.

In the top of the ninth with two outs, Dimperio and junior David Deredita (Clark, NJ/Arthur L. Johnson) collected back to back singles to left center, knocking Kittle from the game. He was replaced by junior Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) who got Mark Ruggiero to ground out to second to end the game. Gertie collected his team-leading seventh save of the year.

Amabile improved to 3-0 on the season after working 7.2 innings, yielding two earned runs off nine hits with three strikeouts and a pair of walks. Amabile helped the Lions sweep the Roadrunners as he added the win on the mound as TCNJ beat Ramapo in the first meeting on April 11 as TCNJ posted a 10-6 win on the road. Amabile stands at 7-1 on his career with 66 strikeouts in 76 innings of work as a Lion in 18 appearances.

Kittle, who made his 48th career appearance which ranks 11th all-time at TCNJ. He worked one inning and gave up two hits. His 130 career strikeouts is 12th best at the College.

Ramapo’s rookie Jack McDonough (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) worked the complete game and scattered just five hits, yielding four earned runs, while striking out nine and walking three. He drops to 5-3 and leads Ramapo having struck out 65 in 65.2 innings of work.

Before the game, TCNJ honored their 11 seniors in conjunction with Senior Day. The Lions have won three straight NJAC Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances, while going 133-38 during their careers.

TCNJ travels to Kean University for a noon NJAC double header in Union, NJ on Saturday, while Ramapo travels to Rutgers University-Newark for a noon conference double header, also starting at Noon on April 26.

TCNJ WOMEN’S 4x400 RELAY TEAM HITS NCAA PROVISIONAL MARK

Philadelphia, PA… The College of New Jersey’s women’s 4x400 meter relay team posted a NCAA provisional time competing at the prestigious Penn Relays on Thursday.

The quartet of Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic), Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley), Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler) and Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Colts Neck) turned in a time of 3:51.33.

Junior Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) also competed on Thursday running the 5,000 meters and had a time of 17:56.78.


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#3 TCNJ WOMEN’S LACROSSE TEAM TOPS RIVAL ROWAN, 18-8

Ewing, NJ…Playing its final home game of the season, The College of New Jersey women’s lacrosse team celebrated “Senior Day” on a winning note as the third-ranked Lions posted an 18-8 victory over the Profs on Thursday.

The win puts TCNJ at 13-1 on the season with two games remaining, while the Profs concluded their regular season with a record of 12-4.

Prior to the game, the Lions honored seniors Christine Cavallo (Cedar Grove, NJ/West Essex), Toni-Anne Cavallo (Cedar Grove, NJ/West Essex), Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan), Caitlin Gregory (Winslow, NJ/Eastern) and Diane Haddeland (Mahopac, NY/Mahopac) for their hard work and dedication to the program.

Once the game started, those players had a role in the outcome, but they also had plenty of support from some of the younger players on the team. Junior Kelly Mitchell (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape) opened the scoring and sophomore Lisa Seldeen (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) netted the next two getting the hosts off to a good start with the 3-0 lead.

The Profs got on the board with 20:08 remaining in the opening half as Caitlin Meseroll (Oakhurst, NJ/Ocean Township) made it a 3-1 game.

TCNJ put together a modest 3-0 run to round out the half as junior Katie Reuther (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North), freshman Leigh Mitchell (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape) and Seldeen each scored to put the Lions in front 9-3 at the break.

Rowan scored first in the second half, as Nicole Valianti (Oaklyn, NJ/Collingswood) trimmed TCNJ’s lead to 9-4, but that would be as close as the Profs would get the rest of the way.

Toni-Anne Cavallo came alive in the second half scoring four times, while Haddeland scored three times in the final frame as the Lions held a 9-5 edge on the scoreboard in the final period.

Cavallo finished with a game-high five goals and Seldeen netted four with a pair of assists. Haddeland recorded the hat trick with one assist, while Jaeger and Reuther each chipped in with a pair of goals.

Rowan’s Lauren Crennan (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts) scored three times for the Profs leaving her four goals shy of reaching the 50-goal plateau. Meseroll also added a pair.

Gregory collected eight saves for her 25th career victory.

In goal for the Profs, junior Alicia Mannino (Richboro, PA/Conwell-Egan Catholic) had a busy game making 19 saves.

The Lions are on the road on Saturday heading to Frostburg State University for a 1 p.m. start with the Bobcats, while the Profs await a bid to post-season play.

NO. 8 RANKED TCNJ TRIUMPHS 14-5 OVER WIDENDER AS BARRETT STARS

4/23/2008 7:44:45 PM

Matt Barrett added 2 homeruns in the Lions' win.

Box Score

Chester, PA – The Lions of the eighth-ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey posted a 14-5 win over Widener University on Wednesday as the senior right fielder Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley), drove in five runs and added a pair of homeruns in the contest. TCNJ improves to 27-6, while Widener drops to 22-11.

 Barrett added  a 3-4 effort at the plate with three runs scored and now shares the homerun lead on the year as he has six thus far. A pitcher last year for the Lions, Barrett has now homered in his last two games and has 21 RBIs on the year.

 Senior Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) drove in two runs and was 2-5 with a double and a triple for the Lions as they combined to collect 21 hits on the day. Junior Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) was 3-4 with two RBI’s as well.  For the Lions, senior first baseman Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro-South) was 3-4 with a pair of RBIs, while junior short stop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayerville) was 2-4 at the plate with an RBI and his ninth double of the year.

 
On the mound, junior Dan Ramos-Dominko (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon) earned the win after seven innings of work, yielding just two runs off six hits and fanning seven batters. Ramos-Dominko improves to 3-2 and now has 42 strikeouts on the season, which is second highest on the team this spring.

NO. 8 RANKED TCNJ TRIUMPHS 8-3 OVER STEVENS AS ANDERSON AND BARRETT STAR

Media Release, April 22

Ewing, NJ – The Lions of the eighth-ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey hosted Stevens Institute of Technology on Tuesday in a non-conference game at George Ackerman Park.  The Lions came away with an 8-3     win over Stevens to improve to 26-6 on the year, while Stevens drops to 6-23.

TCNJ tacked on seven runs in the bottom of the first inning as the entire lineup made a trip to the plate. Among the highlights was a grand slam by senior right fielder Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley), the first of his career at TCNJ. 

The Lions’ right handed junior pitcher Dan Anderson (Lincroft, NJ/Middletown South) earned the win to improve to 4-0 and remains perfect on his career with a 7-0 record for the Lions. Anderson fanned a career-high seven batters in the game, while yielding one earned run off three hits and three walks.

Sophomore Greg Spatz (Oakhurst, NJ/Ocean Township) worked two innings for the Lions and gave up one run off two hits with a pair of walks. Senior Steve Turrise (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) worked the ninth inning for the Lions and gave up a run with three walks and a strikeout.

For Stevens, junior pitcher Alex Sota (Lititz, PA/Manheim Township) suffered the loss and drops to 2-2. Sota worked seven innings, yielding eight earned runs off nine hits with four walks and four strikeouts.  He was relieved in the eighth by sophomore Pedro Pimienta (Weehawken, NJ/Weehawken) who gave up a walk in an inning of work.

Rookie catcher Denis Ackermann (Rutherford, NJ/Rutherford) broke up TCNJ’s shutout bid with an RBI single in the top of the third inning. Rookie Ken Meerendonk (Sussex, NJ/Vernon Township) drove in a run with a two-out double to right field in the top of the eighth inning.

In the top of the ninth, the Ducks tacked on a run as Matt Glassman (Basking Ridge, NJ/Ridge) had a bases loaded walk to drive in a run. With bases loaded, Ackermann came to the plate and struck out bringing senior John Frustaci (Franklin Lakes, NJ/Paramus Catholic) to the plate with two outs and the bases loaded and grounded into a fielders choice to end the game.               

For the Lions, senior first baseman Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro-South) was 2-4 with a pair of RBIs and a double to help the Lions, while senior catcher Bill Kropp (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts) was also 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored for the Lions. Junior short stop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayerville) was 1-2 at the plate with three walks and a stolen base.

TCNJ returns to action on April 23 travelling to Widener University for a 3:30 p.m. non-conference match-up, while Stevens travels to Vassar College also on April 23 for a 4 p.m. contest.

The College of New Jersey Athletics Week in Review April 21

 

Read More

http://www.tcnjathletics.com/Pdfs/gen/2008/4/21/4_21Newsletter.pdf

BUSY WEEKEND BRINGS PLENTY OF SUCCESS TCNJ TRACK TEAMS

Media Release April 19

Bethlehem, Pa…A busy schedule couldn’t slow The College of New Jersey men’s and women’s outdoor track and field teams as the Lions boasted plenty of post-season worthy efforts at a pair of invitationals this weekend.

The Lions started by competing at the Larry Ellis Invitational hosted by Princeton University and also excelled at the Greyhound Invitational hosted by Moravian College.

Larry Ellis Invitational…
TCNJ was also well represented at the Larry Ellis Invitational hosted by Princeton University with the Lions shining in the women’s 800 meters. Junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) finished third in the race with an automatic NCAA time of 2:10.44 and teammate Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler) was 14th with a NCAA provisional time of 2:14.75. Freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Colts Neck) added to the strong showing in the event taking 20th in the large field with an ECAC worthy time of 2:15.75.

Junior Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) added a fifth-place finish in the 5,000 meters with a time of 17:55.06. That time met ECAC standards.

The men had a pair of runners qualify for the ECAC Championships led by junior Pasquale DiGioacchino (Bernardsville, NJ/Bernards) placed a team of 1:54.92 in the 800 meters, while Galen Johnson (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) posted a time of 9:38.27 in the 3,000 steeplechase.

Greyhound Invitational…
The Lion women added two more NCAA provisional marks as Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) won the 200 with a time of 25.16 seconds. She was also part of the 4x100 relay that boasted a NCAA provisional cut of 48.64 seconds as she was joined on the team by Wimberly, Priscilla Senyah (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial) and Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson).

Bonelli added a fifth-place effort in the 100 meters with an ECAC cut of 12.59 seconds.

Sophomore Michelle Wallace (Emerson, NJ/Emerson) won the 3,000 steeplechase with an ECAC worthy time of 11:56.27.

TCNJ had a strong showing in the 400 meters as three runners each placed in the top 20 and earned an ECAC mark. Spadaccini finished with a time of 58.32 seconds followed by Wimberly in 59.08 and freshman Alexandra Tomaselli (Hillsdale, NJ/Pascack Valley) at 60.09.

Junior Justin Carnevale (Oceanport, NJ/Shore Regional) was fifth in the 1,500 with a personal-best effort of 4:59.08, while Meghan Miller (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial) was sixth in the 400 hurdles with an ECAC time of 66.09 seconds.

For the men, freshman Dennie Waite (Little Silver, NJ/Red Bank Regional) won the 1,500 meters with a personal-best time of 3:38.34 that not only was an ECAC qualifying mark, but also set a meet record.

Freshman TJ Bocchino (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East) crossed the finish line in third place in the 3,000 steeple chase with an ECAC time of 9:52.96, while senior Andy Lim (Lodi, NJ/Leonia) earned two ECAC distances in the jumping events. He was sixth in the triple jump with a distance of 13.18 meters and was ninth in the long jump at 6.56 meters.

In the hurdles, Kyle Gilroy (Oak Ridge, NJ/West Milford Twp.) earned two top-10 finishes taking sixth in the (15.21 seconds) and ninth in the 400 hurdles (55.92). Both of those times met ECAC standards.

Senior Josh Krowicki (Hilltop, NJ/Triton) claimed fifth place in the 800 meters win 1:57.77, while freshman Tim Blashford (Wykoff, NJ/Ramapo) was ninth in the pole vault clearing a height of 14.3 meters.

Freshman Jule Brooks (Atlantic City, NJ/Atlantic City) had a strong meet taking 12th in the 400 meters with an ECAC time of 50.34 seconds and added a 14th-place performance in the 200 (22.85). 

Also in the 400, junior Woodrow Prevard (Sicklerville, NJ/Winslow Twp.) added a top-20 finish with a clocking of 50.88, just missing an ECAC cut.

Sophomore Steve Liccketto (Barrington, NJ/Haddon Heights) had a personal-best effort in the hammer throw with a distance of 41.82 meters.

-30-

No. 7 TCNJ Takes Series Sweep After Late-Game Fireworks; Ninth-Inning Rally Allows Lions to Win Twice at William Paterson

4/19/2008 7:43:27 PM

Bill Kropp had a banner day at the plate in the Lions' sweep.

Game # 1 Box Score

Game # 2 Box Score
WAYNE, N.J. – Down to its last strike and trailing by one, No. 7 The College of New Jersey (25-6, 11-4 NJAC) was able to score two runs during the ninth inning of the doubleheader night cap, securing a twin bill sweep with a 6-4 victory at William Paterson (21-13, 9-6 NJAC) April 19.  The Lions won the opener at Pioneer Baseball Field, 14-4.

Trailing by a single score with base runners at first and second and two outs, Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, N.J./Gloucester High School) had a 0-2 count at the plate when Pioneer reliever Steve Schlitzer (West New York, N.J./Memorial) threw what appeared to be strike three.  The home plate umpire did not see it that way, and two pitches later, Tussey laced a single up the middle to tie the score at 4-4.  Jeff Toth (Parlin, N.J./Sayreville) later hit a two-run double to center field, giving TCNJ the 6-4 lead. 

William Paterson put its first two runners on base in the bottom of the ninth after Vin Ganz (Waterbury, Conn./Holy Cross) singled and Dan Limone (Teaneck, N.J./Teaneck) walked.  Ganz was lifted for pinch runner Derek Koppinger (Columbia, N.J./North Warren Regional), but TCNJ reliever Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, N.J./Cinnaminson) entered the game and promptly picked Koppinger off second, giving WP one out with a runner on first.  Andrue Laguerre’s (Jersey City, N.J./St. Benedict’s Prep) fielder’s choice resulted in an out at second, and Mike Guadango's (Upper Saddle River, N.J./Northern Highlands) bouncer to shortstop ended the Pioneers’ comeback hopes.

The Pioneers crossed the plate three times during the bottom of the first inning of Game Two, a rally started by a Limone lead-off walk and Laguerre single.  After Limone stole third and Laguerre moved up to second after a ground out, senior Anthony Perrone (Midland Park, N.J./Bergen Catholic) hit a sacrifice fly to left field, plating Limone for a 1-0 edge.  Three consecutive singles by Vince Joyce (Franklin, N.J./Wallkill Valley), John Elia (Emerson, N.J./Pascack Valley) and James Gregory (Ramsey, N.J./Ramsey) pushed two more runners across, giving WP the early 3-0 advantage.

With runners on second and third with zero outs in the top of the fourth, Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester, N.J./Gloucester Catholic) grounded into the unusual 5-3-5 double play, but Tussey was able to score from third to cut the lead to 3-1.  William Paterson had a chance to extend the lead in the fifth when Perrone attempted to score from third after a groundout to the pitcher was thrown to first, but the home plate umpire ruled that both Perrone missed the plate on his slide and Lion catcher Bill Kropp (Pottstown, Pa./Owen J. Roberts) missed the tag, but Kropp was able to touch-out Perrone after WP’s third baseman attempted to go back and safely step on home.

A Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, N.J./Cinnaminson) double and Tussey RBI-single helped pull the Lions within a run at 3-2 in the sixth, and Kropp blasted his first home run of the year, a solo shot over the left-field fence during the seventh inning, to deadlock the score at 3-3.

William Paterson manufactured a run in the bottom of the seventh to regain the lead, as Limone roped a single to right-center to lead off, was sacrificed to second by Laguerre, and Guadango hit a hard shot up the middle, making it a 4-3 game.

Tussey was 3-for-4 with two RBI and two runs, while Toth was 2-for-5 with a two-run double to lead TCNJ.  Laguerre, Joyce and Gregory each had two hits for William Paterson.

Senior Bob Buskett (Trenton, N.J./Notre Dame) took the win (5-1), allowing 10 hits and four earned runs in 8.0 innings.  Gertie picked up his sixth save of the year with 1.0 inning of scoreless relief.  Sophomore Scott Zirul (Cedar Grove, N.J./Cedar Grove) started for the Pioneers and gave up five hits and three runs (two earned) in 6.1 innings, while Schlitzer took the hard-luck loss (3-3) in 2.2 innings of relief.

During the opener, the Lions pushed four runs across during their first at-bat and never looked back, taking advantage of three first-inning hits and two Pioneer errors.  Kropp’s sacrifice fly nudged TCNJ ahead 5-0 in the third, and the Lions broke the game wide open with five scores in the fourth, as Matt Barrett’s (Pennington, N.J./Hopewell Valley) two-run single helped make it a 10-0 game.

TCNJ extended its lead to 12-0 with a pair of runs in the top of the fifth before the Pioneers were able to break through and post two scores during the home-half of the inning after Perrone knocked in Ganz and Scott Fischer (Woodcliff Lake, N.J./Pascack Hills) with a base hit up the middle.  WP plated two more runners after a throwing error in the sixth, and TCNJ finished the first game’s scoring with a Kropp RBI-triple and a Tyler Hall (Stockton, N.J./Immaculata) run-scoring single.

Tussey was 3-for-6 and scored two runs, Mazzaccaro was 2-for-3 with three runs and two RBI, and Kropp was 2-for-4 with four RBI, a triple and two runs.

Junior Will Courter (Roseland, N.J./West Essex) was 2-for-3 at the plate to pace the Pioneers.  Laguerre added a 2-for-4 effort with a double.

Senior Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, N.J./Hamilton West) improved to 5-0 with 8.0 innings of seven-hit ball, allowing four runs (three earned) with seven strikeouts and six walks.  Freshman Chris Mongelli (Riverdale, N.J./Pompton Lakes) fell to 2-3 after allowing 10 runs (five earned) over 3.1 innings.

Prior to the doubleheader, William Paterson honored former head coach Jeff Albies, who retired last summer after winning 862 games during his 33 seasons, including 11 NJAC titles, seven regional crowns and the 1992 and 1996 NCAA Division III national championships.

William Paterson will return to action Tuesday, April 22, at RPI at 4:00 p.m.  TCNJ will play at Johns Hopkins April 21 at 3:30 p.m.

Rowan Defeats The College of New Jersey, 9-5 in 10 innings

April 17, 2008

Right fielder John McMullin

Box Score

EWING, NJ – The Rowan University baseball team defeated seventh ranked The College of New Jersey, 9-5 in 10 innings on Thursday afternoon.

In the top of the 10th inning, Rowan scored four runs for the victory. Third baseman Paul Urbanovich (sr. Rutherford, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep) doubled in a run and later scored on error. Center fielder Garrett Mull (jr. Chatsworth, NJ/Lenape) recorded a two RBI triple that drove in right fielder John McMullin (jr. Woodbury, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) and catcher Robert Fox (sr. Ocean Twp., NJ/Ocean Twp.).

Right hander Todd Burdette (fr. Succasunna, NJ/Roxbury) pitched three innings of relief for the win. Burdette (1-0) did not give up a hit or a run. Starter Ryan Kulik (sr. Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) went six innings and had six strikeouts.

McMullin led Rowan with two hits (five at bats), a home run, three RBIs and two runs scored. Mull went two for three with two RBIs and Fox contributed with two hits (five at bats), one RBI and two runs scored. Second baseman Joe Franceschini (sr. Toms River, NJ/Toms River E.) scored two runs.

For TCNJ, catcher Rich Gawlak (sr. Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro S.) had one hit (five at bats) and two RBIs. First baseman Bill Kropp (sr. Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts) and left fielder Chris Esperon (so. Union, NJ/Union Catholic) each chipped in with two hits. Right fielder Matt Barrett (sr. Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) added one RBI and scored one run. Pitcher Eric Gertie (jr. Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) suffered the loss.

The Profs trailed 3-1 going into the sixth inning. McMullin recorded a three run homer to left field and Fox singled in a run. It was McMullin's fourth home run on the season. The Lions tied the score at five in the bottom half. Barrett crossed the plate on an out and pinch runner Elliot Stein (fr. Middletown, DE/Middletown) scored on an error.

Both teams got on the scoreboard with one run in the second inning. Fox came home on an error for Rowan’s run while Barrett walked with the bases loaded for TCNJ. In the fifth, the Lions had two runs for a 3-1 advantage. Gawlak singled in both of the runs.

Rowan hosts Rutgers-Newark in a conference doubleheader on Saturday, April 19 at noon.

#2 TCNJ WOMEN’S LACROSSE TEAM HALTS #6 WASHINGTON & LEE

Collegeville, PA…  Second-ranked The College of New Jersey women’s lacrosse team dealt sixth-ranked Washington & Lee University its first loss in more than a month as the Lions slipped past the Generals by the score of 12-8 on Saturday. The win by the Lions also brought an end to Washington & Lee’s 11-game winning streak.

The game was played at Ursinus College.

The win put the Lions at 11-1 on the season, while the Generals fell to 15-2. Washington & Lee’s last lost was on March 8 against Franklin & Marshall.

The Lions got off to a good start scoring four of the game’s first five goals with senior Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) scoring three and junior Rachel Gordon (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) the other.

After TCNJ’s lead grew to 6-2, the Generals scored netted five of the next six goals sending the teams into the half deadlocked at 7-7.

In the second half, the Lions opened the scoring to retake the lead as freshman Alison Jaeger (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon) scored 4:18 into the new period and senior Diane Haddeland (Mahopac, NY/Mahopac) made it a two-game four minutes later.

After the Generals trimmed the deficit back to one, TCNJ kept them off of the board the rest of the way while Doane, Toni-Anne Cavallo (Cedar Grove, NJ/West Essex) and Haddeland added insurance goals down the stretch.

Doane finished with five goals giving her 50 goals on the season.

Senior Caitlin Gregory (Winslow, NJ/Eastern) collected four saves to earn the win.

In goal for the Generals, senior Sarah Tilbor (West Simsbury, CT/Simsbury) made a game-high 12 saves.

The Lions remain on the road on Tuesday, April 22 heading to Montclair State University for a 7 p.m. contest with the Red Hawks. Next up for Washington & Lee is the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Tournament.

Lacrosse Game Summary (Final)
                             TCNJ Women's Lacrosse
#6 Washington & Lee vs #2 The College of NJ (Apr 19, 2008 at Collegeville, Pa.)

              Washington & Lee (15-2) vs. The College of NJ (11-1)
Date: Apr 19, 2008  Location: Collegeville, Pa.     Stadium: Eleanor Frost Snell
Attendance:100   Start time:4:00 pm   End time:5:41 pm   Total time:1:41   
<cpi10>

College Softball: TCNJ Sweeps NJCU, head coach Sally Miller logs 350th career victory

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey softball team strengthened its post-season hopes with a doubleheader sweep of visiting New Jersey City University on Saturday and in the process gave head coach Sally Miller her 350th career victory.

The Lions plated the only run in a 1-0 in the bottom of the seventh to win the opening game, and completed the sweep in dramatic fashion, winning 7-3 on a grand slam in their final at bat.

TCNJ improved to 20-14 on the season and 8-6 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, while the Gothic Knights slipped to 14-18 overall and 4-10 in conference play.

The two wins put Miller’s career mark at the head of TCNJ’s program at 350-157-2 and she is in her 13th season.

Game 1: TCNJ 1, NJCU 0
TCNJ’s Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) and NJCU’s duo of Andrea Delucrezia (Belleville, NJ/St. Mary’s-Rutherford) and Lacey Skowronski (Bayonne, NJ/Holy Family Academy) locked up in a pitcher’s dual in the opening game with the Lions plating the only run in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Junior Camille Heller (Maple Shade, NJ/Maple Shade) led off that inning with a double and freshman Kathy Sikora (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) came in to run for Heller and scored two batters later when Minervini singled through the left side for the 1-0 victory.

Minervini fired a one-hitter for her 10th victory of the season and she finished with four strikeouts.

Minervini received a solid defensive play from shortstop Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) in the sixth inning as the Gothic Knights had runners on the corners and nobody out. Seavers made a diving catch on a line drive by pinch-hitter Krystina Kingston (Mountainside, NJ/Governor Livingston) and then doubled a runner off from third quickly ending the threat.

Delucrezia pitched five scoreless inning allowing just four hits, while Skowronski suffered the loss in relief.

Sophomore Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury) and Minervini paced the Lions at the plate as each player picked up a pair of hits.

Sophomore Tara Pellucci (Wallington, NJ/Wallington) singled in the second inning for NJCU’s lone hit.

Game 2: TCNJ 7, NJCU 3
TCNJ’s offense picked things up in the second game as Greeby started the scoring in the top of the first with double into the corner in right field driving in a pair of runs and sophomore Danielle Hagel (Egg Harbor, NJ/Oakcrest) followed with a ground out that increased the advantage to 3-0.

That score stood until the bottom of sixth when the Gothic Knights pushed three runs across. Stephanie Gomez (Belleville, NJ/Belleville) brought in the first of those runs getting hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, before Danielle Delfino (Jersey City, NJ/County Prep) tied the game with a two-run single to center field.

TCNJ’s first baseman Christina Lizzi (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) prevented NJCU from taking the lead making a diving stop on a line drive that was headed into right field to end the inning.

That defensive play proved pivotal as Hagel blasted a two-out grand slam to center field for a commanding 7-3 lead in the top of the seventh. The home run was her third of the season.

Minervini pitched the final 1.1 innings to earn her second win of the day after starter freshman Alex Sietsma (Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock) went into the sixth inning.

Sophomore Christen Hall (East Rutherford, NJ/Becton Regional) had a good game at the plate for the Gothic Knights going 2-for-3 with a run scored.

TCNJ will back on the field on Tuesday, April 22 with a doubleheader at Rutgers-Newark, while the
Gothic Knights return home on that same day to face Ramapo College.

ROWAN TRIUMPHS 9-5 OVER TCNJ IN 10 INNINGS

Media Release April 17

Ewing, NJ – The Lions of the seventh-ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey hosted Rowan University on Thursday at George Ackerman Park in a key New Jersey Athletic Conference contest.   Rowan needed 10 innings but came away with the 9-5 win over the Lions to improve to 23-8 overall and 8-4 in the NJAC. TCNJ drops to 23-9 overall and 9-3 in the conference.

The game saw four lead changes and two ties before Rowan tacked on four runs in the top of the tenth to triumph, marking a split for the two teams on the season.

In the top of the sixth, junior John MCMullin (Woodbury, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) gave Rowan a 4-3 lead after collecting a three-run home run to left center field, his fourth of the year. The lead marked the Profs’ second lead of the game after opening with a 1-0 lead after the top of the second inning.

TCNJ would tie the action at 5-5 in the bottom of the sixth inning with a pair of unearned runs as senior Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) was hit by a pitch to reach and would score before pinch runner Elliot Stein (Middletown, DE/Middletown) scored on a throwing error by the short stop.

In the tenth, senior Joe Franceschini (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East) reached after being hit by TCNJ’s junior Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) and moved to second on a ground out. Senior Paul Urbanovich (Rutherford, NJ/St. Peter’s Prep) doubled to left center field driving in Franceschini. McMullin would reach on a strikeout passed ball and a wild pitch moved Urbanovich over.  A Lion error allowed another Prof baserunner before junior Garrett Mull (Chatsworth, NJ/Lenape) would triple to drive in two runs and put Rowan up for good.

Rowan’s senior starting pitcher Ryan Kulik (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) worked six innings and gave five runs, all unearned and struck out six, while walking three in the no decision. Rookie Todd Burdette (Succasunna, NJ/Roxbury) worked three innings in earning his first collegiate victory and stands at 1-0 after three scoreless innings with no hits and three strikeouts. Junior reliever Kevin O’Hara (Clayton, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) earned his fifth save after an inning of work with a hit and a strikeout.

TCNJ’s senior Nick Amabile (Holmdel, NJ/Holmdel) worked 5.2 innings for the Lions before senior Brad Kittle (Millville, NJ/Millville) entered the contest and worked 2.2 innings with just two hits and a pair of walks and strikeouts before junior Eric Gertie came in the contest and suffered the loss (3-2) after 1.2 innings of work allowing four runs of which only one was earned with a pair of hits and three strikeouts for the game.

At the plate, TCNJ’s senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro-South) was 1-5 but drove in a pair of runs for the Lions while senior Bill Kropp (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts) and sophomore Chris Esperon (Union, NJ/Union Catholic) were each 2-5.

Rowan’s McMullin finished the day with a 205 effort with two runs scored and three RBIs, while Mull added a 2-3 effort  with a pair of runs driven in.

TCNJ Annual Lions Club Golf Outing

Mark your calendar for June 10 and TCNJ's 17th Annual Lions' Club Golf Outing

TCNJ's athletic department will hold their 17th Annual Lions' Club Golf Outing on Tuesday, June 10 at nearby Mercer Oaks East Course. To learn more...

NO. 7 RANKED TCNJ HANDS MESSIAH 9-3 LOSS AS MAZZACCARO of GLOUCESTER CITY STARS

Media Release April 15
4/15/2008 8:52:53 PM

 

Vince Mazzaccaro added a double and a home run in the Lions' win.

Box Score

Grantham, PA – The Lions of the eighth ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey handed their hosts the Falcons of Messiah College a 9-3 loss on Tuesday. With the win, the Lions improve to 23-4 overall, while Messiah drops to 22-10. 

Messiah College struck first, but TCNJ regained the lead with three runs on the top of the fourth inning and then added six runs in the top of the eighth en route to the 9-3 win.

Junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) added a double, a homerun and finished the day with a 3-5 effort at the plate and a pair of runs scored. Mazzaccaro added his fifth homerun of the season, a two run shot in the top of the eighth inning to help the Lions break open the game.  Sophomore Nick Tutrone (Marlboro, NJ/Marlboro) added a pair of RBIs and a double as well and was 2-5 at the plate as the Lions’ dh.

TCNJ combined for 13 hits on the day as seven different players collected a hit and five Lions added two or more hits off MC’s pitchers.

TCNJ’s junior Dan Anderson (Lincroft, NJ/Middletown South) collected the victory for the Lions after working 6.1 innings with three earned runs off six hits. He fanned two and two others, while making his sixth start on the year. Anderson is now 4-0 on the year with a 4.31 ERA on the season in 31.1 IP and has now racked up 18 strikeouts on the mound for the Lions.

Left handed reliever, junior Pat Johnson (Hamilton, NJ/Steinert) worked 2.2 innings for the Lions and gave up just three hits with no runs and a pair of strikeouts in helping the Lions to the non-conference victory. Johnson now has a pair of saves on the year after Tuesday’s performance.

TCNJ Lacrosse Game Canceled

Ewing, NJ--Due to a facilities situation, The College of New Jersey's home women's lacrosse game scheduled for Tuesday, April 15 with Elizabethtown College has been canceled and will not be rescheduled.

High Levels of lead found in Frank Sinatra Park & TCNJ Lions Stadium

source www.nj.com

The state Division of Health and Senior Services said it tested 12 artificial turf fields at municipal parks and colleges in New Jersey, and found lead levels in two of them that were eight to 10 times above the state's residential soil standard for cleanup of contaminated properties.

The fields with high lead levels are the Frank Sinatra Park at 5th Street in Hoboken and the College of New Jersey's Lion's Stadium in Ewing.

Specialized tests are pending on the samples and it was unclear whether the lead from turf can be absorbed by the body as easily as from other sources, such as lead paint or contaminated soil, the state said.

more

The College of New Jersey’s Athletics Week in Review

Read more

www.tcnjathletics.com

NO. 20 RANKED TCNJ TALLIES 5-4 WIN OVER NO. 11 MARY WASHINGTON IN MEN’S TENNIS

Media Release April 13th

Ewing, NJ – The 20th ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey men’s tennis team tallied an impressive home win on Sunday as they beat the No. 11 ranked Eagles of the University of Mary Washington. TCNJ improves to 9-3 overall and is now riding a five-match win streak.   TCNJ has now collected three wins this season over Top 15 ranked opponents.

#20 The College of New Jersey 5, #11 University of Mary Washington 4
Doubles competition
1. Michael Klimchak/Roger Mosteller (TCNJ-MEN) def. Randy Loden/Kaz Murata (UMW) 8-6
2. Eric Ferriere/Jeremy Eckardt (TCNJ-MEN) def. Evan Goff/Jon Pollak (UMW) 8-2
3. John James/Zach Detweiler (UMW) def. James Vance/Jonathan Yu (TCNJ-MEN) 8-5

Singles competition
1. Michael Klimchak (TCNJ-MEN) def. John James (UMW) 6-2, 6-1
2. Randy Loden (UMW) def. Eric Ferriere (TCNJ-MEN) 6-2, 6-2
3. Jeremy Eckardt (TCNJ-MEN) def. Eddie Carver (UMW) 6-4, 6-2
4. Roger Mosteller (TCNJ-MEN) def. Evan Goff (UMW) 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-2
5. Zach Detweiler (UMW) def. Matt Pierson (TCNJ-MEN) 7-5, 6-2
6. Bryce Parrish (UMW) def. Jonathan Yu (TCNJ-MEN) 6-2, 4-6, 6-1

Match Notes:  University of Mary Washington 17-6; National ranking #11, TCNJ 9-3; National ranking #20
Official: Marvin Hill 

TCNJ’s seniors Mike Klimchak (Clark, NJ/Arthur L. Johnson) and Roger Mosteller (Medford Lakes, NJ/Shawnee) added a win with one another at first doubles. The pair improves to 10-3 on the year together this spring and 43-11 overall on their careers with one another.  They beat UMW’s junior Randy Loden (Richmond, VA) and freshman Kaz Murata (Nashville, TN), 8-6. TCNJ’s victory at first doubles came over the South Atlantic Region’s fourth ranked pair.
Klimchak added a 5-1, 6-1 victory over junior John James (Mt. Kisco, NY) to improve to 15-8 on the year in singles play and is now 137-40 on his career at TCNJ, while Mosteller who added the win at fourth singles on Sunday as he beat sophomore Evan Goff (Raleigh, NC) in three sets (6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-2 clinched the match for the Lions. With his two wins on Sunday, Mosteller holds a 74-15 career record at TCNJ,
TCNJ’s sophomore Jeremy Eckardt (Belle Mead, NJ/Montgomery) was a winner at third singles, beating senior Eddie Carver (Norfolk, VA), 6-4, 6-2. He is now 13-5 in singles play and team at second doubles with senior Eric Ferriere (Montague, NJ/Kittatinny) for an 8-2 win. The Lions duo beat Goff and senior Jon Pollak (Amherst, NY) and improve to 10-3 on the year together.
Loden, who ranks first in the South Atlantic Region in singles, tallied a 6-4, 6-2 win over Ferriere at second singles, putting Ferriere at 12-8 on the year.

#16 Montclair State takes Two from TCNJ Softball Team

Media Release April 12

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey softball team saw its modest winning streak come to a halt, while visiting Montclair State University continued to add to its growing streak on Saturday as the Red Hawks took a pair of one-run games from the Lions.

Montclair won the opener by the score of 4-3 with that game going eight innings and then won the second game by an identical 4-3 score. TCNJ saw its seven-game winning streak come to an end as the Lions are now 18-12 on the year and 6-4 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. The Red Hawks ran their winning streak to 19 games and remained unbeaten in conference play at 10-0 and are 26-2 overall.

Game 1: Montclair State 4, TCNJ 3 (8 innings)
Montclair’s Jennifer Jimenez (Linden, NJ/Linden) raced home on a wild pitch for the winning run in the top of the eighth inning to lift the Red Hawks to a victory in the opening game.

The Red Hawks got the early lead scoring in their opening at bat as Maureen Shockley (Magnolia, NJ/Triton) tripled in a run and then scored on a fielder’s choice by Megan Durkin (West Orange, NJ/West Orange).

The Lions trimmed that lead in half in the bottom of the fourth as senior Christina Lizzi (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) hit a double and sophomore Danielle Hagel (Egg Harbor, NJ/Oakcrest) followed with another making it a 2-1 game.

Montclair got that run right back as Kacie Neurouter (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.

Again, TCNJ fought back and made it 3-2 in the latter half of the inning as freshman Steph Cintron (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) scored on a ground out by sophomore Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury).

In the bottom of the seventh, the Lions forced extra innings as junior Kelly Armstrong (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) singled in the tying run.

Picking up the win for MSU was senior Carolyn McCrea (Wharton, NJ/Jefferson Township).

Taking the loss for the Lions was sophomore Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park).

Game 2: Montclair State 4, TCNJ 3
The Red Hawks overcame a home run by TCNJ’s Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) in the top of the seventh inning that tied the score at three, to plate the winning run in the bottom half of the innings. That winning run came when Leslie Gonzalez (North Bergen, NJ/North Bergen) singled home Kelly Karp (Edison, NJ/Edison) making the final 4-3.

TCNJ opened the scoring in the top of the first as Armstrong singled in a run, but Montclair countered with a pair of runs in the bottom of the second as Karp drove in two runs with a triple. 

The first of MSU’s run brought an end to TCNJ pitcher Alex Sietsma (Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock) scoreless inning streak at 32.2 innings without allowing a run.

The Lions tied the game in the third with a run as Lizzi brought home Colleen Cawley (Riverton, NJ/Holy Cross) with a single.

MSU got the run right back in the bottom of the inning  as Jackie Ferranti (Bergenfield, NJ/Bergenfield) scored on a ground out by Jimenez setting the stage for the exciting final inning.

Sietsma suffered the loss for the Lions, while McCrea pitched one inning of relief to collect her second win of the day.

TCNJ will face another ranked opponent in its next outing as the Lions head to 22nd-ranked Rowan University on Tuesday, April 15 for a conference doubleheader, while the Red Hawks return home on that same day to host New Jersey City University. Both teams play at 3 p.m.

NO. 7 RANKED TCNJ AND MSU SPLIT IN NJAC BASEBALL ACTION

source http://www.tcnjathletics.com

Media Release 4/12/2008 8:01:26 PM ..............Photo provided by TCNJ

Ewing, NJ – The Lions of the eighth ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey hosted the Red Hawks of Montclair State University in George Ackerman Park in a league double header.  TCNJ took the first game 6-5 in 11 innings and MSU took the nightcap, 11-7. TCNJ stands at 22-4 overall and 9-2 in the NJAC, while MSU is now 14-10 overall and 7-3 in the conference. 

TCNJ honored former baseball coach Rick Dell in between the two games on Saturday. Dell, TCNJ’s former baseball and men’s soccer coach, resigned in July of 2007 to accept a position with Major League Baseball. During his time as baseball coach at the College, he produced a record of 708-331-10, while adding a 182-60-23 record in 14 seasons as the coach of the men’s soccer program.

Dell’s uniform jersey, No. 23 was retired and placed on the fence in Ackerman Park in the ceremony between the games as well.

GAME #1 TCNJ 6-5 MSU (11 innings)


The Red Hawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first after senior Michael Nunes (Hazlet, NJ/Raritan) lead off with a walk and stole second. Senior Jeff Miller (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) doubled and drove in Nunes before junior Stephen Piscitello (Hauppauge, NY/Hauppauge) single to left center and drove in Miller, spotting MSU to a 2-0 lead.

In the third inning, junior Ed Kloepping (Pennsville, NJ/Pennsville) doubled to right field and drove in Miller, who reached with a double down the left line for his second at double in as many at bats. MSU had a 3-0 lead before the Lions answered back with a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning.

With one out, junior second baseman Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester) singled to center and moved to second on a wild pitch. TCNJ’s junior short stop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) singled to left center and drove in Tussey. Junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) doubled to right field to score Toth and pull the Lions within a run.

In the top of the fifth, the Red Hawks added another run and senior pitcher Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, NJ/Hamilton West) was able to get out of a bases loaded jam. An RBI double off the center field fence by Rob Bowness (Sparta, NJ/Seton Hall Prep) scored senior Lou Politan (Livingston, NJ/Livingston) who had reached on lead-off walk.

Junior Dan Ramos-Dominko (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon) came in the game in the top of the sixth in relief of Oliver, with two outs and runners on first and second and struck out struck out Kloepping to end the Red Hawks’ threat.

Oliver worked 5.2 innings with four earned runs off eight hits while walking six and striking out six.

With two outs in the sixth, Chris Esperson (Union, NJ/Union Catholic) reached on fielder’s choice and moved to second on a wild pitch. Sophomore Ryan Anzelone (Vernon, NJ/Vernon Township) singled to left field and dove in Esperon and advanced to second on the throw.  MSU’s starter, senior Kevin Dalton (Edison, NJ/Edison) left the game with two outs and a runner on second and was replaced by senior Enrique Gomez (Edison, NJ/St. Joseph’s) who got out of the inning with a ground out to second base. Dalton worked 5.2 innings and gave up three earned runs off nine hits with three strikeouts and two wild pitches.

In the bottom of the seventh, TCNJ would tie the game and take a 5-4 lead after with one out, Tussey singled to left field and Toth added another single to left center. Mazzaccaro reached on an error at short that allowed Tussey to score and tie the game. Senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro-South) singled to left field to drive in Toth and give the Lions the lead and knock Gomez from the game.
Gomez, who gave up three hits, an earned run and had a strikeout in 0.2 innings of work and was replaced by junior Michael Streaman (Westfield, NJ/Westfield). 

In the top of the ninth with two outs, senior Vincente Medina (North Bergen, NJ/Paramus Catholic) doubled to deep right center and moved to third in a wild pitch. TCNJ intentionally walked Rob Bowness and with Piscitello came to the plate and despite an amazing defensive effort by Toth, MSU’s Bowness tied the score with an RBI single over the short stop. Ramos-Dominko got out of the jam and sent the Lions to the plate in the bottom of the ninth.

TCNJ’s senior outfielder Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) reached on walk in the bottom of the night, before Tussey had a sacrifice bunt to move him to second. Toth was intentionally walked putting Mazzaccaro at the plate with one out and runners on second and first and he struck out swinging. Gawlak came to the plate and flew out to left to send the game to extra innings.

Ramos-Dominko worked 3.1 innings for the Lions allowing just one earned run off two hits with a walk and four strikeouts in the no decision. He was relieved in the top of the 10th by junior Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) who retired the side.

In the bottom of the 11th, Tussey would single to deep center with one out before Toth walked sending Streaman to the bench. Mazzaccaro faced D.J. Cunningham (Florham Park, NJ/Hanover Park) who entered the game and was hit by a pitch to load the bases bringing Gawlak to the plate with just one out. Gawlak singled in the winning run, giving the Lions a 6-5 win in 11 innings.

Streaman worked four innings in relief while making his 12th appearances and took the loss to drop to 0-1, while Gertie earned the win to improve to 3-1 after working two innings with a hit and two strikeouts for the Lions.

GAME # 2 MSU 11-7 TCNJ 

MSU jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first led a two-run homerun by Rob Bowness, his third of the season.  TCNJ added a pair of runs in the bottom of the inning on an RBI single by Gawlak and a RBI single by senior Bill Kropp (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts).

In the bottom of the second, Toth added a two-run homerun to left center and tied the action as he connected on his team-leading fifth homer of the season.

The tie was short lived as senior catcher Jeff Miller (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) and Piscitello tagged TCNJ’s starting pitcher senior Bob Buskett (Trenton, NJ/Notre Dame) with back to home runs to left field. Two batters later, Bowness went deep to center field to give MSU a 7-4 lead.

MSU’s starter, senior Tim Stringer (Annandale, NJ/North Hunterdon) worked 5.1 innings with six runs, five of which were earned runs off nine hits with a pair of walks and five strikeouts. Stringer collected the win and is now 2-3 on the year. He was relieved in the game by junior William Traverso (Verona, NJ/Verona) who worked 2.1 innings with an earned run off two hits and a pair of walks and strikeouts.

TCNJ would pull within a run, down 7-6 before MSU tacked on four runs in the top of the eighth inning sending the Lions’ starter, Buskett from the game. MSU would add their lead up 11-6 after eight innings. Buskett went 7.1 innings with 10 earned runs off nine hits with a walk and five strikeouts. Buskett falls to 4-1 on the year and is now 19-3 on his career, with the two of those losses coming from MSU during his career.

Second baseman Adam Tussey, photo provided by TCNJ

Gertie worked 2/3 of an inning in relief and gave up one earned run off two hits with a walk and a strikeout before senior Brad Kittle (Millville, NJ/Millville) entered the game in the top of the ninth.

At the plate for the Red Hawks on the day Piscitello was 7-12 with four RBIs, while Miller had a 6-10 effort with five runs scored and a pair of RBI’s. Bowness was 3-7 with four RBI’s and two homeruns.

TCNJ’s Tussey was 6-11 with four runs scores, while Toth added a 5-7 effort with two runs scored and four RBI’s.

Photo of team provided by ClearysNotebook...............

#1 SALISBURY CLIPS #2 TCNJ WOMEN’S LACROSSE TEAM IN OT, 11-10

Media Release April 12

Ewing, NJ…  The showdown of the top two women’s lacrosse teams in the national rankings lived up to its billing as top-ranked Salisbury University pulled out an 11-10 overtime win at second-ranked The College of New Jersey on Saturday.

The Sea Gulls netted the only goal in the six-minute overtime as senior Sue Ackermann (Sykesville, MD/Liberty) scored on a free-position shot with 3:11 remaining.

TCNJ had its chance to force another overtime period getting possession in the Salisbury end of the field in the final minute, but the Sea Gulls were able to force a turnover and ran out the clock.

The loss ended TCNJ’s 17-game winning streak at Lions’ Stadium and it was also the first win for Salisbury in Ewing in the long series with the Lions. TCNJ held a lopsided 22-2 edge in the series, including an 11-0 mark at home, dating back to 1988.

The win kept Salisbury undefeated on the season at 16-0, while the Lions suffered their first loss this season falling to 9-1.

Sports: TCNJ Downs Ramapo 10-6, Record improves to 21-3

source media release

4/11/2008 7:20:19 PM

 

Nick Amabile fanned 8 as Lions downed Ramapo, 10-6.

Box Score
Mahwah, NJ  – The Lions of the eighth ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey tallied a 10-6 road win over Ramapo College on Friday. TCNJ improves to 21-3 overall and 8-1 in the NJAC, while Ramapo drops to 12-14 overall and 1-7 in the league.

TCNJ’s junior short stop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) collected a pair of doubles and drove in three runs to help spark the Lions’ offense. He went 3-5 at the plate with a pair of runs scored as TCNJ combined for 15 hits on the day.

TCNJ had five players who had multiple hit performances as senior outfielder Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson),  junior Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester),  senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro-South), and sophomore Ryan Anzelone (Vernon, NJ/Vernon Township) all had two or more hits. Anzelone was 3-4 at the plate with an RBI, while Gawlak added a triple for the Lions.

TCNJ got on the scoreboard in the 2nd inning with two runs on four hits.  Chris Esperon (Union, NJ/Union Catholic) singled to lead off the inning and advanced to second on a passed ball, before Anzelone stepped to the plate and drove a RBI single to left field to score Esperon.  Anzelone scored on a RBI single from Tussey going up 2-0 on Ramapo after one and a half innings.

The Lions would take a four run lead in the top of the 3rd with runs from Gawlak, who tripled to lead off and came home on a balk, and Anzelone, who got on base with single and scored on Mebs’s single to left field. 

Senior center fielder Nick Sbarra (Washington Twp., NJ) put the Roadrunners on the board in the bottom half of the inning when he walked with one out, advanced to second on a passed ball, touched third on a sac fly to right field, and crossed the plate on a second passed ball.

TCNJ didn’t hold out for long taking an 8-1 lead with one run in the 4th and three more in the top of the 5th.  Toth scored on a passed ball in the 4th and Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley), Tussey, and Mebs each touched home in the 5th inning to spread their lead on Ramapo.

In the bottom of the 6th inning, John Callandrello (Montville, NJ) came home on an error after singling with one out to reach first base, before Jairo Jimenez (Bronx, NY) drove a single to center field to score Pete Sita (Bayonne, NJ) closing in on the Lions, 8-3.

A two run 7th inning for the Lions seemed to have put the game out of reach for Ramapo with the Roadrunners only tacking on one more run in each of the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings.  Mebs drew a walk to lead off the 7th before Tussey laid down a bunt to put Mebs on second. Toth stepped to the plate and ripped a double scoring Mebs, before scoring on a wild pitch with two outs, to go up, 10-3.

Sbarra, Sita, and Ryan Paxton (Long Valley, NJ) all scored in the final three innings but sophomore reliever Greg Spatz (Oakhurst, NJ/Ocean Township) held the Roadrunners in two innings pitched to wrap up the day, 10-6 over Ramapo.  Spatz let up one hit and two runs, one earned, in his outing.

TCNJ’s senior Nick Amabile (Holmdel, NJ/Holmdel) pitched seven innings letting up five hits and four runs, three earned.  He walked four while striking out eight batters.  He earns the win to improve to 2-0 on the year.  Paul Ciccazzo (Staten Island, NY) gets the loss for Ramapo pitching 2.2 innings with seven hits and two walks.  He struck out two in the loss falling to 1-2 on the year.

Toth went 3-5 with two runs and three RBI while Mebs hit 2-4 with two runs scored and one driven in.  Anzelone scored two runs and drove in one hitting 3-4 in the team’s 21st win of the year.  Ramapo was held to only six hits in the game.  Callandrello went 1-5 and Jimenez, 1-4.  Callandrello scored one and Sita touched the plate twice.

TCNJ hosts the Red Hawks of Montclair State University on Saturday in a NJAC doubleheader starting at Noon at TCNJ’s George Ackerman Park. TCNJ will honor former baseball coach Rick Dell in between the two games on Saturday. Should the weather not permit action to take place on Saturday, the ceremony will take place on Saturday at the brunch for Rick Dell in TCNJ’s 1855 Room from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

TCNJ’s ninth-inning rally stuns Rutgers-Camden, 5-2

4/10/2008 8:08:12 PM

 

Brad Kittle collected the win for the Lions on Thursday.

Box Score

CAMDEN (April 10, 2008) – Nationally-ranked The College of New Jersey scored four runs with two outs in the top of the ninth inning to stun the Rutgers University-Camden baseball team, 5-2, in a New Jersey Athletic Conference game Thursday afternoon at Campbell’s Field.

TCNJ, ranked seventh nationally in the ABCA/Collegiate Baseball Division III Top 25 poll and fourth in the d3baseball.com poll, improves to 20-3 overall and 7-1 in the NJAC. The Lions have won 12 of their last 13 games.

Rutgers-Camden falls to 7-17 overall and 1-7 in the conference with its fourth straight loss.
For 8-2/3 innings, it appeared the Raptors would not only snap that losing streak, but shock one of the nation’s top programs in the process. Rutgers-Camden received no-hit pitching from freshman Dan Fimiani (Pittsgrove, NJ/Schalick) for 6-1/3 innings before senior right fielder Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) lined a RBI single to left field for the Lions’ first hit and run. Fimiani left the game with a 2-1 lead and the Raptors protected the edge until the last moment.

With one out in the top of the ninth, freshman pinch-hitter Matt Giermanski (Oradell, NJ/River Dell Regional) drew a walk and freshman Elliot Stein (Middletown, DE/Middletown) went in as a pinch-runner. After a strikeout sent the Lions down to their last out, senior center fielder Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) hit a slow roller to the left of the mound. Raptor senior shortstop Shawn Park (West Berlin, NJ/St. Joseph-Hammonton) raced in for a do-or-die play, but his off-balance throw was bounced in the dirt as Mebs beat out an infield hit.

Junior second baseman Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester) dropped a two-run single into right-center field and advanced to second as the Raptors’ relay to the plate sailed high for an error in an unsuccessful attempt to nail the go-ahead run. Junior shortstop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) followed with a triple to right-center, then scored on an infield error.

Prior to Mebs’ infield hit in the ninth inning, Fimiani (6-1/3 innings, one hit, one earned run, five walks, four hit batters and one strikeout) and three relievers shut down the Lions on just one hit.

The Scarlet Raptors scored single runs in the fourth and fifth and nearly made that margin stand up.
In the fourth, Park drew a one-out walk, advanced on a ground out and scored on a two-out single to center by sophomore third baseman Kyle Ballay (Delran, NJ/Delran). One inning later, junior second baseman Dean Straga (Mullica Hill, NJ/Clearview Regional) was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored on an error.

TCNJ’s first run came in the seventh when sophomore left fielder Chris Esperon (Union, NJ/Union Catholic) was hit by a pitch, advanced on a sacrifice and scored on the Lions’ first hit, Barrett’s single.

TCNJ’s second pitcher of the game, senior Brad Kittle (Millville, NJ/Millville) picked up the victory when the Lions rallied in the ninth. Kittle (1-0) worked three innings of one-hit shutout ball, striking out three. Junior Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) collected his fifth save with a scoreless ninth inning. He allowed one hit and survived an infield error to end the game on a fly out with the potential tying run at the plate.

Sophomore Michael Kondrath (Medford Lakes, NJ/Holy Cross) took the loss to drop to 0-1.

Rutgers-Camden sophomore catcher Greg Hunt (Marlton, NJ/St. Joseph-Hammonton) was the lone batter in the game to collect multiple hits, going 2-for-4.

Both teams return to conference action Friday with 3:30 p.m. road games. TCNJ faces Ramapo College, while Rutgers-Camden battles Richard Stockton College.

TCNJ’S DICHECK NAMED USTA’S COACH OF THE YEAR FOR NEW JERSEY

Media Release

Ewing, NJ – The College of New Jersey’s head  men’s and women’s tennis coach, Scott Dicheck, photo, has been tapped as the Coach of the Year for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) New Jersey for 2007. Now in his eighth season as the coach of both the women’s and men’s teams at the College, Dicheck has directed the programs to considerable success, including a trio of All-Americans in 2007.

On the 2007 year, Dicheck helped the Lion women’s team earn an NCAA Division III Tournament bid in May, capping a 15-2 season. During the fall of 2007, the women’s team reeled off the program’s 25th consecutive New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship after winning their 121st consecutive NJAC dual match win. Since the fall of 1982, the women’s tennis team is a perfect 121-0 in NJAC dual meet competition. In addition to the NJAC dominance, Dicheck’s success as coach included guiding Jackie Shtemberg (Franklin Lakes, NJ/Ramapo) to a program first as the sophomore became the College’s first player to win the prestigious ITA National Small College National Singles Championship in October. She teamed in doubles play with senior Christina Contrafatto (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) to also earn ITA All-America honors in doubles play.

Dicheck’s success has not been limited to just the women’s program at the College. Last spring, the Lion men’s team finished with an 11-3 mark and also had representation at the 2007 NCAA Division III Team Championships as well as the 2007 NCAA Division III Doubles Championships. The fall of 2007 saw TCNJ’s men’s singles performer, senior tri-captain Mike Klimchak (Clark, NJ/Arthur L. Johnson) became an ITA All-American after his performance at the ITA National Small College Singles Championships in Alabama.

On the 2007-08 seasons, TCNJ’s teams are both nationally ranked. The Lion men are currently 7-3 and ranked 20th in Division III, while the women’s team is 10-5 and ranked 27th in Division III. Dicheck owns a women’s coaching record of 96-28, while boasting a record o 69-36 during the same time frame with the men’s program for a combined collegiate record at TCNJ of 165-64.

#2 TCNJ WOMEN’S LACROSSE TEAM ROLLS PAST MT. ST. VINCENT, 17-2

Ewing, NJ…  The College of New Jersey women’s lacrosse team rolled to its ninth straight victory as the Lions defeated visiting Mount Saint Vincent College by the score of 17-2 on Tuesday.

The win keeps the Lions, who moved up to the second spot in the latest IWLCA/Under Armour Division III poll earlier in the day, undefeated on the season at 9-0 and extended their home winning streak to 17 dating back to the 2006 campaign. The loss dropped the Dolphins to 4-6.

TCNJ put the game away early scoring six goals in the first five minutes of the game and led 12-2 at the half. Senior Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) paced the Lions to that lead in the opening 30 minutes scoring four goals and setting up another. Freshman Alison Jaeger (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon) also contributed with two goals and two assists.

For the Dolphins in the first half, Lauren Perla (Holbrook, NY/Sachem North) and Katie Tucci (Baldwinsville, NY/C. W. Baker) each scored.

TCNJ scored the only five goals of the second half with Jaeger, Katie Reuther (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North), Maggie Rarich (Titusville, NJ/Hopewell Valley), Leigh Mitchell (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape) and Kelly Mitchell (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape) scoring those goals.

Doane finished the game with four goals and two assists, while Jaeger scored three times and set up three others. Senior Diane Haddeland (Mahopac, NY/Mahopac) contributed with three assists.

Senior Caitlin Gregory (Winslow, NJ/Eastern) collected the win for the Lions making four saves.

In goal for the Dolphins, Jackie Horn (Setauket, NY/Ward Melville) collected three saves.

The Lions return to action this weekend hosting top-ranked and undefeated Salisbury University in a 5 p.m. showdown at Lions’ Stadium on Saturday.

TCNJ SOFTBALL TEAM SWEEPS KEAN TO PUSH WIN STREAK TO FIVE

Union, NJ… For the second straight day, The College of New Jersey softball team swept a New Jersey Athletic Conference opponent on the diamond as the Lions this time took a pair of road games from Kean University on Monday. The Lions won the opening game, 5-2, and then completed the sweep with a 5-0 triumph in the night cap.

TCNJ has now won five straight games and improved to 16-10 on the year and 4-2 in the NJAC. The two losses put the Cougars at 16-4 and 3-3 in the conference.

Game 1: TCNJ 5, Kean 2
The Lions opened the scoring in the third inning as sophomore Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) hit her second home run in as many days putting TCNJ in front 2-0. They added another run in the inning as sophomore Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury) singled to get on base and later scored on a base hit by senior Christina Lizzi (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo).

After the Cougars scored twice in the bottom of the fifth, TCNJ got those two runs back in the top of the seventh increasing the lead to 5-2. Seavers again came through with the big hit plating two runs with a single.

That was enough for sophomore pitcher Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) as she tossed a complete game for her ninth win of the season. She allowed a pair of runs on eight hits with three strikeouts.

Seavers and Greeby each finished with two hits, with Seavers driving in four of the team’s five runs.

Game 2: TCNJ 5, Kean 0
Freshman Alex Sietsma (Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock) had another strong outing on the mound as she went the distance pitching a two-hitter with eight strikeouts. It was her third shutout of the season and put her record at 5-2.

Sietsma also drove in the winning run in the bottom of the second inning with a single to score Lizzi.

TCNJ added two more runs in the third as Colleen Cawley (Riverton, NJ/Holy Cross) scored on an error and Kelly Armstrong (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) plated the second run of the inning with a single.

Seavers continued her torrid pace at the plate in the fourth with another two-run homer giving her home run in each of the last three games.

Seavers and senior Lauren Musacchia (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) each finished with two hits.

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TCNJ Athletics Week in Review, April 7, 2008

Read more…….

http://www.tcnjathletics.com

Osprey snap TCNJ's win streak with 6-3 setback

April 7th ............07:39 PM

Box

Ewing, NJ – The Ospreys of Richard Stockton College handed the eighth ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey a 6-3 loss in NJAC baseball on Monday. RSC snapped two of the Lions' impressive streaks with their performance on Monday as they broke TCNJ's 11-game win streak and ended the squad's 28 inning scoreless streak as well. TCNJ drops to 19-3 on the season and 6-1 in the NJAC, while RSC is now 15-7 overall and 4-4 in the league.

RSC scored in their first at bats as junior Chris Discher (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) opened the game with a lead off single off TCNJ's junior Dan Ramos-Dominko (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon). Junior Scott Fisher (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East) added an RBI double and helped the Ospreys to a 2-0 lead after one inning.

In the third inning, senior Joe Sacerdote (Deptford, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) tacked on three runs for RSC with a three run homerun to left center, his fourth of the year.

TCNJ got on the scoreboard in the bottom of the sixth after trailing 6-0. TCNJ's senior first baseman Bill Kropp (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts) tripled with one out and scored on a wild pitch by RSC's junior Sean Donovan (Hazlet, NJ/Raritan). Sophomore DH Ryan Anzelone (Vernon, NJ/Vernon Township) doubled and was driven in with two outs by senior outfielder Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley), pulling the Lions within four runs, down 6-2.

TCNJ added a run in the bottom of the seventh when junior Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester) led off with a single and advanced on a misplayed ball in the outfield. He scored on a single by Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville).

TCNJ threatened several times and by game's end had left nine men on base and racked up 13 hits.

Ramos-Dominko worked 7.1 innings with six earned runs off 10 hits, while walking just one with six strikeouts and drops to 2-1. He got support on the mound from junior reliever Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) who came in the game in the top of the eighth with one out and after a walk, fanned the next two batters he faced. Gertie would work 1.2 innings with one hit and four strikeouts.

RSC's Donovan worked six innings with three earned runs and 13 hits, with a wild pitch in collecting the win and is 1-1 on the year. He got some middle relief from senior Amit Shah (Maple Shade, NJ/Maple Shade) who worked an inning with no hits or runs. Right handed sophomore John O'Hara (Clayton, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) came in the game in the bottom of the eighth and worked the ninth proceeded to hit the first two batters he faced in the top of the ninth putting two base runners on with no outs. The Ospreys turned a double play putting Barrett at third and Toth at the plate for the Lions and he grounded out to the short stop to end the game and O'Hara picked up the save, his third of the year.

TCNJ SWEEPS RICHARD STOCKTON IN SOFTBALL DOUBLEHEADER

Media release, April 6, 2008

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey softball team picked up a pair of New Jersey Athletic Conference wins on Sunday sweeping a doubleheader from visiting Richard Stockton College. The Lions edged the Ospreys 2-1 in the opening game and won the second, 7-0.

TCNJ is now 14-10 on the season and squared its NJAC record at 2-2. Richard Stockton saw its modest four-game winning streak come to an end falling to 17-5 overall and 2-4 in the conference.

Game 1: TCNJ 2, Richard Stockton 1
The first game started as a pitcher’s dual as Richard Stockton’s Kaitlyn Corica (Iselin, NJ/JFK) and TCNJ’s Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) each kept the opposition’s bats quiet in the first two innings.

The Ospreys opened the scoring in the top of the third as junior Jamie Heller (Fair Lawn, NJ/Fair Lawn) singled and later scored on a passed ball.

That lead was short lived as sophomore Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) drilled a two-run homer run to left center scoring freshman Colleen Cawley (Riverton, NJ/Holy Cross). Those runs put TCNJ in front, 2-1.

Minervini tossed a complete game for the Lions to earn the win as she gave up one run on six hits with nine strikeouts.

Corica suffered the loss for the Ospreys despite giving up only two runs on a pair of hits.

At the plate for the Ospreys, Danielle Accardi (East Brunswick, NJ/Mount St. Mary) and Natalie Berrios (Vineland, NJ/Vineland) each finished with two hits.

Game 2: TCNJ 7, Richard Stockton 0
TCNJ jumped out to an early lead in the second game as sophomore Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury) drove in run in the first with a single.

The Lions added two more runs in the second as junior Kelly Armstrong (Jackson, NJ/Memorial) raced home on a throwing error and Steph Cintron (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) scored on a ground out by Cawley.

TCNJ made it a 4-0 game in the fourth as Camille Heller (Maple Shade, NJ/Maple Shade) doubled, was pinch ran for by Cintron, who eventually scored on a sacrifice fly to right by Kathy Sikora (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee).


Cawley added another run for TCNJ in the sixth as she singled in a run with a base hit to left field.

In the seventh, freshman Amy Ullrich (Colonia, NJ/Colonia) hit her first collegiate home run with a two-run shot to left field.

Freshman Alex Sietsma (Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock) started for the Lions and pitched 3.1 scoreless innings before leaving the game after being hit by a line drive. Minervini closed out the game picking up her second win of the afternoon.

Accardi took the loss for Richard Stockton dropping her record to 7-2.

Greeby had a bid game at the plate for the Lions with four hits, while Cawley had three.

Berrios and Barb Kutch (Mt. Holly, NJ/Rancocas Valley) each had two hits for the Ospreys.


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TCNJ INDOOR TRACK TEAMS COMPETE AT SAM HOWELL INVITE

Media release, April 5, 2008

Princeton, NJ…The College of New Jersey outdoor track and field teams continued to turn in post-season worthy efforts as the Lions wrapped up the two-day Sam Howell Invitational hosted by Princeton University on Saturday.

Men’s Highlights…
TCNJ’s 4x100 relay team was the only NCAA Division III team in the field and placed seventh with a time an ECAC qualifying time of 44.23 seconds. Running the event for the Lions were freshman Jule Brooks (Atlantic City, NJ/Atlantic City), freshman Kyle Gilroy (Oak Ridge, NJ/West Milford Twp.), sophomore DeShard Stevens (Jersey City, NJ/James T. Ferris) and Steve Murray (East Windsor, NJ/Hightstown).

Junior Al Wonesh (Columbus, NJ/Northern Burlington) claimed a ninth-place finish in the 400 intermediate hurdles as he finished the race with a time of 56.52 seconds. That time was also an ECAC qualifying time.

The Lions had two more individuals boast ECAC marks as freshman Tim Blashford (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) cleared 4.30 meters in the pole vault and junior Pasquale DiGioacchino (Bernardsville, NJ/Bernards) was 13th in the 400 meters with a clocking of 50.65 seconds.

TCNJ had a strong showing in the 800 meters with three runners placing in the top 20. Freshman Dennie Waite (Little Silver, NJ/Red Bank Regional) was 17th (1:57.41), senior Galen Johnson (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) was 18th (1:57.57) and senior Josh Krowicki (Hilltop, NJ/Triton) was 20th (1:57.60).

Women’s Highlights…
TCNJ had two NCAA provisional times as junior Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) won the 10,000 meters in a time of 36:08.02 and junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) finished fourth in the 1,500 with a time of 4:36.71.

Senior Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) had a busy and successful meet as she posted two ECAC marks in individual events and another as part of a relay. Bonelli placed sixth in the 200 meters (25.79) and was seventh in the 100 (12.79) in addition to being part of the 4x11 relay that placed fifth. Joining Bonelli on the relay team that earned a spot at the ECAC Championships were sophomore Priscilla Senyah (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial), junior Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) and sophomore Meghan Miller (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial).

In the 400 meters, freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Colts Neck) placed ninth with a time of 58.12 seconds and she was immediately followed by sophomore Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler) in 10th place with a time of 58.48. Both of those times met ECAC standards.

Senyah added a second ECAC mark in the 100 high hurdles with a time of 15.46 seconds, while sophomore Michelle Wallace (Emerson, NJ/Emerson) and junior Megan Donovan (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick) also achieved ECAC worthy times. Wallace finished the 3,000 meters in 10:40.57 and Donovan earned hers in the 5,000 with a time of 18:40.98.

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Number 6 Ranked TCNJ Baseball Team Sweeps NJCU, Win Streak Grows to 11 Games

Media Release, April 5, 2008
   
Ewing, NJ  – Ranked sixth in Division III, The College of New Jersey’s baseball team hosted the Gothic Knights of New Jersey City University on Saturday in a NJAC doubleheader.  TCNJ posted a 21-0 win in the first contest and a 20-0 win in the night cap. TCNJ improves to 19-2 overall and 6-0 in the NJAC, while NJCU falls to 9-17 overall and 1-6 in the NJAC.  The Lions have also won 11 straight games, all since returning from Arizona on their spring trip.

By day’s end, the Lions had racked up 41runs off 39 hits with 14 strikeouts and have extended their streak of scoreless baseball to 28 innings after Saturday’s action.

GAME #1 TCNJ 21-0 NJCU

TCNJ collected a season-high 21 runs in the first contest as they posted their second shutout win in as many games.  TCNJ’s right hander senior Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, NJ/Hamilton West) picked up a complete game shutout win to remain perfect on the year and is now 4-0.

TCNJ would collect three runs in the bottom of the first with no hits as senior pitcher Jose Sotomayor (Jersey City, NJ/Lincoln) struck out the first two Lions and then loaded the bases and had four straight walks to push the first run across the plate. Two more runs scored on an error in right field and the Lions had a 3-0 lead after one inning of play.

The Lions would collect a pair of triples in the third inning as both senior catcher Rich Gawlak  (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South) and sophomore outfielder Chris Esperon (Union, NJ/Union Catholic) collected big hits and helped the Lions to a 6-0 lead after three innings.

Oliver had a no hitter until the sixth inning when senior Anthony Mackow (Bayonne, NJ/Bayonne) added a single to right field.  Oliver collected the complete game win to improve to 4-0 on the season and fanned eight with a three-hit shutout effort to elevate his career strikeout mark to 144.   

Sotomayor took the loss after 3. 1innings of work with seven runs off four hits with six walks, three strikeouts and three wild pitches. He drops to drops to 1-3 on the year.

By game’s end, the Lions had 21 runs off 18 hits, including five extra-base hits of which none were homeruns.

GAME #2 TCNJ    NJCU

TCNJ struck early and often once again. Among the highlights of the contest was a grand slam by freshman DH Matt Giermanski (Oradell, NJ/River Dell Regional) in the fourth inning, while senior outfielder Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) added triple and a two run homerun in the same inning for seven total bases in the inning. TCNJ would tack on nine runs in the bottom of the third inning after sending 14 players to the plate.

Senior Bill Kropp (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts) went 4-4 in the night cap and by day’s end was 5-9 with five RBIs. Sophomore catcher Matt Baumann (Old Bridge, NJ/Old Bridge) made the most of his late game appearance with a three RBI double in the eighth inning as the Lions added five runs in the inning after once again sending nine batters to the plate.

Senior Bob Buskett (Trenton, NJ/Notre Dame) worked eight innings of scoreless ball for the Lions en route to his fourth win as he is 4-0 on the year. Buskett fanned five and gave up seven hits and a walk and has 112 strikeouts and a 19-2 career record for the Lions as well. Sophomore Greg Spatz (Oakhurst, NJ/Ocean Township) worked the ninth inning for the Lions en route to the convincing win.

GAME #1 TCNJ 21-0 NJCU  (Box Score)

GAME #2 TCNJ 20-0 NJCU (Box Score)

NO. 17 RANKED TCNJ HANDS 12th RANKED SALISBURY A 7-2 LOSS

Media release, April 5

Ewing, NJ – The 17th ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey men’s tennis team tallied an impressive home win on Saturday afternoon as they knocked off 12th ranked Salisbury University. TCNJ improves to 7-3, while Salisbury drops to 14-2. The win was the third in the row for the Lions, while TCNJ snapped the Sea Gulls’ six-match wins streak in the process.  The win for the Lions marks their second victory over a Top 15 ranked team on the 2008 spring.

#17 The College of New Jersey 7, #12 Salisbury 2

NO. 18 RANKED TCNJ WOMEN’S TENNIS SQUAD TALLIES 7-2 WIN OVER SALISBURY

Media release, April 5

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey’s women’s tennis team hosted the Sea Gulls of Salisbury University
on Saturday afternoon in TCNJ’s Student Recreation Center. Ranked No. 18 in Division III, TCNJ tallied the
7-2 victory to improve to 10-5 on the season. With the loss Salisbury drops to 12-3 on the year. The Lions
have won four in a row and with the win Saturday, halted SU’s 11-match win streak that dated back to March
1.
Now in his eighth season at TCNJ, head coach Scott Dicheck is closing in on his 100th career win. He is
now 96-28 at the helm of the Lion women’s tennis program.

TCNJ’s WOMEN’S TENNIS TEAM POSTS 6-3 WIN OVER NYU

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey’s women’s tennis team hosted the Violets of New York University on Friday in TCNJ’s Student Recreation Center. Ranked No. 18 in Division III, TCNJ tallied a 6-3 win over New York University to improve to 9-5 on the year, while NYU drops to 7-4.

Doubles competition
1. Christina Contrafatto/Jackie Shtemberg (TCNJ) def. Holly Smith/Meggie Smith (NYUW), 8-5
2. Stephanie Tu/Jaclyn Manning (NYUW) def. Sarah Roser/Amanda Berg (TCNJ), 8-0
3. Stefanie Haar/Haley Kutner (TCNJ) def. Amanda Freedman/Lisa Mijovic (NYUW), 8-0

Singles competition
1. Jackie Shtemberg (TCNJ) def. Holly Smith (NYUW), 6-3, 6-2
2. Stephanie Tu (NYUW) def. Christina Contrafatto (TCNJ), 6-4, 6-4
3. Meggie Smith (NYUW) def. Amanda Berg (TCNJ), 6-1, 2-6, 10-4
4. Stefanie Haar (TCNJ) def. Jaclyn Manning (NYUW), 6-2, 6-2
5. Haley Kutner (TCNJ) def. Amanda Freedman (NYUW), 6-2, 6-0
6. Sarah Roser (TCNJ) def. Lisa Mijovic (NYUW), 6-0, 6-2

#18 The College of New Jersey 6, New York University 3

Match Notes: New York University 7-4, The College of New Jersey 9-5; National ranking #18
Official: Marvin Hill 

The Lions snapped NYU’s six match win streak as they posted the victory over the visiting Violets to post their third straight victory.
TCNJ swept through the doubles to take a 2-1 lead into the singles competition as the Lions’ top tandem of senior Christina Contrafatto (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) and sophomore Jackie Shtemberg (Franklin Lakes, NJ/Ramapo) collected an 8-5 win over NYU’s seniors Holly Smith (Troy, MI) and Meggie Smith (Knoxville, TN). TCNJ’s top pair is now 19-8 on the year and ranked third in the most recent regional poll.  Smith and Smith had their five match win streak come to an end on Friday and now stand at 13-5 with an 8-3 dual record with one another.
With her win at first singles over Holly Smith, Shtemberg improves to 20-8 in singles action and with her overall combined career mark standing at 90-26. NYU’s junior Stephanie Tu (Greenvale, NY) posted a win over TCNJ’s Contrafatto at second singles to remain perfect at second singles (6-0). Contrafatto, who is ranked 14th regional in singles play is now 134-51 on her career in both doubles and singles action.
TCNJ returns to action on Saturday, April 5 hosting Salisbury University in a match scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. NYU returns to action next on April 6 hosting Fordham University.   

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TCNJ SOFTBALL TEAM SPLITS DH AT HAVERFORD COLLEGE

Media release April 3

Haverford, PA… The College of New Jersey softball team pulled out a split in a doubleheader at Haverford College on Thursday as the Lions dropped the first game, 5-4, and then handled the Fords 8-0 in five innings to earn the split.

TCNJ is now 12-10 on the season, while for the Fords are 9-7. The Lions will be back on the field on Saturday heading to Kean University for a New Jersey Athletic Conference twin bill with the Cougars.

Game 1: Haverford College 5, TCNJ 4
The Fords scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning with the second of those being the winning run, which came with one out.

The Lions had taken the lead in the top half of the inning with a pair of runs to erase a 3-2 deficit.

Freshman Colleen Cawley (Riverton, NJ/Holy Cross) paced the Lions at the plate going 2-for-4 with a run scored and a run batted in. Sophomore Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) also had two hits for TCNJ.

Pitcher Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) suffered the loss for the Lions with three of the runs allowed being earned. She also struck out seven Haverford batters and gave up six hits.

Game 2: TCNJ 8, Haverford College 0 (5 innings)
Freshman Alex Sietsma (Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock) fired a one-hitter in the five-inning victory to improve to 4-2 on the season. She also struck out three batters in her eighth complete game of the season.

After scoring a run in the top of the second, the Lions exploded for six runs in the third with Cawley coming up with the big hit driving in three runs with a triple.

Cawley finished the game going 2-for-4 with three RBI, while sophomore Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury) and senior Lauren Musacchia (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) were both 2-for-3. Seavers also had a steady game at the plate picking up her second multiple-hit game of the day




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NO. 6 RANKED TCNJ TALLIES 7-0 VICTORY OVER MORAVIAN AS LIONS WATCH WIN STREAK GROW TO 9

Media release April 3
   
Ewing, NJ  – Ranked sixth in Division III, The College of New Jersey’s baseball team tallied a 7-0 home win over the Greyhounds of Moravian College to collect the team’s ninth straight victory. TCNJ improves to 17-2 overall, while Moravian drops to 11-12.

TCNJ’s junior pitcher Dan Anderson (Lincroft, NJ/Middletown South)  had a perfect game before the Greyhounds first base runner reached on an error at second and would keep his shutout alive through five innings of work with no hits. Anderson worked six innings in collecting the win with a no hitter and four strikeouts and improves to 3-0.

Making his first appearance of the season after recovering from a pre-season injury, senior Brad Kittle (Millville, NJ/Millville) entered the game in the top of the seventh and struck out the side. Senior Steve Turrise (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) worked the eighth inning for the Lions and worked a pair of innings allowing just one hit with three strikeouts on the day as TCNJ’s pitchers shutout Moravian.
   
The Lions struck early with five runs in the bottom of the second inning as senior centerfielder Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) added an RBI triple and senior right fielder Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) drove in a pair in the inning, while sophomore dh Ryan Anzelone (Vernon, NJ/Vernon Township) added a double as the Lions sent all nine batters to the plate in the inning.

Moravian’s sophomore Andrew DelRossi (Medford, NJ/Bishop Eustace) took the loss after three innings of work with five earned runs off seven hits with a walk and two wild pitches. DelRossi drops to 1-1. He was relieved in the fourth by sophomore Andrew DeLio (Parsippany, NJ/Parsippany) who worked two innings with no runs, two hits and three strikeouts before he was replaced in the bottom of the sixth by freshman Luke Skutches (Bethlehem, PA/Bethlehem Catholic) and gave up two runs, one of which was earned off a hit in an inning of work. Sophomore Keith Shaffer (Honesdale, PA/Honesdale) also worked for Moravian on the mound.

Moravian’s junior Eric Shea (Madison, NJ/Morristown Beard) broke up the shutout bid with his single in the ninth.
TCNJ returns to action on April 4 hosting Richard Stockton College in a 3:30 p.m. NJAC match-up, while Moravian College is back in action on April 5 when they host Manhattanville College in a noon doubleheader.

TCNJ CURRENTLY IN FOURTH PLACE IN RACE FOR 2007-2008 U.S.S.A. DIRECTORS’ CUP

Media release


Cleveland, OH— The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) has released the final winter standings for the United States Sports Academy Directors’ Cup race for Division III for the 2007-2008 academic year. The College of New Jersey is currently in fourth place with 516.0 points, while Washington University (MO) is currently the leader with 693.50 points.

Following the completion of the NCAA’s 10 winter Division III Championships, Washington University (MO) has regained the lead in the Division III standings after adding 371.50 points from competition this winter. The Bears captured the men's basketball title, placed 13th in men's swimming and 17th in women's basketball. They also scored in two previous winter championships; finishing third in men's track and field and sixth in women's swimming to bring their winter total to 371.50.

Division III 2007-08 Standings - 4/3 Final Winter Standings
Institution Pts
1. Washington (MO) 693.50
2. Amherst (MA) 647.00
3. Williams (MA) 617.25
4. The College of New Jersey 516.00
5. Middlebury College (VT) 508.50

TCNJ stands in fourth place with 516.0 points after collecting 262 points during the winter championships as the men’s swimming and diving team finished in seventh place, the women’s basketball team placed 17th, the women’s swimming and diving team took 33rd place, while the wrestling team placed 24th and the Lion women’s indoor track and field squad placed 24th.

The Sports Academy Directors’ Cup was developed as a joint effort between the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and USA Today. The United States Sports Academy, based in Daphne, Alabama, is the program sponsor. Points are awarded based on each institution's finish in up to 18 sports -- nine women’s and nine men’s.

Please note, standings published mid-season are unofficial.  Official standings will be published upon the completion of the spring season. Complete standings and the scoring structure can be found on NACDA’s Web site at www.nacda.com.

A year ago, TCNJ finished in sixth place behind Williams College (MA).  The Lions also finished second in the 1996-97 academic year with 589 points and tied for second the following year with 460 points. The 790.25 points earned by TCNJ in 2005-2006 were the most in school history eclipsing the old mark of 751 set back in 2003-04 when the Lions finished third.

Williams College won its 11th U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup in the last 12 years.
Only TCNJ and Williams College have finished in the top ten places in the standings in each of the program's 12 years.  Williams has now won 11 titles overall, including the last nine in a row.

#4 TCNJ WOMEN’S LACROSSE TEAM REMAINS UNDEFEATED

Madison, NJ…  The College of New Jersey women’s lacrosse team improved to 7-0 on the season with another solid defensive effort as the Lions secured a 16-1 road win at Drew University on Tuesday.

The win sets up a showdown of top-five teams as the fourth-ranked Lions host second-ranked Gettysburg College on Friday at Lions’ Stadium with game time set for 5 p.m. The Bullets are also undefeated on the season at 12-0.

The loss knocked the Rangers to 5-4 on the season.

The Lions have been excelling at both ends of the field this season and Tuesday was no exception. TCNJ lowered its team goals-against-average to 3.28 per game and have scored at least 13 goals in every game this season.

Senior Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) scored five times to move into 10th place on the program’s all-time goal list and became the 11th player in program history to rack up 200 career points. Doane has 201 in her standout career thus far with 159 goals and 42 assists.

Freshman Alison Jaeger (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon) netted three goals and set up two others, while Diane Haddeland (Mahopac, NY/Mahopac), Angela Wilmer (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) and Lisa Seldeen (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) each scored twice.

Senior Caitlin Gregory (Winslow, NJ/Eastern) made nine saves to pick up the win, while freshman Mary Waller (Bel Air, MD/C. Milton Wright) also saw time in net.

College Baseball: NO. 6 RANKED TCNJ POSTS 7-5 WIN OVER ALBRIGHT AS LIONS COLLECT EIGHTH STAIGHT WIN

Media Release April 1, 2008

Ewing, NJ – Ranked sixth in Division III, The College of New Jersey's baseball team tallied a 7-5 home win over the Lions of Albright College to collect the team's eighth straight victory. TCNJ improves to 16-2 overall, while Albright drops to 7-11. The eight wins in a row matches TCNJ longest winning streak of the season as the Lions started 2008 by reeling off eight wins.

TCNJ's senior Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro-South) drove in the Lions' first two runs of the game with a two run double to deep right field and helped the team get off to a 2-0 lead. Senior right fielder Matt Barrett (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) went deep with his first career homerun, a solo shot to left center in the bottom of the third. TCNJ would tack on another run in the inning and lead 6-0 before Albright broke up freshman pitcher Connor Henderson's (Monmouth Junction, NJ/South Brunswick) shutout bid.

Henderson worked six inning and scattered five hits, yielding a run with three walks and four strikeouts as he made his first career start for the Lions and is now 1-0. Freshman reliever Sean Flanagan (Manalapan, NJ/Manalapan) made his first appearance on the year before senior Nick Amabile (Holmdel, NJ/Holmdel) entered the game in the seventh inning and struck out the side to help the Lions out of the jam after Albright tacked on three runs and sent TCNJ to the bottom of the seventh with a 7-4 lead. Albright sent the entire lineup to the plate in the inning before Amabile was able to end the threat.

In the top of the ninth, senior Kyle Wenrich (Reading, PA/Reading) came to bat with bases loaded and two outs and was struck out by TCNJ's junior Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) to end the game and preserve the victory by the home squad. Gertie collected the save, his fourth of the year for the Lions.

Sophomore Derek Althouse (Manheim, PA/Manheim Central) took the loss after working four innings with four earned runs off seven hits with four walks and two strikeouts and is now 0-2. Sophomore Shane Stein (New Ringgold, PA/Blue Mountain) worked two innings for Albright, yielding one earned run off five hits with a walk and a strikeout.

Albright's senior Jordan Boyer (Hamburg, PA/Hamburg) drove in two runs and was 2-5 with a pair of runs, while Wenrich was 2-5 with a pair of runs scored.

On the game, Gawlak and freshman Matt Giermanski (Oradell, NJ/River Dell Regional) both drove in two runs, while rookie outfielder Anthony Palmiotto (Manchester, NJ/Manchester Township) added a 2-4 day at the plate with an RBI and junior shortstop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) went 2-3 with three stolen bases in the game.

TCNJ returns to action on April 3 hosting Moravian College in a 3:30 p.m. non-league match-up, while Albright College is back in action on April 4 when they visit Widener University for a 3:30 p.m. contest.

TCNJ’S SOFTBALL GAME WITH RICHARD STOCKTON POSTPONED

Media Release

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey softball team’s doubleheader against Richard Stockton College set for Tuesday, April 1 at Lions’ Park has been postponed due to the weather.

The teams are working on a date to reschedule the New Jersey Athletic Conference twin bill.

TCNJ is currently 11-9 on the season and return to action on Thursday, April 3 with a non-conference doubleheader at Haverford College.

SOGGY WEATHER CHANGES TCNJ’S SCHEDULES

Ewing, NJ – The College of New Jersey’s baseball team had their away game at Arcadia University scheduled for Monday, March 31 postponed due to the poor weather, while TCNJ’s home men’s tennis match scheduled for Tuesday, April 1 against Drew University has already been postponed.

No new dates have been set for either event.

TCNJ’s Lions of the Week, Jessica Bonelli and Adam Tussey

 

READ MORE

http://www.tcnjathletics.com/Pdfs/gen/2008/3/31/3_31Newsletter.pdf

TCNJ SOFTBALL BATTLES BACK TO SPLIT DH WITH DREW

Media Release

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey softball team came back to earn a split with visiting Drew University on Sunday at Lions’ Park winning the second game of the doubleheader 5-1 after the Rangers won the opener by the score of 6-2. 

The split put TCNJ at 11-9 at the midway point of the season, while the Rangers are now 13-11.

Game 1: Drew University 6, TCNJ 2
Drew broke open a tied game in the top of the sixth inning plating four runs.  Jesyka Marko (Winfield, NJ/David Brearley) drove in the first run with a double and Cailin McGrorry (Avon, NJ/Red Bank Catholic) followed with a two-run single making it 5-2. Drew’s final run of the inning came on a RBI single by freshman Kati Eggert (Denville, NJ/Morris Knolls).

The Lions got the early lead in the opener as sophomore Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury) reached on an error and later scored on a single by Danielle Hagel (Egg Harbor City, NJ/Oakcrest) in the first inning.

That lead was short lived as the Rangers came back in their next at bat with a pair of unearned runs to jump in front 2-1. Scoring in the inning for Drew were Marko and Jillian Lusk (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood).

TCNJ knotted the score at 2-2 in the last of the fifth as pinch-hitter Camille Heller (Maple Shade, NJ/Maple Shade) singled home Steph Cintron (Northvale, NJ/Old Tappan) with a single into right field.

Ranger pitcher Lauren Collini (Dallas, PA/Dallas) picked up the win throwing a complete game, while Lion starter Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) suffered the loss.

Game 2: TCNJ 5, Drew University 1
The Rangers got the board first in the second game as Nicole Gagliardi (Freehold, NJ/Freehold Borough) doubled in Kerry Cowley (Montvale, NJ/Pascack Hills) for a 1-0 lead after a half inning of play.

TCNJ got the run back three innings later as Hagel lofted a sacrifice fly to centerfield scoring freshman Colleen Cawley (Riverton, NJ/Holy Cross).

The Lions took the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth pushing four of runs across the plate. Cawley accounted for the first run with a single scoring Jamie Mastrioanni (Flemington, NJ/Hunterdon Central) and then Kathy Sikora (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) raced home on a passed ball making it 3-1. The final two runs came home on a single by Greeby upping TCNJ’s advantage to 5-1.

Lion pitcher Alex Sietsma (Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock) picked up her third win of the season on the mound throwing a complete game allowing only four hits.

Cawley and Sikora each had two hits for the Lions in the win.

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TCNJ MEN’S TENNIS TEAM TALLIES ANOTHER 9-0 WIN; THIS TIME OVER HOBART

Geneva, NY – The 25th ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey men’s tennis team picked up their third 9-0 win on the season and their second in as many days as they beat Hobart College on Sunday afternoon. With the win, TCNJ improves to 6-3, while the Statesmen drop to 6-7.

TCNJ 9-0 Hobart

DOUBLES
1. Michael Klimchak and Roger Mosteller (TCNJ) def. Charlie Davis and Harry King, 8-6
2. Eric Ferriere and Jeremy Eckardt (TCNJ) def. Jamie Flanigan and Matt Chin, 8-1
3. James Vance and Jonathan Yu (TCNJ) def. Zach Schultz and Will Tucker, 8-0

SINGLES
1. Klimchak (TCNJ) def. Davis, 6-1, 6-0
2. Ferriere (TCNJ) def. King, 6-1, 6-3
3. Eckardt (TCNJ) def. Chin, 6-0, 6-0
4. Mosteller (TCNJ) def. Tucker, 6-0, 6-0
5. Yu (TCNJ)  def. Flanigan, 6-1, 6-2
6. Jon Glinchman (TCNJ) def. Schultz, 6-0, 6-3

Ranked 25th in Division III, the Lions posted their second 9-0 on the weekend as they beat another regional opponent and have now tallied five wins over Eastern Regional opponents on the season.

TCNJ’s seniors Mike Klimchak (Clark, NJ/Arthur L. Johnson) and Roger Mosteller (Medford Lakes, NJ/Shawnee) added a win with one another at first doubles. The pair is now 7-3 with one another this spring and has combined to produce a record of 40-11 with one another. Klimchak added a win at first singles in three sets as he a 6-1, 6-0 victor and is now 13-7 this year. Klimchak is now 132-39 on his career at TCNJ, while Mosteller who added the win at fourth singles on Sunday  and is now 68-15 in three years as a Lion.

Senior Eric Ferriere (Montague, NJ/Kittatinny) was a double winner as well with a 6-1, 6-3 win at second singles and is now 11-6 on the year in singles play. He teamed at second doubles with sophomore Jeremy Eckardt (Belle Mead, NJ/Montgomery) for the win as the Lions duo is now 7-3 with one another this year.

TCNJ returns to action on Tuesday, April 1 hosting Drew University is a 3:30 p.m. home matchup. 

TCNJ MEN’S TRACK WINS EMORY INVITATIONAL; WOMEN THIRD

Media release
Atlanta, GA…The College of New Jersey men’s and women’s track and field teams finished off their opening meet of the season in mid-season form as the Lions turned in numerous post-season qualifying marks at the Emory Asics Classic on Saturday.

In addition to the strong individual performances, TCNJ and excelled in the team standings as the men won the invitational with 167 points and the women claimed third place with 95.

Men’s Highlights…
The top finish for the Lions was senior Brian Donatelli (Whitehouse Station, NJ/Hunterdon Central) as he won the shot put with a toss of 14.21 meters. He was also second in the discus with a distance of 38.90 meters.

TCNJ had two individuals finish second with both meeting ECAC Championships standards. Freshman Tim Blashford (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) cleared a height of 4.25 meters in the pole vault and classmate Kyle Gilroy (Oak Ridge, NJ/West Milford Twp.) had a time of 15.46 seconds in the 110-meter high hurdles.

In the triple jump, freshman Oluwaseye Akele (Jersey City, NJ/Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic) finished fourth in the triple jump bouncing his way to distance of 12.52 meters.

Gilroy added a fourth-place effort in the 400 intermediate hurdles with an ECAC time of 55.19 seconds, while DeShard Stevens (Jersey City, NJ/James T. Ferris) was fifth in the 400 meters with a clocking of 51.79 seconds. Pasquale DiGioacchino (Bernardsville, NJ/Bernards) added another fifth in the 800 meters with a clocking of 1:57.58.

TCNJ’s 4x100 relay team also place fifth as the quartet of Steve Murray (East Windsor, NJ/Hightstown), Gilroy, Jule Brooks (Atlantic City, NJ/Atlantic) and Stevens combined for a time of 43.57. That time also met an ECAC standard.

Women’s Highlights…
Junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) met a NCAA provisional time in the first meet of the spring as she raced her way to a time of 2:13.54 in the 800 meters placing second in the race.

The Lions won two events on the second day of the invitational as senior Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) was the first to cross the finish line in the 400 with a time of 58.22 seconds and freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Colts Neck) was second in 58.27. Both of those times were ECAC qualifying marks.

The 4x100 relay team took top honors with a time of 49.32 seconds earning an ECAC time. Running in that race were sophomore Priscilla Senyah (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial), junior Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson), sophomore Meghan Miller (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial) and Bonelli.

The Lions added another win in the 4x400 relay with a ECAC worthy time of 3:56.37 as freshman Rochelle Prevard (Sicklerville, NJ/Winslow Twp.), Bonelli, sophomore Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler) and Wimberly competed.

Tricocci also tied for second in the long jump (5.28 meters) and Miller was second in the 400 hurdles (1:08.28).

Senyah added yet another second-place finish in the 100 hurdles as Senyah was the first of three Lions to place in the top 5. Senyah had a time of 15.85 to place second and Miller was fourth at 15.99 with both of those times meeting ECAC standards. Junior Kirsten Gerbehy (Califon, NJ/Voorhees) then took fifth place for TCNJ.

In the pole vault, senior Lauren Pfeiffer (Freehold, NJ/Winslow Township) cleared the bar at 3.07 meters to finish in third place.

Spadaccini also picked up a fourth-place finish in the 800 with an ECAC time of 2:17.56.

In the 1,500, junior Megan Donovan (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick) boasted a personal-best time of 5:03.67.

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Tussey, Oliver, and Gertie provide sparks for The College of NJ as Lions sweep Rutgers University Newark

Game #1 Box Score

Game #2 Box Score

Newark, NJ – Ranked sixth in Division III, The College of New Jersey's baseball team tallied a pair of wins over Rutgers University-Newark on Saturday in Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium. TCNJ improved to 15-2 overall and 4-0 in the NJAC while riding a seven game win streak. Rutgers-Newark drops to 14-6 overall and 1-3 in the NJAC.  

Photo: Mike Oliver fanned 6 in the Lions opener

Junior second baseman Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester High School) went nine for 10 at the plate, drew two walks and scored five runs and sparked a ninth-inning rally in game two to complete the sweep.

Adam had four singles and a pair of walks to reach safely six times in opener. In game two, he added five singles in six trips to the plate to finish the day with a .917 on-base percentage.

In game two, a bases-loaded, two-out triple by senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro-South) tied game two at 12-12 in the top of the ninth ahead of a game-winning RBI double to centerfield by senior first baseman Bill Kropp (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts) as the Lions plated six runs to get the win.

Photo: Adam Tussey, went nine for 10 at the plate and finished the day with a .917 on base percentage

Junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) drove in eight runs to TCNJ with a home run, ad double and five RBI in the opener. Junior shortstop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) went four for eight with two walks and three RBI on the day.

Sophomore Ryan Anzelone (Vernon Township, NJ/Vernon) added a homerun as well to pace the Lions on the day as they combined for 29 runs on the day.

Sophomore third baseman Joe Furnaguera (Springfield, NJ/Jonathan Dayton) paced Rutgers-Newark with five hits, including a pair of doubles and a home run, and five RBI in the twinbill.

In the first game, senior Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, NJ/Hamilton West) collected the win after eight innings of work with six strikeouts and is now 3-0.

In the second game, junior reliever Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) picked up the win in relief and worked 2.1 innings in relief and held Rutgers-Newark hitless and fanned a pair of players as he improved to 2-1 on the year.

Source Media Release

Related: The College of NJ on CNB

College Baseball: TCNJ Over Rowan U; Bob Buskett pitched a complete game for the win

Box Score

GLASSBORO, NJ – Sixth ranked The College of New Jersey defeated 16th ranked Rowan University, 5-2 in a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) game on Friday.

TCNJ improves to 13-2 overall and 2-0 in the conference. Rowan has a 13-4 record and a 1-1 NJAC mark.

Left hander Bob Buskett (PHOTO…..sr. Trenton, NJ/Notre Dame) pitched a complete game for the win. Buskett (3-0) scattered eight hits and gave up two earned runs, while striking out four batters. Lefty Joe Cichy (sr. Vineland, NJ/St. Augustine Prep) took the loss for the Profs. Cichy (1-2) went 7.1 innings, allowing five hits and two earned runs.

Lions' catcher Rich Gawlak (sr. Plainsboro, NJ/W.Windsor-Plainsboro S.) was one for two with one RBI, one run scored and a double. Shortstop Jeff Toth (jr. Parlin, NJ/Sayreville War Mem.) had one hit (four at bats), one RBI and one run scored. Left fielder Chris Esperon (so. Union, NJ/Union Catholic) recorded a double and one RBI. First baseman Bill Kropp (sr. Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts), third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (jr. Gloucester, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) and center fielder Dave Mebs (sr. Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) each scored once.

For Rowan, second baseman Roland Rodriguez (so. Miami, FL/Miami Killian) was two for three with two runs scored. First baseman Tom Ready (jr. Blenheim, NJ/Triton Reg.) had two hits (four at bats) and one RBI. Right fielder John McMullin (jr. Woodbury, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) added two hits in four trips to the plate.

Rowan went ahead 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning. Ready singled in Rodriguez, who reach base on a walk. TCNJ tied the game in the top of the third. Toth singled to center field, scoring Mebs. Rowan went up 2-1 with one run in the bottom half. Rodriguez singled and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt. He went to third and scored on two wild pitches. The Lions took the lead for good in the top of the fourth. Gawlak led off with a double to left field and Kropp followed with a single to right. Gawlak came home on a balk and Kropp moved to second. Kropp scored from second on an error. In the fifth, Gawlak drove in Toth with a sacrifice fly. TCNJ added an insurance run in the eighth when Esperon doubled to left field, plating Mazzaccaro.

Rowan travels to Kean University for a NJAC doubleheader on Saturday, March 29 at noon. TCNJ plays a conference doubleheader at Rutgers-Newark on Saturday starting at 11:30 a.m.

TCNJ’s WOMEN’S TENNIS TEAM COLLECTS 7-2 WIN OVER ST. LAWRENCE

MEDIA RELEASE

Canton, NY – Ranked No.17 in Division III, the Lions of The College of New Jersey women’s tennis team picked up a 7-2 road win over the Saints of St. Lawrence University. With the win, the Lions are now 7-5 overall, while St. Lawrence drops to 4-2.

DOUBLES
1. Christina Contrafatto and Jackie Shtemberg (TCNJ) def. Kirsten Lannon and Chelsea Hubbell, 8-5
2. Casey Gilman and Stephanie Finn (SLU) def. Sarah Roser and Amanda Berg, 8-3
3. Stefanie Haar and Haley Kutner (TCNJ) def. Teresa Rodriguez and Liz Ronty, 8-0

SINGLES
1. Shtemberg (TCNJ) def. Lannon, 6-1, 6-0
2. Finn (SLU) def. Berg, 6-2, 6-2
3. Contrafatto (TCNJ) def. Gilman, 6-1, 6-2
4. Haar (TCNJ) def. Rodriguez, 6-1, 6-0
5. Kutner (TCNJ) def. Hubbell, 6-2, 6-0
6. Roser (TCNJ) def.  Mackenzie Hall, 6-4, 6-3

TCNJ’s women’s tennis team rebounded from a four-match losing skid with a 7-2 convincing regional win over St. Lawrence University on the road.

TCNJ’s top doubles tandem of senior Christina Contrafatto (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) and sophomore Jackie Shtemberg (Franklin Lakes, NJ/Ramapo) were victorious as they were 8-5 winners. They duo is now 17-8 on the year together with an 8-3 mark in dual competition.

Shtemberg added a 6-1, 6-0 win at first singles as she beat the Saints’ senior Kirsten Lannon (Topsfield, MA) and is now 18-8 on the year to up her singles career record to 45-12. Contrafatto added a win at third singles as she beat sophomore Casey Gilman (Gloucester, MA) and is now 131-50 overall in singles and doubles play as a Lion.

TCNJ returns to the courts on Sunday facing William Smith College on the road in Geneva, NY.

College Softball: NO. 8 RANKED RAMAPO SOFTBALL TEAM TAKES TWO WINS OVER TCNJ IN NJAC OPENER

Media Release March 29

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey softball team hosted the No. 8 ranked Roadrunners of Ramapo College on Saturday in Lions’ Park.  The visiting Roadrunners came away with two wins over the Lions holding on for a 6-4 win in the opener and then posted a 2-0 victory in the second game.

The games were the opening two for both teams in New Jersey Athletic Conference play as TCNJ is 0-2 in conference play and 10-8 overall. With the two wins, Ramapo moved to 14-2 on the year and 2-0 in the NJAC.

GAME #1
#8 RAMAPO 6, TCNJ 4
Ramapo picked up a pair of runs first in the top of the second inning as senior Kendall Patton (Hammonton, NJ/Hammonton) was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and pushed the first runner across the plate. Ramapo added another score in the inning before the Lions turned a double play to end the Roadrunners’ scoring threat.

In the bottom of the third, the Lions were able to strike when sophomore Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury) drove in sophomore Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) who lead off the inning with a single to center field.

In the top of the fourth, the Roadrunners nearly scored again as Patton returned to the plate with bases loaded and no out, but was struck by sophomore pitcher Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) for the first out. Sophomore short stop Jamie Chalkley (West Milford, NJ/West Milford) then flew out to center and no runners advanced. Katie Donnelly (Pequannock, NJ/Pequannock)flew out to right field to end the inning and keep Ramapo off the boards.

Freshman Jamie Moir (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape) replaced Minervini in the top of the fifth with one out and runners on second and first and gave up a bloop single to Ramapo’s Kelly Schriber (Montclair, NJ/Mount St. Dominic) to load the bases. McKeon then drove in a run on a sacrifice fly to center to give Ramapo a 3-1 lead. Pinch-hitter Cherese Matthews (Pequannock, NJ/Pequannock) came to the plate with the bases loaded and would reach on an error at short and help put Ramapo up 4-1. A bases loaded walk tacked on another run for Ramapo and Moir struck out Jen Vitorino (Old Bridge, NJ/Old Bridge) to end the inning.

TCNJ would fight back with an RBI sacrifice fly from rookie Colleen Cawley (Riverton, NJ/Holy Cross) and pulled within three runs. Seavers would score on a passed ball and the Lions trailed by two after five innings, 5-3.

Sophomore Danielle Hagel (Egg Harbor, NJ/Oakcrest) led off the bottom of the sixth inning with a solo home run to centerfield and the Lions trailed by just one run, 5-4 with no outs in the inning. The homerun was her second of the year and put her at 10 RBIs on the season.

Ramapo built their lead in the top of the seventh after Ashley O’Rourke (Pequannock, NJ/Pequannock) led off with a single and moved to second on a passed ball. Chalkley would single to deep right and drive in O’Rourke and Ramapo led 6-4.

Ramapo’s Lyndsay Buehler (River Vale, NJ/Pascack Valley) picked up the win in four innings of relief.

Schriber finished the game going 3-for-4 to lead the Roadrunners at the plate.

For TCNJ, Seavers collected a pair of hits in four at bats.

GAME # 2
#8 Ramapo 2, TCNJ 0
Ramapo pitcher Deanna Giordana (Clifton, NJ/Clifton) pitched a complete game to improve to 4-0 on the season allowing only six hits.

The Roadrunners scored single runs in the first and fifth innings to account for all of the scoring.

Greeby shined for the Lions at the plate picking up two hits in three official plate appearances.

For Ramapo, Rachel Wong (Livingston, NJ/Livingston) and Amanda Sansevere (West Keansburg, NJ/Raritan) each finished with a pair of hits.

Freshman Alex Sietsma (Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock) suffered the loss for the Lions going 4.1 innings and allowing only the two runs.

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TCNJ INDOOR TRACK TEAMS OPEN OUTDOOR SEASON

Media Release March 28

Atlanta, GA…The College of New Jersey men’s and women’s track and field teams opened the outdoor season in stride on the opening day of the Emory Classic hosted by Emory University on Friday.

The Lions had several strong performances highlighted by the women’s shot put taking three of the top five places. Freshman Sarah Wehrhan (Dodge City, KS/The Peddie School) won the event just missing an ECAC mark with a distance of 11.10 meters. Classmate Cristina D’Amato (Madison, NJ/Madison) finished fourth with a toss of 10.68 meters, while sophomore Ashley Krauss (Flemington, NJ/Hunterdon Central) was fifth with a mark of 10.58 meters.

Krauss and Wehrhan also placed in the hammer throw taking second and third, respectively. Krauss had a distance of 40.63 meters and Wehrhan at 38.81.

In the high jump, junior Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) placed third clearing a height of 1.56 meters, while sophomore Danielle Kedzerieski (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) was third in the javelin with a throw of 26.53 meters.

Junior Nicole Ullmeyer (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) competed in the longest race of the invitational running the 10,000 meters in 41:40.51 to place fourth overall.

On the men’s side, senior Brian Donatelli (Whitehouse Station, NJ/Hunterdon Central) claimed fourth in the hammer with distance of 43.18 meters and teammate Martin Brown (Verona, NJ/Verona) was eighth with a heave of 38.23 meters.

Senior Galen Johnson (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) had a strong first showing in the 3,000 steeplechase as he took fifth with a time of 9:48.90.

Senior Andy Lim (Lodi, NJ/Leonia) added another top to for TCNJ taking eighth in the long jump with a leap of 6.22 meters.

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College Baseball: TCNJ's Ramos-Dominko Fanned 12, TCNJ Improves to 12-2 Overall

3/27/2008 6:22:49 PM

 

Ramos-Dominko went the distance and fanned 12 on Thursday.

Box Score

Ewing, NJ – Ranked sixth in Division III, The College of New Jersey’s baseball team opened action in the New Jersey Athletic Conference on Thursday, hosting the Scarlet Raptors of Rutgers University-Camden. TCNJ would open conference play with a 5-1 home win. TCNJ improves to 12-2 overall and 1-0 in the league, while RUC drops to 6-10 overall with an 0-1 mark in the league. The Lions open the NJAC as the league’s three-time defending champions.

TCNJ’s right handed junior pitcher Dan Ramos-Dominko (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon) fanned a career-high 12 batters in posting his second win of the year. Ramos-Dominko fanned six batters the last time he took the mound in Arizona and now has 23 strikeouts on the season after Thursday’s outing. He worked a complete game, yielding just one earned run off four hits with a pair of walks to improve to 2-0.

TCNJ jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning after junior second baseman Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester High School) was hit by a pitch and junior short stop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) tripled and put the Lions on the scoreboard. TCNJ’s junior Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) came up with a RBI single before senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South) added the final RBI of the inning, all coming off RUC’s senior Andrew Lihotz (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast).

RUC pulled within two runs, down 3-1 after sophomore Steve Myers (Millville, NJ/Millville) broke up Ramos-Dominko’s shutout bid in the top of the second with an RBI single.

Lihotz worked eight innings for RUC and drops to 1-2 after allowing five earned runs off seven hits with a walk and two strikeouts.

TCNJ returns to action on March 28 for a 3:30 p.m. road contest at Rowan University, while Rutgers-Camden hosts Montclair State University on March 29 in a noon doubleheader.

TCNJ and Lions’ Baseball Program will honor the late Sgt. Eric Snell, April 5

Ewing, NJ – The College of New Jersey and the Lions' baseball program will be honoring the late Sgt. Eric Snell on Saturday, April 5 in conjunction with the team's home baseball doubleheader. In a brief ceremony commencing at 11:45 a.m., TCNJ's baseball coaching staff, team members, alumni, and friends will gather to join the Snell family to honor their late teammate and a fallen hero with a dedication of a monument in his honor at George Ackerman Park.

Sgt. Eric Lamar Snell, 35, died June 18, 2007 in Baghdad, shortly after a gun battle with insurgents. He had been an outstanding baseball player but skipped a professional career to focus on college.

He also worked as a model -- appearing in publications like Modern Bride and Vibe Magazine -- and traveled the world living in Italy and South Africa. His professional baseball career included stints with the Atlantic City Baseball League as a member of the New Jersey Pilots. His career as a model gave him an opportunity to travel. He also worked and lived in Italy and South Africa. While on tour in South Africa, Eric auditioned for the role of Mohammad Ali for the Mohammad Ali movie. He was called back twice, but lost the role to actor, Will Smith.

A 1989 graduate of Hamilton High West, Eric was a member of the Hamilton Little Lads, Hamilton PAL, The American Legion, Babe Ruth League, and the Hamilton Township Recreation Program. He excelled in baseball, basketball and track. The 54th draft pick of the Cleveland Indians, Eric attended Old Dominion University before transferring to The College of New Jersey. In his time with the Lions, Eric played the outfield and in his first season with the Lions in 1992, earned a spot on the All-Region First Team, the NJAC All-Star Second Team and was tapped for all North-South honors. A 42-game starter, Eric batted .341 with 37 RBIs and 11 doubles. He added 24 stolen bases on 26 tries and scored 43 runs as the team's starting centerfielder. He helped the Lions to a 34-8 record and a spot in the 1992 NCAA Division III Championships.

As a senior for the Lions, Eric once again started every game in the outfield and batted a team-high .347. He led the team with his 37 RBIs and 16 doubles. He added four game-winning hits and was successful on 15 of his 19 stolen base tries. He ranked 16th in Division III with 0.46 doubles per game and once again reaped numerous post-season honors for his play. A 1993 ECAC Division III Metro All-Star, Eric was a candidate for player of the year as well, and once again helped the Lions return to the NCAA Championships. He was also named to the 1993 New Jersey College Baseball Association College Division All-Star Team and earned NJAC All-Star Second Team honors for the second straight year and received NJAC All-Tournament honors for his play in the tournament. Tapped as the NJAC Player of the Week to open the month of May, he had a 17-game hitting streak for the Lions at the start of the season.

He joined the army in 2005 and served with the 2nd infantry division out of Fort Carson, Colorado.

He graduated as a Calvary Scout from Fort Knox and was assigned to the 3/61 Calvary Squadron, 2nd Brigade Combat Team at Fort Carson. In 2006 he was deployed to Iraq in support of "Operation Iraqi Freedom." Eric served honorably and his awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal.

He leaves behind two sons, Shameer Horton of Hamilton, Khalil Young of Union, his father Arthur Snell, his mother Mittie White, a sister Alaina Snell, and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

The creation of the Eric Snell `94 Memorial was made possible in large part due to the efforts of his Trenton State College baseball teammates from 1992 and 1993. In response to a leadership effort directed by Dennis Machulsky `93 and Dan Dengler `93, financial support for the monument to Eric Snell was achieved and at the same time, provided much-needed support for TCNJ's Baseball Legacy Endowment Fund.

Alumni and friends who wish to join this effort may direct their contributions to The College of New Jersey Foundation, PO Box 7718, Ewing, NJ 08628. Please indicate TCNJ Baseball Legacy Fund/Eric Snell Memorial on checks. Online contributions may be made via the Foundation's Web site (www.tcnj.edu/give).

Related: The College of New Jersey

TCNJ SOFTBALL TEAM TAKES TWO AT MUHLENBERG COLLEGE

source media release

Allentown, PA… The College of New Jersey softball team collected a doubleheader sweep at Muhlenberg College on Wednesday winning the opening game 2-1 in eight innings and then claimed the nightcap 12-1 in five innings.

The pair of wins put the Lions at 10-6 on the season, while the Mules fell to 3-11.

TCNJ will be right back on the field on Thursday heading to Moravian College for another non-conference doubleheader.

TCNJ 2, Muhlenberg 1 (8 innings)
Sophomore pitcher Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside) picked up her sixth win of the season tossing a complete game allowing only an unearned run on four hits with five strikeouts.

The Lions plated a pair of unearned runs in the game with sophomore Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) crossing the plate in the top of the first and freshman Kathy Sikora (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) in the top of the eighth with the winning run.

TCNJ 12, Muhlenberg 1 (5 innings)
The Lions once again allowed only one run, but this time received plenty of offensive support thanks mostly to a nine-run third inning.

Senior Christina Lizzi (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) had the big hit in the inning bringing home three runs with a base-clearing double. Sikora also provided a spark plating a pair of runs with a base hit.

Lizzi finished the game going 3-for-4 with four runs batted in, while Sikora was 2-for-3 with three RBI.

Freshman Alex Sietsma (Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock) earned the win on the mound for the Lions yielding an unearned run on four hits. She also struck out six for her second win of the season. Adding to TCNJ’s offense were Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury), Danielle Hagel (Egg Harbor City, NJ/Oakcrest) and Colleen Cawley (Riverton, NJ/Holy Cross) as each player picked up two hits.

TCNJ BASEBALL SURVIVES WITH A 12-11 WIN OVER GMC

 

Box Score

Media Release March 26, 2008

Gwynedd Valley, PA – Ranked sixth in Division III, The College of New Jersey's baseball team escaped with a 12-11 road win o n Wednesday over Gwynedd-Mercy College with a run in the top of the ninth to break an 11—11 tie and help the team to their third straight win. TCNJ now stands at 11-2, while the Griffins drop to 5-11.

TCNJ's baseball team got a win in relief from junior Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) as the right handed reliever worked 1.1 innings and fanned three to preserve the Lions lead and the win. Gertie is now 1-1 with a team-leading three saves.

Sophomore outfielder Chris Esperon (Union, NJ/Union Catholic) added a double and was 2-3 at the place with three RBIs, while sophomore Nick Tutrone (Marlboro, NJ/Marlboro) added a pair of RBIs as well. Junior second baseman Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester High School) was 2-5 with a pair of runs scored and a pair RBI's as well.

TCNJ's junior Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) came up with the game-winning hit in the top of the ninth. Tussey would reach on an error, before junior Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) singled to help move Tussey over before Mazzaccaro had an RBI sacrifice fly to centerfield.

GMC's junior Tim McMenamin (Maple Shade, NJ/Maple Shade) was 3-4 with five RBIs after helping the Griffins with his three run homerun in the bottom of the fourth inning.

TCNJ returns to action on March 27 for a 3:30 p.m. home contest as the Lions host Rutgers-Camden in the NJAC opener.

TCNJ’s Lion’s of the Week (March 24, 2008)

http://www.tcnjathletics.com/Pdfs/gen/2008/3/24/3_24Newsletter.pdf

College Baseball: TCNJ Lions Climb up in National Rankings

TCNJ’S MEN’S SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAM POSTS BEST FINISH AT NCAA’S

AS LIONS TAKE 7TH; LLOYD TAKES 3rd IN 3M DIVING

Oxford, OH…The College of New Jersey’s Men’s Swimming and Diving Team wrapped action at the 2008 NCAA Division III Championships with seven individuals competing in a number of events. The was held at the Corwin M. Nixon Aquatic Center on the campus of Miami University, while Wooster College served as the host institution for the three day event. 

After three days of competition, TCNJ finished in seventh place with 157 points, while the defending NCAA Team champion Kenyon College collected the team’s 29th consecutive team title on Saturday night after racking up 635 points.  The Lords’ national championship streak is the longest in any sport in NCAA Division I, II or III history.

TCNJ’s head coach Brian Bishop, now in his 19th season with the Lions has produced over 100 All-Americans as he entered the 2008 NCAA’s having 91 to his credit. After Saturday’s competition, Bishop has 116. The 2008 Lions collected the program’s highest finish as their best finish was an eighth place showing in 2003.  Overall, the Lions have finished in the Top 20 13 times with eight Top 15 finishes all coming under Bishop. A year ago, the Lions placed 16th and produced 17 All-Americans.

TCNJ’s diver Greg Lloyd (Ringoes, NJ/Hunterdon Central) wrapped action in the three-meter diving competition. Lloyd stood in sixth place after the first round of dives with a score of 441.60. By meet’s end, Lloyd had picked up third place with a score of 487.65. Earlier in the meet, he finished in 11th place to earn All-America honorable mention honors in the one-meter diving with his score of 401.50. He is now a four-time All-American in diving. A newcomer to the sport of diving when he entered TCNJ, earned All-American status in each event and made three straight appearances at the NCAA Championships. On his career, Lloyd earned sixth place in the one meter event a year ago and 11th place this season, and took home sixth in the three meter event in 2006.

TCNJ’s lone swimming All-Americans on the day came as TCNJ picked up eighth place in the 400 freestyle relay with a time of 3:04.17. The Lions were seeded eighth after the morning trials where they posted a time of 3:04.17. Competing for TCNJ on the relay were senior Josh Forsman (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial), senior Liam Gallagher (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan), junior Tom Nawrot (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick), and freshman Shawn Kircher (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North). 

Competing for the Lions in the 100 freestyle race, Forsman finished in 21st place with his time of 46.02, while Nawrot posted a 22nd place showing in 46.05. Neither advanced to the championship finals in the event.

Sophomore Myles O’Connor (Santa Monica, CA/Home Schooled) competed in the 200 breaststroke and posted a 27th place showing after recording a time of 2:09.66.  Gallagher competed in the 200 backstroke, but was disqualified after a false start in the race.

Rookie Tom Medvecky (Piscataway, NJ/Piscataway) swam in the 200 butterfly and finished in 30th place with a time of 1:55.66.

#5 TCNJ WOMEN’S LACROSSE TEAM HANDLES #15 CORTLAND, 16-4

Cortland, NY… The College of New Jersey women’s lacrosse team won an early-season showdown of nationally-ranked opponents as the Lions handled SUNY Cortland 16-4 on Saturday at SUNY Cortland’s Stadium Complex.

The win kept the fifth-ranked Lions perfect on the young season, while the 15th-ranked Red Dragons slipped to 3-3. The win also snapped Cortland’s 30-game home winning streak with TCNJ also the last time to beat the Red Dragons on their home field with an 11-5 win on during the 2004 season.

Cortland opened the scoring 46 seconds into the game, but the Lions stormed back with the next four with senior Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) getting the first two that put TCNJ in the lead for good.

The Lions would build the lead to 8-3 in the late stages of the half and added to that lead with goals from sophomore Angela Wilmer (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) and freshman Alison Jaeger (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon). TCNJ carried a 10-3 lead into the break.

The teams traded goals in the opening two minutes of the second with Wilmer scoring for TCNJ. Cortland’s goal turned out to be its final score of the game as the Lions recorded the final five of the contest.

Doane and Jaeger each netted four goals for the Lions with Wilmer and junior Kelly Mitchell (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape) both scoring twice.

Earning the win in goal for the Lions was Caitlin Gregory (Winslow, NJ/Eastern) as the senior finished with six saves.

The Lions return to Ewing for their home opener on Tuesday, March 25 hosting Eastern University in a 7 p.m. start at Lions’ Stadium.

TCNJ SOFTBALL TEAM SPLITS RESULTS At SALISBURY INVITATIONAL

Salisbury, MD… The College of New Jersey softball team earned a win over Ithaca College (9-4) in the first game of the Salisbury University Invitational. In the final game of the round robin event, TCNJ dropped a 6-2 decision to the host Sea Gulls of Salisbury. TCNJ now stands at 8-6 on the season.

TCNJ 9-4 Ithaca College
The Lions struck early adding three runs in the bottom of the first inning and four in the bottom of the third innings to jump out to 7-0 lead. The Bombers came up with four runs in the top of the sixth inning, but the Lions triumphed as sophomore Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury) and sophomore Danielle Hagel (Egg Harbor, NJ/Oakcrest) drove in three runs each. Greeby was 3-4 at the plate.

Sophomore pitcher Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) picked up the win to improve to 5-2 after she gave up three earned runs off four hits, while striking out two.  Freshman Jamie Moir (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape) closed the game out for the Lions, working two innings with an unearned run off one hit with a strikeout in her eighth appearance.

Score by Innings                  R  H  E
-----------------------------------------
Ithaca.............. 000 004 0 -  4  5  2
The College of NJ... 304 002 X -  9 10  2

#5 TCNJ WOMEN’S LACROSSE TEAM HANDLES #15 CORTLAND, 16-4

Media Release
Cortland, NY… The College of New Jersey women’s lacrosse team won an early-season showdown of nationally-ranked opponents as the Lions handled SUNY Cortland 16-4 on Saturday at SUNY Cortland’s Stadium Complex.

The win kept the fifth-ranked Lions perfect on the young season, while the 15th-ranked Red Dragons slipped to 3-3. The win also snapped Cortland’s 30-game home winning streak with TCNJ also the last time to beat the Red Dragons on their home field with an 11-5 win on during the 2004 season.

Cortland opened the scoring 46 seconds into the game, but the Lions stormed back with the next four with senior Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) getting the first two that put TCNJ in the lead for good.

The Lions would build the lead to 8-3 in the late stages of the half and added to that lead with goals from sophomore Angela Wilmer (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) and freshman Alison Jaeger (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon). TCNJ carried a 10-3 lead into the break.

The teams traded goals in the opening two minutes of the second with Wilmer scoring for TCNJ. Cortland’s goal turned out to be its final score of the game as the Lions recorded the final five of the contest.

Doane and Jaeger each netted four goals for the Lions with Wilmer and junior Kelly Mitchell (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape) both scoring twice.

Earning the win in goal for the Lions was Caitlin Gregory (Winslow, NJ/Eastern) as the senior finished with six saves.

The Lions return to Ewing for their home opener on Tuesday, March 25 hosting Eastern University in a 7 p.m. start at Lions’ Stadium.

OLIVER FANS 16 AS NO. 6 RANKED LIONS DOWN HAVERFORD 9-1 IN HOME OPENER

By  Ann King

Box Score 

Ewing, NJ – Ranked sixth in Division III, The College of New Jersey's baseball team picked up a    home win over Haverford College on Friday in George Ackerman Park. TCNJ's senior pitcher Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, NJ/Hamilton West) fanned a career-high 16 batters en route to his second win on the season. TCNJ improved to 10-2 on the year, while the Fords watched their six-game win streak come to an end and now stand at 9-4-1.

The Lions' right handed senior pitcher, Oliver surpassed his previous career best of 10 strikeouts from a year ago and now has 130 career strikeouts at TCNJ while boasting a 15-2 mark on the mound at TCNJ.

Friday's contest marked the home debut for the Lions' interim coach, Dean Glus as well as the Lions' new home uniforms.

TCNJ jumped out to an early 1-0 lead with an RBI single by junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) before junior shortstop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) added three run homerun in the bottom of the second to cap a five-run inning and give the Lions a 6-0 lead after two innings of play. Junior second baseman Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester City High School) added an RBI single in the third for the Lions to help the Lions build a 7-0 lead.

Tussey with no outs in the bottom of the sixth and bases loaded singled in a run off relief pitcher, sophomore Adam Lewis (Nicasio, CA/Marin Academy) before Toth had an RBI sacrifice fly to left field before Lewis got out of the jam with a double play. Lewis worked two innings for Haverford with a pair of earned runs off one hit with three walks and a strikeout.

Oliver had a no hitter until the top of the fourth and managed to get out off a jam after loading the bases with no outs and proceeded to strikeout the last three batters he faced in the inning to keep the Fords off the scoreboard. For the game, Oliver worked seven innings of four hit ball with one earned run, 16 strikeouts and just three walks.

Senior catcher Will Stafford (Evanston, IL/Evanston Township) broke up Oliver's shutout bid with a sole homerun to left center in the top of the seventh inning for his team-leading third home run of the year.

Sophomore Stefan Pappius-Lefebrve (Brookline, MA/Brookline) lasted four innings and gave up seven earned runs of eight hits with a walk and two strikeouts in falling to 1-1.

Oliver shared in the win as senior Bob Buskett (Trenton, NJ/Notre Dame) worked in relief and worked two innings of work with one hit and two strikeouts. 

Toth would finish with four RBIs on the day and was 2-3 at the plate while Tussey was 4-5 with two RBI's.

TCNJ returns to action on March 26 for a 3:30 p.m. road contest at Gwynedd-Mercy College, while Haverford  will face Muhlenberg College on March 25 on the road at 3:30 p.m.

 

The College of New Jersey: Klimowicz Named All-American

Holland, MI--The College of New Jersey women’s basketball junior center Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) was named to the 2007-08 State Farm Coaches’ All-America Team Honorable Mentions for NCAA Division III on Friday.

The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) and State Farm announced the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III State Farm Coaches’ All-America Basketball Team. This year’s team marks the first State Farm Coaches’ All-America Team, as Eastman Kodak held the previous sponsorship for 25 years. Selection committees in each of the eight WBCA geographical regions select 10 of the top women’s basketball players in the nation to be honored. In addition, an honorable mention team was also selected. 

Klimowicz was one of five players from Region 3 named to the national ballot for the 2008 State Farm Coaches’ All-America Basketball Team for the Women’s Coaches Basketball Coaches Association for Division III. There are eight different regions and the 40 finalists, who were voted upon by WBCA member coaches in each of the eight WBCA award regions.

The State Farm Coaches' All-America Basketball Team was announced at the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Banquet at Hope College in Holland, Mich.

The 2007-08 Lions went 22-7 on the season and won the New Jersey Athletic Conference South Division with an 11-2 conference mark and advanced to the conference championship game. The team then earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Championship and moved into the second round of the tournament.

Klimowicz has reeled in numerous conference honors as she was selected as the 2008 NJAC Player of the Year and a First Team All-NJAC honoree.

The center had a banner season leading the team in a host of categories. She was the team’s top scorer and rebounder averaging 16.9 points and 11.0 boards. Those numbers rank her second and third, respectively, in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. She also leads the conference in field goal percentage hitting on 64.4 percent of her shots (206-for-320) and blocked shots per game at 4.10 per contest. Those numbers rank second and fourth nationally.

Klimowicz has received a host of other honors this season, including being named the NJAC Player of the Week seven times and ECAC Metro Player of the Week twice. She was named the most valuable player of the Gwynedd-Mercy College Classic and earned a spot on the Marymount University Tip-Off Classic All-Tournament Team. She recorded 20 double-doubles this season and scored in double figures in 27 of 29 games.

Klimowicz was previously recognized for her effort in the classroom as she earned CoSIDA’s ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II College Division honors. She was named All-District II Third Team as a psychology major and boasts a grade-point-average of 3.318.

Klimowicz was a 2006-07 All-NJAC First Team selection after joining the Lions from NCAA Division I St. Joseph’s University where she was selected the 2005-06 Atlantic 10 and Big Five Rookie of the Year.

TCNJ ‘S HENDERSON NAMED REGIONAL COACH OF YEAR BY D3HOOPS

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey women’s basketball head coach Dawn Henderson has been selected as the 2008 Atlantic Region Coach of the Year by D3hoops.com.

Henderson was also named the 2008 Russell Athletic/WBCA Region 3 Coach of the Year after guiding the Lions to a 22-7 season. TCNJ won the New Jersey Athletic Conference South Division with an 11-2 conference mark and advanced to the conference championship game. The team then earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Championship and moved into the second round of the tournament.

The veteran coach was previously recognized as the 2008 NJAC Coach of the Year and boasts a career record of 334-164.

TCNJ’S HOME BASEBALL OPENER POSTPONED

Ewing, NJ – The College of New Jersey’s baseball team had their 2008 home opener washed out for Wednesday, March 19. The No. 6 ranked Lions were scheduled to host the Dolphins of the College of Staten Island, but due to today’s wet weather, the contest has been postponed and no new date has been set for the contest.

TCNJ is scheduled to travel to Ursinus College on Thursday, March 20 for a 3:30 p.m. contest with the Bears and return to George Ackerman Park for a home contest with Haverford College on Friday, March 21 at 3:30 p.m.

College Sports: TCNJ Female & Male Lion of the Week

Source TCNJ Read More

College Baseball: Gawlak leads TCNJ Lions past UMass-Boston

By Ann King

CHANDLER, AZ – Senior designated hitter Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor Plainsboro South) went 3-4 with three runs batted in to lead The College of New Jersey baseball team over University of Massachusetts Boston, 5-3, today at the Snedigar Sportsplex in the Greater Phoenix Invitational in Chandler, AZ. The Beacons fall to 1-4 on the season, while the Lions, who are ranked eighth in the nation in the most recent D3Baseball.com/NCBWA poll, improve to 9-2.

Gawlak proved to be the difference in the bottom of the fifth inning when he sent a two-out bases-loaded bloop single just behind first base to score senior right fielder Tyler Hall (Stockton, NJ/Immaculata) and junior second baseman Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester High), who had both worked walks earlier in the frame, to give TCNJ a 4-0 margin.

UMass Boston answered with a three-run rally in the top of the sixth when senior third baseman Mike Dorval (Belchertown, MA) opened the inning with a 380-foot blast over the fence in left center field for his first home run of the season to cut the deficit to 4-1. Junior left fielder Chris Oram (Lynn, MA) followed with a line drive single to right field and junior center fielder Jake Chastain (Northfield, MA) followed suit with a single to center field. Junior right fielder Tom Michael (Manchester, NH) then singled through the right side of the infield to bring home Oram and advance Chastain to third to make it 4-2. Junior second baseman Casey Rice (Canandaigua, NY) pulled the Beacons to within 4-3 when he flew out to center field to plate Chastain on the sacrifice fly, but it would be all the scoring they would get in the inning.

The Lions got a run back in the bottom of the sixth when Hall and senior shortstop Ray Ryan (Wall, NJ/St. Rose) drew back-to-back two-out walks to set up a run-scoring single to left field by senior center fielder Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) to give TCNJ a 5-3 lead.

The Lions got on the board first with a pair of runs in the third inning when Mebs and Tussey drew consecutive one-out bases on balls and both advanced to second and third base on a wild pitch to set up a sacrifice fly to right field off the bat of junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic High School) to bring home Mebs with the game's first run. Tussey then came around to score on a Gawlak RBI single to left field.

Sophomore right-hander Sean Stewart (Howell, NJ/Freehold Township) earned the victory to improve to 2-0 for TCNJ, allowing three runs on six hits, while striking out two in six innings of work, before yielding to freshman righty Connor Henderson (Monmouth Junction, NJ/South Brunswick), who pitched two hitless innings and fanned a batter to earn his first collegiate save. Junior right-hander Patrick McCarthy (Canandaigua, NY) took the loss in his first collegiate start on the mound for UMB, giving up four runs on five hits and six walks, while setting down two batters on strikes in four and two-thirds innings of action. The Beacons' bullpen was outstanding with freshmen Frank Yavorosky (Phillipston, MA) and Mark Grant (Danbury, CT) and Dorval combining to allow just one run on two hits and four walks, while striking out two in the final three and one-third innings.

Oram finished the day with a team-high two hits in three at-bats to go with a run scored for UMass Boston, while Mebs and freshman catcher Danny Lyons (Budd Lake, NJ/Mount Olive) each collected a pair of hits for the Lions.

The Beacons will be in action again tomorrow when they take on Montclair State University at 11:00 a.m. pacific daylight time at Tempe High School in Tempe, AZ, while TCNJ hosts The College of Staten Island on March 19 at 3:30 p.m.

Source TCNJ Media Release

GORDON PACES TCNJ WOMEN’S LACROSSE PAST ST. MARY’S COLLEGE

St. Mary’s City, MD…Junior Rachel Gordon (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) scored five times to lead The College of New Jersey women’s lacrosse team past St. Mary’s College on Sunday by the score of 13-9.

The win put the Lions at 2-0 on the season, while the Seahawks fell to 5-3.

Senior Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) added to the Lions offense with three goals, while classmate Toni-Anne Cavallo (Cedar Grove, NJ/West Essex) picked up a goal and an assist. Also scoring for the Lions were sophomore Angela Wilmer (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West), freshman Alison Jaeger (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon), junior Katie Reuther (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North) and freshman Leigh Mitchell (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape).

Backstopping the win for TCNJ was senior goalie Caitlin Gregory (Winslow, NJ/Eastern) as she finished with nine saves.

The Lions, ranked fifth in the latest Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Division III poll, return to action on Saturday, March 22 at 15th-ranked SUNY Cortland in a 1 p.m. start.

TCNJ’S HERRICK AND TRICOCCI RECEIVE ALL-AMERICAN HONORS

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey’s Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) and Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) were officially named 2008 United State Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Women’s Division III Indoor Track and Field All‐Americans on Sunday after placing in the top of their respective events this past weekend and the NCAA Championships.

Herrick claimed seventh in the one-mile run as she posted a time of 5:05.20 and then finished in that same spot in the 800 meters with a time of 2:17.46. She is now a two-time All-American in the 800 meters and has earned five All-American citations between the indoor and outdoor seasons. Earlier in the week, Herrick was honored as the USTFCCCA Division III Women’s Track Athlete of the Year.

Tricocci earned her first All-American honor in the long jump as the junior had a season-best effort of 5.56 meters to place fourth.

College Baseball: KEENE STATE SWEEPS NO. 8 RANKED TCNJ TO SPOIL LIONS’ PERFECT SEASON

Keene ends TCNJ's perfect season
3/15/2008 11:36:39 PM

Chandler, AZ – Ranked 30th in the Division III pre-season poll, the Keene State College Owls posted a pair of wins over No. 8 ranked The College of New Jersey. Keene State took the first game 8-7 and then needed extra innings to collect the sweep as they posted a 12-11 win in 11 innings. TCNJ drops to 8-2, while the Owls improve to 2-0 in their first day of the season. The two wins by Keene State snaps the Lions' eight-game win streak as well as the team's 19-game regular-season that had dated back to April 14, 2007.

GAME #1
Keene State 8-7 TCNJ

TCNJ jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but the Owls got a three run homerun from senior Greg Ford (Nashua, NH) to put them up 3-2. Keene continued t tack on runs with a pair in the bottom of the fifth and single runs in the bottom of the seventh and the eighth.

TCNJ would not go away and added three runs in the top of the seventh on a three RBI shot by senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South) to pull TCNJ with in one run. Keene increased the lead to two runs in the bottom half of the inning on an RBI double down the left field line by senior Jeff Perkins (Dunbarton, NH) to score Jesse Cahill who reached on an error at first base.

In the top of the eighth inning the Lions added a pair of runs as Gawlak came up big once again to drive in two more runs with a single to right field but stranded two runners before they could overtake Keene. Gawlak finished with five RBI's, but it was not enough for the Lions.

Keene would break the 7-7 tie as they knocked in a run on an RBI sacrifice fly by Anthony Cipolla (Glastonbury, CT) to drive in James Chevalier (Amherst, NH) who reached with a single to left center.

TCNJ's junior pitcher Dan Ramos-Dominko (Hampton, NJ//North Hunterdon) worked seven innings and gave up six earned runs off eight hits with six strikeouts. Freshman reliever Joe Marchitelli (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) took the loss in relief to fall to 0-1, after allowing one earned run off one hit with a walk.

Keene State's Chevalier, the team's second baseman would come in the game in relief to collect the win as he worked 1.2 innings with a pair of runs off two hits with Keene State's starting right fielder, Ford collecting the first of his two saves on the day after an inning of relief with a strikeout.
GAME #2 Keene State 12-11 TCNJ (11 innings)

In the night cap, there were a combined 23 runs scored off 35 hits. TCNJ's early 6-1 lead went by the way as the Owls capitalized on a huge sixth inning after tacking on eight runs. Down 11-6, TCNJ fought back to tie the score after adding two runs in the bottom of the seventh and three runs in the eighth.

In the Lions' seventh inning, senior outfielder Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) drove in a run with a single to left field before junior second baseman Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester) drove in sophomore Ryan Anzelone (Vernon, NJ/Vernon Township), who had reached on a double to left center.

Junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) started the inning in the bottom of the eighth with a solo homerun to left center field. Gawlak was hit by a pitch to reach before Anzelone came to the plate to tie the score with his first career homerun.

TCNJ and Keene State would play 11 innings before the Owls triumphed as Chevalier would triple to right center to drive in Perkins who reached on a one out single to center field.

TCNJ was unable to tie the action and dropped the game as darkness was falling on the complex.

For the Lions, Tussey and Mazzaccaro each drove in three runs. Mazzaccaro was 4-4 with three RBI's, while Anzelone drove in a pair for the Lions. In the top of the fifth inning with bases loaded, junior short stop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) came up with a triple play as he managed to collect a putout on a line out to short, tagged the runner out at second and threw the ball to first to end the innings.

TCNJ's junior pitcher Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) took the loss in relief after allowing one earned run off four hits with three strikeouts in three innings of work. TCNJ used five pitchers in the game as senior Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, NJ/Hamilton West) made the start and gave up no earned runs off seven hits with seven strikeouts as the starter through five innings of work. Junior Pat Johnson (Hamilton, NJ/Steinert) worked 2.1 strong innings of relief with five strikeouts and a pair of earned runs off six hits.

TCNJ returns to action on Sunday facing UMass-Boston in the final contest of their training trip at 10:30 a.m. (PST).

TCNJ’S HERRICK PLACES IN TWO EVENTS AT NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Ada, Ohio… The College of New Jersey’s Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) finished seventh in a pair of events at the 2008 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field Championships on Saturday assuring her of All-American honors.

The Lion junior claimed seventh in the one-mile run as she posted a time of 5:05.20 and then finished in that same spot in the 800 meters with a time of 2:17.46. By placing in the top eight of each event, Herrick is line to earn a pair of All-American citations when they are officially announced on Sunday. It will mark the second straight year she has accomplished that feat in the 800 meters. She is also a two-time All-American in that event during the outdoor season.

Junior Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) competed in the 5,000 meters and placed 12th with a time of 18:22.73.

College Softball: TCNJ SOFTBALL TEAM CONCLUDES SPRING TRIP WITH SWEEP

Clermont, FL… A pair of strong pitching performances helped the The College of New Jersey softball wrap up its spring trip with a doubleheader sweep of Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham on Saturday. The Lions won the first game by the score of 2-1 and then finished off the sweep with a 9-1 triumph.

The Lions, which finished the trip with a mark of 7-5, will be right back on the field on March 18 as they head to Moravian College for a doubleheader against the Greyhounds.

Game 1: TCNJ 2, FDU-Florham 1
Pitcher Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) turned in another solid performance on the mound as she tossed a one-hitter for her fourth victory of the season. The sophomore allowed only one run in the third inning and finished with seven strikeouts. 

The Devils got that run in the third, but the Lions came right back in the bottom half of the inning to knot the score. Sophomore Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) singled and came around to score one batter later as freshman Colleen Cawley (Riverton, NJ/Holy Cross) belted a triple.

TCNJ plated the winning run in the last of the sixth as senior Christina Lizzi (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) tripled and scored on a sacrifice bunt by sophomore Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury).

Game 2: TCNJ 9, FDU-Florham 1
Freshman Jamie Moir (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape) picked up where Minervini left off throwing a complete game for her second victory of the trip. She yielded one run on a pair of hits and struck out 11.

TCNJ’s offense struck for three runs in the top of the first Cawley doubled and later scored on an illegal pitch. After Lizzi reached base on a error, she scored on a triple by Greeby, who in turn scored on a double by junior Taylor Cianciotti (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) making it a 3-0 game.

The Devils scored their run in the bottom of the inning, but the Lions scored three more runs in the fourth as Lizzi, Greeby and Cianciotti each brought home runs with singles.

TCNJ rounded out the scoring in the seventh as junior Kelly Armstrong (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial), junior Camille Heller (Maple Shade, NJ/Maple Shade) and Seavers each crossed the plate.

The Lions pounded out 13 hits in the win with Greeby leading the way with three, while Seavers, Cawley and Cianciotti each had a pair.

Seavers collected hits in both games extending her hitting streak to nine straight.

NO. 8 RANKED TCNJ TALLIES 9-4 WIN OVER SUFFOLK; TCNJ’S WIN STREAK EXTENDED TO 19 REGULAR-SEASON GAMES

By Ann King

. Box Score

Chandler, AZ – The College of New Jersey’s baseball team picked up a 9-4 win over Suffolk University on Friday afternoon at the Snedigar Field Complex. TCNJ, ranked No. 8 in Division III now stands at a perfect 8-0 under the guidance of rookie coach Dean Glus.

Photo: Dan Anderson picked up his second win on the season

Suffolk drops to 0-1 on the year. With Friday’s victory, the Lions have extended their regular-season win streak to 19 games as TCNJ’s last regular-season loss came on April 14, 2007 to Montclair State University (3-1).

TCNJ’s right handed junior pitcher Dan Anderson (Lincroft, NJ/Middletown South) picked up his second win in as many trips to the mound. Anderson allowed one unearned run off four hits and fanned four on the day. Anderson is now 2-0. He got three innings of relief from sophomore Greg Spatz (Oakhurst, NJ/Ocean Township) picked up his second save after allowing three earned runs off four hits with three strikeouts and a pair of walks.

TCNJ’s senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South) drove in four runs for the Lions and was 2-5 on the day. He got additional offensive support from senior outfielder Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) who was 3-4 with two RBIs, two runs scored and added a triple and a stolen base. 

TCNJ returns to action on Saturday, facing Keene State College in a double header starting at 11:00 a.m. (PST).

WINNING STREAK SNAPPED AT FIVE FOR TCNJ SOFTBALL TEAM

By Lyle Fulton               

Clermont, FL… The College of New Jersey softball team saw its winning streak come to an end at five games as the Lions dropped a pair of games on Friday in Florida. TCNJ lost its opening game of the day falling to Penn State Behrend by the score of 5-4 and fell to Westfield State College in the second game, 2-1.

The Lions are now an even 5-5 on the season. TCNJ closes out its spring trip on Saturday facing Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham in a doubleheader at 9:30 a.m.

Penn State Behrend 5, TCNJ 4
The Lions saw their five-game winning streak come to a halt against the Behrend Lions as they scored the deciding run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The teams traded runs throughout with PSU Behrend getting two runs in the first, but TCNJ got them back in the third as sophomore Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury) came through with a key two-out single scoring Colleen Cawley (Riverton, NJ/Holy Cross) and Christina Lizzi (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo).

The Lions took their first lead of the game in the top of the fifth as Greeby again delivered the key hit, this time scoring Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) and Danielle Hagel (Egg Harbor City, NJ/Oakcrest).

That lead was short lived as PSU Behrend got the runs right back in the bottom of the inning and then scoring the winning run in the sixth.

Greeby had a big game for TCNJ going 2-for-3 with four RBI, while Seavers and Lizzi also recorded two hits apiece.

Sophomore Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) and freshman Jamie Moir (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape) each pitched for the Lions with Minervini getting the start and going into the fifth inning. Moir allowed only one run, but was credited with the loss.

Westfield State College 2, TCNJ 1
Moir suffered her second loss of the day despite turning in a solid effort on the mound. She went the distance and allowed only a pair of hits in the seven innings with six strikeouts.

TCNJ opened the scoring in the last of the second as Hagel raced home on a ground out by Lauren Musacchia (Westfield, NJ/Westfield).

Westfield State plated both of its runs in the top of the third to account for all of the scoring in the game.

Lizzi and freshman Kathy Sikora (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) each finished with two hits for the Lions, while Seavers went 1-for-3 extending her hitting streak to seven straight.

TCNJ’S STEPHANIE HERRICK NAMED USTFCCCA WOMEN’S DIVISION III ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

By Lyle Fulton               

Ewing, NJ… On the eve of the NCAA Division III Women’s Indoor Track & Field Championships, The College of New Jersey’s Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) PHOTO was named as the 2008 United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Track Athlete of the Year. She is the first Lion to earn the award since the USTFCCCA started presenting it.

Herrick was announced as the recipient of the award at the annual banquet leading up to the championship event. The two-day NCAA Championship is being held March 14-15 and hosted by Ohio Northern University.

Herrick has had a banner season for the Lions and is competing in three events this weekend. The Lion junior is a returning All-American in the 800 meters and qualified for that event last month breaking her own school record with a clocking of 2:11.78. She is also a two-time All-American in the event during the outdoor season. Her other individual event is the mile and she holds that school record as well. She qualified for the mile with a time of 4:56.25 at the New York University FasTrack Invitational.

Her final event is being part of TCNJ’s distance medley relay.

Herrick has earned various honors this season including being named USTFCCCA Division III Atlantic Region Indoor Track Athlete of the Year. She was previously selected Gerrity Award recipient as the most outstanding female athlete as the Lions won their 11th consecutive New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships. Herrick was a four-time honoree as the NJAC Track Athlete of the Week and was tabbed the ECAC Division III Track Athlete on two occasions. 

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TCNJ Swimmers Compete in Nationals

Oxford, OH – The College of New Jersey’s women’s swimming team opened competition at the 2008 NCAA Division III Championships on Thursday. The three-day event is being held at the Corwin M. Nixon Aquatic Center on the campus on Miami University.

TCNJ’s senior Lauren Pfeifer (Freehold, NJ/Red Bank Catholic) opened competition as she swam in the 50 freestyle event. She would record a personal best time of 24.97, but finished in 40th place and did not advance to the evening finals of the event.

Senior Ava Kiss (North Brunswick, NJ/Stuart Country Day) competed for the Lions in the 200 individual medley race and posted an impressive time of 2:10.42 to finish in 28th place, but did not advance to the finals.

On Friday, Kiss will compete in the 100 butterfly, while Pfeifer will compete in the 100 breaststroke.

TCNJ TO COMPETE AT NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS DIVISION III WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD

STEPHANIE HERRICK EARNS USTFCCCA REGIONAL HONOR

By Lyle Fulton               

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey women’s indoor track and field team will look to add to its impressive list of All-Americans as the Lions have several individuals competing this weekend at the 2008 NCAA Division III Championships.

The championship event will be held March 14-15 and hosted by Ohio Northern University.

Junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) earned All-American honors last season in the 800 meters and is poised to step onto the podium for the second straight year. The top eight finishers in each event are recognized as All-Americans. Herrick broke her own school record in that event last month with a swift time of 2:11.78. The trials for the event are set for Friday evening with the finals on Saturday. Her other individual event is the mile and she holds that school record as well. She qualified for the mile with a time of 4:56.25 at the New York University FasTrack Invitational.

The Lion will also be part of the distance medley relay. She will be joined on the DMR by junior Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional), freshman Rochelle Prevard (Sicklervielle, NJ/Winslow Township) and freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Coltsneck) as the quartet teamed up for a qualifying mark of 11:57.14. Sophomore Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler) has also ran in the relay during the course of the season and will serve as the alternate. That race will be the final event of the opening day of competition.

Herrick was also tabbed as the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Division III Atlantic Region Indoor Track Athlete of the Year.

McGrath will also run in the 5,000 meters as she qualified for the championships last week completing the race in 17:16.60. That race is set for Friday afternoon.

TCNJ will be represented in the field events by junior Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) in the long jump. Tricocci’s qualifying leap came at the Princeton Relays as she sailed 5.48 meters. The preliminary and final rounds of the event will be held on Friday.

NO. 8 RANKED TCNJ HANDS NO. 13 RANKED WHEATON 8-1 LOSS AS LIONS IMPROVE TO 7-0

March 13, 2008 6:07:22 PM

Box Score

By Ann King

Chandler, AZ – The College of New Jersey’s baseball team picked up an 8-1 win over 13th ranked Wheaton College (MA) on Thursday afternoon at the Snedigar Field Complex. TCNJ, ranked No. 8 in Division III now stands at a perfect 7-0 under the guidance of rookie coach Dean Glus. Wheaton drops to 2-4 on the year. With Thursday’s win, the Lions have extended their regular-season win streak to 18 games as TCNJ’s last regular-season loss came on April 14, 2007 to Montclair State University (3-1).

TCNJ’s left handed senior pitcher Nick Amabile (Holmdel, NJ/Holmdel) picked up the win after seven innings of work after scattering four hits and yielding just one earned run on the game. He fanned four and walked five in his second appearance of the season. Rookie Connor Henderson (Monmouth Junction, NJ/South Brunswick) worked two innings of relief for the Lions and gave up just one hit with a pair of works in his first collegiate appearance.

TCNJ would jump out to a 2-0 lead with a pair of runs in the top of the first inning and led 3-0 before the Lyons of Wheaton College scored their only run in the bottom of the second inning. TCNJ’s bat added 14 hits on the day, while sophomores Ryan Anzelone (Vernon, NJ/Vernon Township) and Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester City High School) each added three hits on the day. Anzelone, the Lions’ dh, was 3-5 with three runs scored and a stolen base, while Tussey was 3-6 with two RBI’s and a run scored and a double.  TCNJ’s senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South) added a double and was 2-4 with a run scored. 

Junior Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) added a triple for the Lions as they finished with three extra-base hits.

TCNJ returns to action on Friday, facing Suffolk University at 10:30 a.m. (PST) .

TCNJ’S MEN’S TENNIS TEAM TALLIES IMPORT REGIONAL WIN AS LIONS

Redlands, CA – The 25th ranked Lions of The College of New Jersey men’s tennis team posted an important and key victory as they knocked off 10th ranked Bowdoin College on Wednesday night. TCNJ won 5-4 and now stands at 3-1 on the year.

TCNJ’s senior Roger Mosteller (Medford Lakes, NJ/Shawnee) would record the decisive win at fifth singles to lift TCNJ past Bowdoin.

DOUBLES
1. Michael Klimchak and Roger Mosteller (TCNJ) def. Garrett Gates and Stephen Sullivan, 8-4
2. Eric Ferriere and Jeremy Eckardt (TCNJ) def. Alex White and Tyler Anderson , 9-8 (4)
3. Jamie Neely and Noah Buntman (BC) def. Matt Pierson and Jonathan Yu, 8-1


SINGLES
1. Gates (BC) def. Klimchak, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 7-5
2. Sullivan (BC) def. Pierson, 6-0, 6-1
3. Eckardt (TCNJ) def. Neely, 6-1, 6-3
4. Buntman (BC) def. Ferriere,6-1, 6-3
5. Mosteller (TCNJ) def. Anderson, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4
6. Yu (TCNJ) def. Andrew Fried, 7-6(4), 7-6(4)


TCNJ’s men’s tennis team posted one of the program’s most important wins as the Lions knocked off the tenth ranked Polar Bears of Bowdoin College. Roger Mosteller teamed with senior Michael Klimchak (Clark, NJ/Arthur L. Johnson) for a win at first doubles and then posted the winning point for the Lions as he was a winner in three sets at fifth singles.

TCNJ’s sophomore Jeremy Eckardt (Belle Mead, NJ/Montgomery) and senior Eric Ferriere (Montague, NJ/Kittatinny) were winners at second doubles, while Eckardt added a win at third singles and rookie Jonathan Yu (Hamilton, NJ/Steintert) added a win at sixth singles to also help the Lions on the day.

TCNJ FALLS TO BOWDOIN IN WOMEN’S TENNIS PLAY

Redlands, CA – Ranked 17th in Division III, The College of New Jersey women’s tennis team suffered a 6-3 setback at the hands of No. 26 ranked Bowdoin College team. TCNJ drops to 6-3 on the year.

DOUBLES
1. Jackie Shtemberg and Christina Contraffato (TCNJ) def. Sarah D’Elia and Kristin Raymond, 8-5
2. Rachel Waldman and Brett Davis (BC) def. Sarah Roser and Amanda Berg, 8-2
3. Stefanie Haar and Haley Kutner (TCNJ) def. Kaitlin Raymond and Elizabeth Pedowitz, 8-2

SINGLES
1. D’Elia (BC) def. Shtemberg, 6-4, 6-4
2. Kristen Raymond (BC) def. Berg, 6-1, 6-4
3. Davis (BC) def. Contrafatto, 6-4, 6-1
4. Haar (TCNJ) def. Kaitlin Raymond, 6-2, 6-4
5. Waldman (BC) def. Kutner, 6-1, 6-3
6. Pedowitz (BC) def. Roser, 7-5, 6-3

TCNJ’s women’s tennis team faced the Polar Bears of Bowdoin College and suffered a tough loss in their second match of their spring training trip. The Lions got a win at fourth singles from sophomore Stefanie Haar (Morganville, NJ/Marlboro). Haar teamed at third doubles with junior Haley Kutner (Franklin Lakes, NJ/Dwight Englewood) and posted an 8-2 win to see the pair improve to 4-1.

NO. 8 RANKED College Baseball: TCNJ HANDS No. 3 RANKED CORTLAND 7-5 LOSS

3/12/2008 9:48:01 PM

Box Score

Chandler, AZ – The College of New Jersey’s baseball team picked up a 7-5 win over the third ranked Red Dragons of SUNY Cortland on Wednesday. TCNJ improves to 6-0 on the year, while Cortland State drops to 3-3.

In a game that saw four lead changes, TCNJ would rally to break a 5-5 tie in the bottom of the seventh inning as junior Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) tripled to left center with one out. TCNJ’s senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South) came up with a big hit as he had an RBI single to drive in Toth and break the 5-5 tie and send relief pitcher senior Nick Baker (Millerton, NY/Webutuck) from the game. Sophomore Ryan Anzelone (Vernon, NJ/Vernon Township) added a pinch hit RBI single down the left line and put TCNJ up 7-5, a score that would hold up.

For the game, TCNJ got a strong performance from senior first baseman Bill Kropp (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts) as he was 4-4 with 11 putouts.  Junior Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) and Gawlak were each 2-4, while sophomore Chris Esperon (Union, NJ/Union Catholic) was 2-4 with an RBI.

On the mound for TCNJ, senior Bob Buskett (Trenton, NJ/Notre Dame) collected his second win in as many outings thus far on 2008. Buskett worked eight innings for TCNJ and fanned a season-high eight batters while allowing four runs off seven hits. Sophomore Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) picked up his third save of the year after he retired the side in the ninth with a pair of ground outs and a strikeout out.

Cortland State’s sophomore Andersen Gardner (Fairport, NY/Fairport) put Cortland on top 2-0 with his solo homerun in the top of the second, while senior Nick DeVito (Hingham, MA/Hingham) drove in two runs with his two run homerun in the top of the sixth inning to put Cortland on top 5-3.

TCNJ SOFTBALL TEAM PUSHES WINNING STREAK TO FIVE STRAIGHT

By Lyle Fulton            

Clermont, FL… The College of New Jersey softball team extended its winning streak to five straight on Wednesday as the Lions took a doubleheader from Ripon College. TCNJ claimed the opener by the score of 3-1 and then pulled out a 3-2 victory in eight innings to complete the sweep.

The pair of wins puts the Lions above the .500 mark for the first time this season as they are 5-3.

After an off day, the Lions return to the diamond on Friday taking on Penn State Behrend at 9:30 a.m. and then Westfield State College at 11:30 a.m.

TCNJ 3, Ripon College 1 (Game 1)
Backed by a strong outing from sophomore pitcher Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park), the Lions used a pair of runs in the bottom of the third inning to break a 1-1 tie and win their fourth straight game. Minervini fired a two-hitter with five strikeouts to even her personal record at 2-2 on the season.

TCNJ opened the scoring in the first as Christina Lizzi (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) reached on an error and later scored on a single by sophomore Danielle Hagel (Egg Harbor City, NJ/Oakcrest).

After the Red Hawks scored an unearned run the second, the Lions plated the winning run in the bottom of the third. Sophomore Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) started the rally with a double and scored on a ground out by Colleen Cawley (Riverton, NJ/Holy Cross) knotting the score at two runs apiece. Lizzi kept the inning going with a double and again scored on a base hit by Hagel.

Hagel went 2-for-3 for the Lions with two RBI, while Lizzi scored twice.

TCNJ 3, Ripon College 2 – 8 innings (Game 2)
The Lions struck early in the second game as junior Alaine Boccafola (Wading River, NY/Shoreman Wading River) singled home sophomore Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury) and freshman Kathy Sikora (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) made it 2-0 later in the inning as she scored on an error.

Ripon pulled even with single runs in the sixth and seventh innings, but the Lions were able to pull out the win in the eighth. With each team starting with a runner on second base in extra innings, TCNJ quickly took advantage as Cawley raced home on a sacrifice fly by Hagel.

Minervini pitched 2-1/3 innings in relief to get her second win of the day. Freshman Jamie Moir (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape) gave the Lions a quality start getting into the sixth inning and finishing with a career-high 12 strikeouts.

Seavers continued her hot streak at the plate going 2-for-4 and extended her hitting streak to five games and she has also hit safely in six of the seven games she has played this season.

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TCNJ ‘S KLIMOWICZ AND HENDERSON HONORED BY WBCA

By Lyle Fulton 

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey women’s basketball program received a pair of honors as junior Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) was named as a finalist for All-America honors, while head coach Dawn Henderson was tabbed as the regional coach of the year.

Klimowicz was one of five players from Region 3 named to the ballot for the 2008 State Farm Coaches’ All-America Basketball Team for the Women’s Coaches Basketball Coaches Association for Division III. There are eight different regions and the 40 finalists, who are voted upon by WBCA member coaches in each of the eight WBCA award regions, are now in the running for selection to the 10-member State Farm Coaches' All-America Team.

The State Farm Coaches' All-America Basketball Team will be announced at the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Banquet on Thursday, March 20, at Hope College in Holland, Mich.

Henderson was tabbed as 2008 Russell Athletic/WBCA Region 3 Coach of the Year after guiding the Lions to a 22-7 season. TCNJ won the New Jersey Athletic Conference South Division with an 11-2 conference mark and advanced to the conference championship game. The team then earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Championship and moved into the second round of the tournament.

The veteran coach was previously tabbed as the 2008 NJAC Coach of the Year and boasts a career record of 334-164.

Klimowicz has reeled in numerous conference honors as she was selected as the 2008 NJAC Player of the Year and a First Team All-NJAC honoree.

The center had a banner season leading the team in a host of categories. She was the team’s top scorer and rebounder averaging 16.9 points and 11.0 boards. Those numbers rank her second and third, respectively, in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. She also leads the conference in field goal percentage hitting on 64.4 percent of her shots (206-for-320) and blocked shots per game at 4.10 per contest. Those numbers rank second and fourth nationally.

Klimowicz has received a host of other honors this season, including being named the NJAC Player of the Week seven times and ECAC Metro Player of the Week twice. She was named the most valuable player of the Gwynedd-Mercy College Classic and earned a spot on the Marymount University Tip-Off Classic All-Tournament Team. She recorded 20 double-doubles this season and scored in double figures in 27 of 29 games.

Klimowicz was previously recognized for her effort in the classroom as she earned CoSIDA’s ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II College Division honors. She was named All-District II Third Team as a psychology major and boasts a grade-point-average of 3.318.

Klimowicz was a 2006-07 All-NJAC First Team selection after joining the Lions from NCAA Division I St. Joseph’s University where she was selected the 2005-06 Atlantic 10 and Big Five Rookie of the Year.

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TCNJ’S GREG OSGOODBY NAMED TO SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICAN TEAM

By Lyle Fulton               

Cedar Rapids, Iowa…Junior Greg Osgoodby (photo) (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) was honored for his success both on the wrestling mat and in the classroom as he was selected to the 2007-08 National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American Team.

Osgoodby placed seventh this past weekend at the NCAA Division III Championships at 174 pounds as he finished the season with a 36-7 record.

The Lion boasts a grade-point-average of 3.23 and is majoring in health and exercise science. He is the 16th student-athlete from TCNJ’s program to receive the honor.

He also helped TCNJ improve its streak of placing in the top 25 of the team standings at the national tournament to 35 straight years as the Lions finished 24th.

TCNJ WOMEN’S LACROSSE WINS OPENER AT FDU-FLORHAM,

By Lyle Fulton               


Madison, NJ…After having their opener pushed back a few days, The College of New Jersey women’s lacrosse team finally got to take the field and they made their 2008 debut a successful one as the Lions handled host FDU-Florham by the score of 20-4.

The Lions (1-0) took charge from the opening draw as they scored the game’s first 10 goals and eventually led 11-2 at the half.

The Devils (0-1) netted the first two goals to start the second half, but TCNJ closed things out scoring the final nine goals.

Senior Toni-Anne Cavallo (Cedar Grove, NJ/West Essex) led a very balanced attack for the Lions with five goals, while senior Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) recorded three goals and pair of assists. Junior Rachel Gordon (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) and sophomore Angela Wilmer (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) each scored three times and freshman Alison Jaeger (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon) made a successful debut for the Lions with two goals and two assists. Junior Katie Reuther (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North) also scored twice for TCNJ.

In goal for the Lions, senior Caitlin Gregory (Winslow, NJ/Eastern) got the start and finished with 12 saves, while freshman Mary Waller (Bel Air, MD/C. Milton Wright) as saw time in net, but did not face a shot.

The Lions, ranked fourth in the latest Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Division III poll, return to action on Sunday, March 16 at St, Mary’s College (MD) in a 1 p.m. start.

TCNJ POSTS TWO WINS ON MONDAY AS LIONS KNOCK OFF 3RD RANKED CORTLAND STATE AND DICKINSON

By Ann King

Chandler, AZ – The College of New Jersey’s baseball team picked up their two wins on Monday as they beat Dickinson College 11-5 and then beat third ranked SUNY Cortland, 8-3. TCNJ is now 5-0 on the season and will be off on Tuesday before returning to action on Wednesday to face SUNY Cortland again in Arizona in a 1:30 p.m. (PST) match-up.

GAME #1 TCNJ 11-5 Dickinson College

TCNJ’s right handed sophomore pitcher Sean Stewart (Howell, NJ/Freehold Township) picked up the win on the mound for the Lions as worked five innings and allowed only four runs off seven hits, while strikeout three. Now 1-0, Stewart got additional support from junior relief pitcher Pat Johnson (Hamilton, NJ/Steintert) who earned the save after four innings of work with just one earned run off four hits and three strikeouts of his own.

Offensive support as both juniors Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) and Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) drove in two runs, while senior Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) and Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester High) each had two hits and an RBI in the first contest. Tussey added a double for the Lions, while senior Tyler Hall (Stockton, NJ/Immaculata) added a triple.

Game # 2 TCNJ 8-3 SUNY Cortland

TCNJ’s senior catcher Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South) had a banner game as he was 4-5 with two RBI’s and added a double. Tussey was 2-6 with a pair of RBI’s as well for the Lions. Mebs added an RBI and was 3-5 at the plate.

TCNJ’s senior pitcher Mike Oliver (Crosswicks, NJ/Hamilton West) worked seven innings and had a no-hitter until the fourth inning. He fanned three while walking six and picked up the win for the Lions to improve to 14-2 on his career and now has 107 career strikeouts. Sophomore Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) picked up his second save of the year after the Lions out of the jam in the seventh with three strikeouts and an earned run off two hits.

stats

TCNJ SOFTBALL TEAM SWEEPS PAIR OF GAMES IN FLORIDA

March 10, 2008
By Lyle Fulton               

Clermont, FL… The College of New Jersey softball team pushed its winning streak to modest three games as the Lions scored wins over Ripon College and Westfield State College on Monday. TCNJ posted a 2-0 win over Ripon in its first game and then rallied for a 3-2 against Westfield State College.

TCNJ is now 3-3 on the season and return to action on Wednesday facing Ripon College in a doubleheader.

TCNJ 2, Ripon College 0
Sophomore pitcher Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) picked up her first win of the season tossing a complete-game shutout limiting Ripon to four hits with a season-high 11 strikeouts.

The Lions opened the scoring in the top of the second as sophomore Danielle Hagel (Egg Harbor City, NJ/Oakcrest) doubled and came around to score on a base hit by classmate Rachel Greeby (Yardley, PA/Pennsbury).

TCNJ’s other run came in the fourth as Greeby reached on an error and later scored on a single by freshman Kathy Sikora (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) making it a 2-0 game.

Sikora and Lauren Musacchia (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) each finished with a pair of hits for the Lions.

TCNJ 3, Westfield State College 2
The Lions got off to a slow start as Westfield State plated two runs in the top of the first, but the Lions quickly cut the margin in half in the latter half of the inning as sophomore Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood) scored on an error.

TCNJ then took the lead in the bottom of the fifth as Sikora brought home Greeby with a base hit and then came around to score what turned out to be the winning run on a double by Seavers.

Freshman Jamie Moir (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape) earned her first collegiate win in relief as she went 4-2/3 innings without allowing a run and five strikeouts. Minervini closed out the win with two scoreless innings to pick up the save.

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College Baseball: TCNJ Improves Record to 3-0 with win over Webster University

By Ann King

Scottsdale, AZ – Ranked 13^th in Division III, The College of New Jersey's baseball team picked up an 8-6 win over Webster University on Sunday to improve to 3-0. Webster drops to 0-3 on the year.

TCNJ's right handed junior pitcher Dan Ramos-Dominko (Hampton, NJ/North Hunterdon) collected the win in his first collegiate start as he worked five innings and scattered four hits with one unearned run and tallied five strikeouts in the contest. Ramos-Dominko went 1-0 a year ago for the Lions has already equaled last season's win total in his first appearance of 2008.

Senior Steve Turrise (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) worked 2.2 innings of middle relief and allowed four earned runs off seven hits with three strikeouts before being replaced by sophomore Greg Spatz (Oakhurst, NJ/Ocean Township) who earned the save in 1.1 innings of relief with a pair of strikeouts and a walk off no hits.

<Greg Spatz PHOTO>

Seniors Dave Mebs (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) and Rich Gawlak (Plainsboro, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South) each drove in two runs on the game, as Mebs collected a solo homerun in the top of the fourth inning and Gawlak added an two RBI double in the opening inning of the contest to put TCNJ on top 2-0, a lead the Lions never lost.

Junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) added two RBI's as well for the Lions, while sophomore second baseman Adam Tussey (Brooklawn, NJ/Gloucester City High School) and junior short stop  Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) each drove in a run for the Lions as they combined for eight runs off ten hits and only struck out once.

 

TCNJ will face both Dickinson College at 10:00 (a.m., PST) and SUNY Cortland (1:30 p.m., PST) on Monday in Chandler, AZ.

 

                  #13 The College of NJ vs Webster University

                     3/9/08 at Scottsdale, AZ (Saguara HS)

 

The College of NJ 8 (3-0)

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

------------------------------------------------------

Dave Mebs cf.............  4  4  1  2   2  0  0  0   3

Adam Tussey 2b...........  4  2  2  1   1  0  4  3   0

Jeff Toth ss.............  3  1  1  1   2  0  2  5   0

Vince Mazzaccaro 3b......  4  0  2  2   0  0  1  1   0

Rich Gawlak c............  5  0  2  2   0  1 11  2   3

Bill Kropp 1b............  5  0  1  0   0  0  6  1   1

Matt Barrett rf..........  4  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   2

Tyler Hall rf...........  1  0  0  0   0  0  2  0   0

Chris Esperon lf.........  3  1  1  0   1  0  1  0   0

Matt Giermanksi dh.......  4  0  0  0   1  0  0  0   2

Ramos-Domink p...........  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  2   0

Steve Turrise p.........  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Greg Spatz p............  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals................... 37  8 10  8   7  1 27 14  11

 

Webster University 6 (0-3)

 

Player                    AB  R  H RBI BB SO PO  A LOB

------------------------------------------------------

Raetzloff, Alex cf.......  5  1  1  1   0  0  5  0   4

Umfleet, David lf/1b.....  5  2  2  1   0  0  1  0   0

Fuiten, Andrew 2b........  2  1  2  1   2  0  3  2   0

Steen, G 3b..............  5  0  1  2   0  1  2  4   0

Bushor, Jared dh.........  5  0  1  1   0  2  0  0   5

Starnes, Kyle 1b.........  1  0  0  0   0  1  5  0   0

Helton, Ben 1b..........  1  0  0  0   0  0  3  0   0

Kotis, Tom ph/1b........  1  0  0  0   2  0  0  0   1

Combs, John c............  2  0  1  0   1  1  2  0   0

Schaefer, Craig ph/c....  2  0  0  0   0  1  0  0   0

Shelton, Nathan ss.......  5  1  2  0   0  3  1  3   0

Huey, Dakota rf/lf.......  5  1  1  0   0  1  5  1   2

Hilliard, Wesley p.......  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  1   0

Brodbeck, Craig p.......  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Sartore, Mike p.........  0  0  0  0   0  0  0  0   0

Totals................... 39  6 11  6   5 10 27 11  12

 

Score by Innings                    R  H  E

-------------------------------------------

The College of NJ... 220 201 010 -  8 10  5

Webster University.. 100 000 140 -  6 11  4

-------------------------------------------

 

E - A. Tussey 2; J. Toth; V Mazzaccaro; R. Gawlak; Steen, G 2; Kotis, T;

Shelton, N. DP - TCNJBASE 2; WUBS 1. LOB - TCNJBASE 11; WUBS 12. 2B - A.

Tussey; R. Gawlak; Raetzloff, A; Fuiten, A. 3B - V Mazzaccaro. HR - D. Mebs. HBP - C. Esperon; Fuiten, A. SF - V Mazzaccaro. SB - D. Mebs 2; C. Esperon; Umfleet, D; Fuiten, A.

 

The College of NJ      IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

-----------------------------------------------

Ramos-Domink........  5.0  4  1  0  2  5 20 23

Steve Turrise.......  2.2  7  5  4  2  3 15 17

Greg Spatz..........  1.1  0  0  0  1  2  4  5

 

Webster University     IP  H  R ER BB SO AB BF

-----------------------------------------------

Hilliard, Wesley....  6.0  9  7  6  4  1 28 32

Brodbeck, Craig.....  2.0  1  1  1  2  0  6 10

Sartore, Mike.......  1.0  0  0  0  1  0  3  4

 

Win - Ramos-Domink (1-0).  Loss - Hilliard, W (0-1).  Save - S. Spatz (1).

WP - S. Turrise; S. Spatz; Hilliard, W; Brodbeck, C. HBP - by Ramos-Domink

(Fuiten, A); by Brodbeck, C (C. Esperon). BK - Hilliard, W.

Umpires - HP: Don Rolfe  1B: Tim Hatfield

Start: 2:30 pm   Time: 3:30   Attendance: 100

Related: The College of NJ

College Softball: TCNJ Over Daniel Webster College 10-0

Clermont, FL… The College of New Jersey softball team earned its first win of the season on Sunday as the Lions posted a five-inning 10-0 shutout over Daniel Webster College. That win came after the Lions started the day with a 4-1 loss at the hands of Penn State Behrend.

TCNJ's spring trip continues on Monday with a doubleheader against Ripon College. The Lions are 1-3 on the young season.

Penn State Behrend 4, TCNJ 1

Penn State Behrend scored three times in the bottom of the sixth inning to break open a 1-1 tie as they finished the game scoring three of its four runs unearned.

TCNJ scored its run in the top of the fifth as Kathy Sikora (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) singled and later scored on an error.

Sophomore pitcher Ashley Minervini (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) had her second straight solid outing allowing only two hits over five innings, but suffered the loss the for Lions.

TCNJ 10, Daniel Webster College 0 (Five innings)

Freshman Alex Sietsma (Glen Rock, NJ/Glen Rock) picked up her first collegiate victory going 4-1/3 innings with classmate Jamie Moir (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape) recording the final two outs as the duo combined on the five-inning no-hitter. Sietsma finished with nine strikeouts and Moir added a pair.

The Lions got all of the offense they would need in the first as senior Christina Lizzi (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) belted a two-run homer and Lauren Musacchia (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) drove in two more runs with a double.

TCNJ added another run in the bottom of the second and then doubled its lead in the last of the fourth scoring five times.

Danielle Hagel (Egg Harbor City, NJ/Oakcrest), Ellen Seavers (Ridgewood, NJ/Ridgewood), Colleen Cawley (Riverton, NJ/Holy Cross) and Sietsma each finished with two hits.

 

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TCNJ over Wheaton College 12-4; Gloucester City’s Vince Mazzaccaro had 2 HR’s 3 hits, 3 RBI’s

By Ann King

Scottsdale, AZ – The College of New Jersey's baseball team picked up their second win in as many days as they tallied a 12-4 win over Wheaton College (MA). Now 2-0, TCNJ is ranked 13th in the latest Division III poll, while Wheaton drops to 0-1.

TCNJ's junior pitcher Dan Anderson  PHOTO (Lincroft, NJ/Middletown South) collected his collegiate victory as the rightie got the nod as the Lions' starter and proceeded to pitch five strong innings, yielding eight hits and three earned runs. Anderson fanned three and walked three as he tallied the win. Senior Nick Amabile (Holmdel, NJ/Holmdel) worked four innings in relief and got the save as he gave up no runs and fanned four as well for TCNJ.

Wheaton struck first sophomore catcher Jeff Lieneck (Foxboro, MA/Xaverian Brothers) went deep to left center with a two run home in the top of the second inning. Freshman Eric Laliberte (Nashua, NH/Bishop Guertin) had an RBI single in the same inning to spot the Lyons to a 3-0 lead.

TCNJ would overtake Wheaton in the bottom of the fourth inning after they plated five runs. The inning started with a solo homerun by junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic). Senior Tyler Hall (Stockton, NJ/Immaculata) and junior Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) each drove in two runs as well.

In the fifth inning, senior first baseman Bill Kropp (Pottstown, PA/Owen J. Roberts) doubles and was driven in by sophomore Chris Esperon (Union, NJ/Union Catholic).

Mazzaccaro would drive in two more runs as he added his second homerun of the game in the top of the eighth as TCNJ built a 12-4 lead.

By game's end, Mazzaccaro had two homeruns, three hits and three RBI's, while Hall was 1-4 with four RBI's to pace the Lions' offense that combined for 12 runs and 17 hits.

Wheaton's left-handed senior pitcher, Chris McDonough (Weymouth, MA/Weymouth) worked six plus innings in his season debut and drops to 0-1. McDonough gave up two earned runs off 11 hits with six strikeouts and a walk. Sophomore Jon Shepard (Salisbury, MA/Triton Regional) closed the game for Wheaton and worked two innings with five earned runs off six hits with no walks and no strikeouts.

TCNJ will face Webster University on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. (PST).

BONITATIS AND OSGOODBY EARN ALL-AMERICAN HONORS

Cedar Rapids, Iowa…The long list of All-American wrestlers at The College of New Jersey grew by two on Saturday as junior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) and freshman Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) each earned that distinction by placing in the top eight of their respective weight classes at the 2008 NCAA Division III Championships.

 Osgoodby placed seventh at 174 pounds, while Bonitatis finished eighth at 165. The two Lions increased the program’s overall number of All-Americans to 138

In the consolation bracket at 174, Osgoodby opened the second day of competition falling to Kyle Kehrli from Cornell College by the score of 6-1. He capped the tournament on a winning note as he defeated eighth-seeded Jerome Owens from Johnson & Wales University, 13-7 to claim seventh place.

 Bonitatis also dropped his first match on Saturday as third-seeded Gino Russo from Baldwin Wallace pulled out a 12-10 decision over the Lion freshman. He then faced Wartburg’s Justin Hanson in the seventh-place bout and fell by the count of 12-7.

 Both wrestlers finished the season with identical 36-7 records.

 One long streak did come to an end for TCNJ as they failed to finish in the top 20 at the national event for the first time since the tournament began in 1974. The Lions finished with 14 team points.

 The NCAA Championships were held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with Coe College, Cornell College and the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference serving as the hosts.

 

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TCNJ WOMEN’S LACROSSE OPENER POSTPONED

Ewing, NJ…The start of the 2008 season for The College of New Jersey women’s lacrosse team was put on hold as the opener at Fairleigh-Dickinson University-Florham was postponed on Saturday due to inclement weather.

The Lions, ranked fourth in the latest Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Division III poll, will now face the Red Devils in Madison on Monday, March 10 in a 4 p.m. start.

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TWO TCNJ WRESTLERS REMAIN ALIVE AT NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS

Cedar Rapids, Iowa…A pair of wrestlers from The College of New Jersey remain alive at the 2008 NCAA Division III Championships as freshman Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) and junior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) each moved into the quarterfinals of the consolation bracket on Friday.

 

The NCAA Championships, which are being held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with Coe College, Cornell College and the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference serving as the hosts, will conclude on Saturday.

 

The top eight place winners in each weight class will earn All-American honors.

 

Bonitatis earned a win in his first career NCAA Tournament bout at 165 as he knocked off on fifth-seeded Shaheim Bradshaw from SUNY Brockport, 5-4. In his second match, Bonitatis faced another seeded wrestler, this time fourth-seeded Benjamin Hoover of Maranatha Baptist. Hoover pulled out an 8-7 decision putting Bonitatis in the consolation bracket. The Lion freshman got back on the winning track defeating Patrick Stanley from Johns Hopkins, 10-5. He will begin the second day of competition taking on third-seeded Gino Russo of Baldwin Wallace.

 

At 174 pounds, Osgoodby opened the tournament against fifth-seeded Brandon MacWhinnie from Stevens Institute of Technology, but lost by the count of 10-3. He bounced back in the consolation bracket as he pinned Augsburg's George Lynaugh in 2:44. In his next match, Osgoodby got past David Priest from Ithaca College by the score of 11-6 setting up his first match on Saturday against Kyle Kehrli of Cornell College.

 

Senior Ray Sarinelli (Rockaway, NJ/Morris Hills) opened the tournament at 133 pounds with a 6-2 decision over Luther College's Zac Bartlett, but then fell to David Morgan from King's College 9-3. Morgan is the defending national champion and seeded second in the weight class. The loss dropped Sarinelli, the seventh seed, into the consolation bracket where he fell to eighth-seeded Jestin Hulegaard of Buena Vista, 7-4.

 

Sarinelli finished the season with a record 28-7 and concluded his standout career at TCNJ at 90-28 and a two-time NCAA qualifier.

TCNJ WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM ADVANCES IN NCAA TOURNAMENT

Fredericksburg, VA… The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team opened the 2008 NCAA Division III Championships in impressive fashion as the Lions got past Bridgewater (VA) State 65-52 in the first round on Friday.

The Lions (22-6) advance to face fourth-ranked University of Mary Washington (27-2) on Saturday at 5 p.m. Mary Washington will have the home-court-advantage as the Eagles are hosting the first two rounds of the tournament. Mary Washington advanced beating Baruch College, 73-58.

The win was the first in the NCAA Tournament for the Lions since a 60-52 victory over Hunter College in 2004.

TCNJ led from the start scoring the game’s first seven points and led by as many as 12 on several occasions. The Lions did a lot of their damage from behind the 3-point arc as junior Alyssa Michella (Washington Twp., NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy) connected three times from long range as TCNJ carried a 31-23 advantage into the half.    

In the second half, the Lions built the lead to 43-27, but the Eagles closed the margin to 48-41 with 8:32 remaining. That was as close as Bridgewater would get as TCNJ responded with a quick 5-0 run to regain control en route to the victory.

Senior Sara Best (High Bridge, NJ/Voorhees) poured in a career high 19 points for the Lions, shooting 8-for-11 from the floor.  She also added eight rebounds. Junior center Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) contributed with 16 points, eight rebounds and five blocked shots, while Michella was the third Lion to each double figures with 11. Freshman Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) added to the win with eight points and 10 rebounds.

Bridgewater capped its season at 15-14.

TCNJ Delivers in Glus Debut

Media Release

Tempe, AZ----The College of New Jersey baseball team tallied a 7-2 victory over Concordia University (IL) on Friday afternoon as interim head coach Dean Glus (photo) made his debut. TCNJ, which is ranked 13th opened the new campaign by handing the previously unbeaten Concordia University Cougars a 7-2 loss to improve to 1-0, while CU drops to 6-1.

TCNJ got on the scoreboard early as junior short stop Jeff Toth (Parlin, NJ/Sayreville) connected on the first of his two home runs in the contest in the top of the first. He would add his second home run on a solo shot in the top of the fifth as the Lions built a 3-1 lead. Toth, an All-American for the Lions in 2007, now has 10 career homeruns after batting .368 last year with eight in his TCNJ rookie campaign.

TCNJ broke open the game with four runs in the top half of the seventh inning as TCNJ would knock the Cougars’ starter, senior Carl Petersen (DesPlaines, IL/Maine West) from the game after 6.1 innings of work. Petersen drops to 1-1 after allowing seven earned runs off eight hits with two strikeouts and two walks.

Replaced by both Joe Leyhane (Chicago, IL/Notre Dame) and Anthony Collaro (Melrose, Parl, IL/Walter Lutheran), Concordia was not able to recover. Collaro worked 2.2 innings and fanned four batters with just one hit allowed.

Offensively for the Lions, junior third baseman Vince Mazzaccaro (Gloucester City, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) would connect for three hits on the day with a pair of RBI’s.

TCNJ’s left handed senior pitcher Bob Buskett (Trenton, NJ/Notre Dame) worked five innings for the win as he yielded no earned runs with no hits, two strikeouts and five walks. Buskett is now 16-2 on his career and closing in on his 100th career strikeout as he has 93 to his credit thus far.

Rookie Joe Marchitelli (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) worked two innings of relief, yielding one earned run with four strikeouts off four hits. Junior Eric Gertie (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) pitched an inning as the Lions’ closer and fanned one with a hit on the day.

TCNJ returns to action on Saturday facing Wheaton College (MA) at 2 p.m. (MST), 4 p.m. (EST).

(NOTE: Sorry to TCNJ's baseball fans, but we experienced some technical difficulties on Friday as Ann King's laptop died in the second inning! Hence the live stats went down as did the ability to post a box score or season stats. We are hopeful that a new machine and software will find its way to Arizona by the beginning of the week. Sorry for any inconveniences this may have caused and thank you for your patience!)

DONATELLI AND McGRATH MEET NCAA PROVISIONAL MARKS

Boston, MA…Senior Brian Donatelli (Whitehouse Station, NJ/Hunterdon Central) and junior Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) each met NCAA provisional standards in their respective events on the opening day of the ECAC Championships hosted by Harvard University on Friday.

McGrath was second overall in the 5,000 meters with a personal-best time of 17:16.60, while Donatelli was third in the shot put with a heave of 15.92 meters.

Junior Kirsten Gerbehy (Califon, NJ/Voorhees) also had a strong first day at the championship meet as she placed sixth in the pentathlon with 2,606 points.

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NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS BEGIN FRIDAY FOR TCNJ WRESTLERS

Cedar Rapids, Iowa… The 2008 NCAA Division III Wrestling Championships get underway on Friday with The College of New Jersey sending four grapplers to the mat in their respective weight classes.

The Lions are coming off of their second straight Metropolitan Conference Championships and look to place in the top 20 at the NCAA Championships for the 35th straight year.

The NCAA Championships are being held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with Coe College, Cornell College and the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference serving as the hosts. The double-elimination tournament concludes on Saturday. The top eight place winners in each weight class will earn All-American honors.

TCNJ has a good mix of wrestlers competing as freshmen John Barnett (Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson Township) at 149 and Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) at 165 each earned automatic bids to the tournament by winning their weight class at the Met Championships, while senior Ray Sarinelli (Rockaway, NJ/Morris Hills) and junior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) received “wild card” spots to the championships. Sarinelli will wrestle at 133 and Osgoodby at 174.

Sarinelli, who is seeded seventh, is making his second straight trip to the NCAA Championship and will open against Zac Bartlett from Luther College. If Sarinelli wins that bout, he will face second-seeded and defending NCAA Champion Dave Morgan from King’s College. The Lion senior enters the tournament with a record of 27-5.

Osgoodby opens the tournament taking on fifth-seeded Brandon McWhinnie from Stevens Institute of Technology. The junior placed second at the Met Championships and earned a “wild card” for the second straight year. He enters the NCAA Championships with a record of 33-5.

Bonitatis has had a banner season thus far as he leads the team with a 34-4 record with eight wins by fall. The Met Champion makes his NCAA Championship debut taking on fifth-seeded Shaheim Bradshaw from SUNY Brockport.

Barnett is made the most of his first season at TCNJ winning his weight class at the Met Championship advancing to the national tournament. Barnett faces Jonathan Quist from Luther College with the winner of that bout moving on to take on seventh-seeded Frank Cammisa from Bridgewater State.

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TCNJ Baseball team picked 4th in NJAC Preseason poll

Link to complete poll and release

Pitman, NJ---The College of New Jersey baseball team has been tapped to finish in fourth in the race for the 2008 New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship in the league's pre-season coaches' poll.

The 2008 Lions return 24 letter winners from last year’s team that captured the program’s third straight New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship. The Lions have already received pre-season acclaim for the upcoming year as TCNJ has been picked No. 14 in the ABCA Division III Pre-Season poll as well as D3baseball.com’s pre-season national poll.

The 2007 squad finished the year having also earned the program’s 17th NCAA Tournament appearance and posted a 34-11 record. Over the course of the season, TCNJ also ranked nationally among the statistical leaders in Division III. Among the categories the Lions were ranked in a year ago were homeruns per game (13th, 0.82 per game), triples per game (13th, 0.51 per game), win percentage (16th, .756), runs scored per game (45th, 7.8 per game), and stolen bases (28th, 2.31 per game). Defensively, the Lions were ranked 26th in field percentage with a .963 average, while turning 0.93 double plays per game, which was 45th best in 2007. TCNJ’s pitching staff ranked 26th in Division III with a 3.34 team ERA and was ranked 25th in strikeouts per game having averaged 7.5 per nine innings.

Wrongful Death Suit Filed Against TCNJ

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — The parents of a 19-year-old student whose body was found in a Pennsylvania landfill after a frantic, four-week search filed a wrongful death lawsuit Monday accusing his college of not securing its trash-compacting system.

The Superior Court lawsuit does not specify a damage amount in the death nearly two years ago of John Fiocco Jr., a freshman at The College of New Jersey just outside Trenton.

State police, brought in to investigate nearly three days after Fiocco's disappearance, discovered large amounts of blood around the trash compactor outside Wolfe Hall, the lawsuit said. By that time, the trash was on its way to the landfill in Bucks County, Pa., where the body was found.

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NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Committee released the names of the field of 63 teams for the 2008 championship.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Committee announced today the field of 63 teams for the 2008 championship.

Thirty-nine conferences have been awarded automatic qualification for the 2008 championship.  Three teams were selected from Pool B, which consists of independent institutions and institutions that are members of conferences that do not meet the requirements for automatic qualification. The final 21 berths were reserved for Pool C, which are institutions from automatic-qualifying conferences that are not the conference champion and any remaining Pool B teams.

One first-round game will be conducted March 5, one second-round game will be conducted March 8 and 15 first/second-round games will be conducted March 7-8.  Second-round winners will advance to one of four sectional sites March 14-15.  Winners of the four sectional games will advance to the national semi-finals March 21-22.  All games, except the finals, will be played on the campuses of competing institutions.  The finals will be conducted at DeVos Fieldhouse, Hope College, Holland, Michigan.

Conferences and Teams Receiving Automatic Qualification (39):

Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference   -   Medaille
American Southwest Conference   -   Howard Payne
Capital Athletic Conference   -   Mary Washington
Centennial Conference   -   Muhlenberg
City University of New York Athletic Conference    -   Baruch
College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin   -   Ill. Wesleyan
Commonwealth Conference   -   Messiah
Commonwealth Coast Conference   -   Colby-Sawyer
Empire 8   -   Utica
Freedom Conference    -   DeSales
Great Northeast Athletic Conference    -   Emmanuel (Mass.)
Great South Athletic Conference   -   Piedmont
Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference   -   Manchester
Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference   -   Simpson
Liberty League   -   St. Lawrence
Little East Conference   -   Eastern Conn. St.
Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference   -   Bridgewater St.
Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association   -   Hope
Midwest Conference   -   St. Norbert
Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference   -   Carleton
New England Small College Athletic Conference   -   Amherst
New England Women’s and Men’s Athletics Conference   -   Wheaton (Mass.)
New Jersey Athletic Conference   -    Kean
North Atlantic Conference   -   Becker
North Coast Athletic Conference   -   Denison
North Eastern Athletic Conference   -    D’Youville
Northwest Conference   -   Puget Sound
Ohio Athletic Conference   -   Baldwin-Wallace
Old Dominion Athletic Conference   -    Bridgewater (Va.)
Pennsylvania Athletic Conference   -    Cabrini
Presidents’ Athletic Conference   -   Thomas More
Skyline Conference   -   Mount St. Mary (N.Y.)
St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference   -   Maryville (Mo.)
Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference   -   La Verne
Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference   -    DePauw
State University of New York Athletic Conference   -   Brockport St.
University Athletic Association   -   Chicago
USA South Athletic Conference     -   Greensboro
Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference    -   Wis.-Stevens Point

Pool B Berths (3):
Chapman
Juniata
Scranton

Pool C Berths (21):
Albright
Bowdoin
Brandeis
George Fox
Gust. Adolphus
Marymount (Va.)
McMurry
Oglethorpe
Rochester
Salem St.
Southern Me.
St. Thomas (Minn.)
TCNJ
Trinity (Tex.)
Tufts
Washington-St. Louis
Wilmington (Ohio)
Wm. Paterson
William Smith
Wis.-Eau Claire
Wis.-Whitewater

The complete bracket and pairings will be announced via webcast (audio only) on www.ncaa.com at 9 a.m. Eastern time Monday, March 3. The selection announcement will be made through Hoopsville, the weekly Internet radio show, run through D3hoops.com. The announcement and the full bracket will be posted at www.ncaa.com.

LIONS HIT NCAA PROVISIONAL MARKS AT NYU INVITATIONAL

New York, NY…Fresh off of their 11th straight New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships earlier in the week, The College of New Jersey women’s indoor track and field team was back on the track competing at the New York University. The Lions had plenty of qualify performances at the event with three NCAA provisional marks and a host of ECAC worthy times. The event held at the 168th Street Armory.

Junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) placed fourth in the one-mile run with a school-record time of 4:56.25 and was the top NCAA Division III finisher in the race. That time was also a NCAA provisional cut.

Junior Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) posted a NCAA provisional distance of 5.45 meters in the long jump to place seventh overall and was also part of TCNJ’s 4x400 relay team that met NCAA provisional standards. She was joined on that team by senior Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic), sophomore Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler) and freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Colts Neck) as the quartet combined for a time of 3:57.55.

Junior Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) placed second overall in the 5,000 meters with an ECAC worthy time of 17:39.31, while Wimberly took 10th in the 800 meters in 2:19.11 and Spadaccini was 16th in 2:20.16. Both of those times met ECAC standards.

The Lions received another top-10 finish in the weight throw as sophomore Ashley Krauss (Flemington, NJ/Hunterdon Central) had a personal-best and ECAC distance of 13.48 meters.

TCNJ had three more ECAC qualifiers as Bonelli posted a time of 59.86 seconds in the 400 meters, Michelle Wallace (Emerson, NJ/Emerson) in the 3,000 (10:49.64) and junior Justine Carnevale (Oceanport, NJ/Shore Regional) in the 1,000 (3:08.96).

Junior Kirsten Gerbehy (Califon, NJ/Voorhees) had a solid meet for the Lions with a personal-best effort of 9.67 seconds in the 600-meter high hurdles and cleared a height of 1.5 meters in the high jump.

Men’s 4x400 hits ECAC mark…
TCNJ’s 4x400 relay team boasted season-best and ECAC qualifying time of 3:20.18 to place eighth overall in the event. Running the event for the Lions were junior Rob McGowan (Monroe Twp., NJ/Monroe Twp.), sophomore DeShard Stevens (Jersey City, NJ/James T. Ferris), senior Steve Murray (East Windsor, NJ/Hightstown) and freshman Kyle Gilroy (Oak Ridge, NJ/West Milford Twp.).

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KEAN REPEATS AS 2008 NJAC CHAMPIONSHIP BEATING TCNJ 70-61 ; COUGARS EARN NCAA AUTOMATIC BID

Media Release

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team hosted the Cougars of Kean University in the championship game of the 2008 New Jersey Athletic Conference tournament in Packer Hall on Friday evening before a crowd of a thousand.  Kean would repeat as the league’s champions, earning the program’s 12th title since winning the league’s first championship in 1982-1983. Kean would improve to 25-3 on the year, while snapping TCNJ’s eight-game win streak as the Lions drop to 21-6. Kean would take a 2-1 lead in the season match-ups of the two squads. Kean, ranked 13th in the latest Division III poll, tallied their third straight victory on Friday as they posted the road win.

The Cougars were led on the night by five different players that finished in double-digits, while a pair of players added double-doubles in the contest. Pacing Kean was junior guard Melissa Beyruti (Union City, NJ/Union Hill) as she tallied 17 points and senior center Chari’ Cooper (Paulsboro, NJ/Paulsboro) added 11 points and 18 rebounds.

Kean would take a commanding 36-19 halftime lead into the locker room as sophomore guard Cardiss Jackman (Tobyhanna, PA/Pocono Mountain West) contributed 10 points and Cooper added 11 first half rebounds, including seven offensive boards. Kean would hold a 32-23 edge on the board and despite shooting only 31.0% from the floor in the first stanza (13-42). Jackman would hit twice from three-point range and help Kean have a 17 point lead twice in the first half after TCNJ took the early lead in the first six minutes of play.

Kean would build a 20 point lead to open the second half, but TCNJ would not go away and pulled within eight points, down 53-45 at 9:55. Kean answered right back and quickly built a 15-point lead up 60-45 with 7:31 left to play. TCNJ was back within eight points, down 63-55 at 2:02 before the game ended with a 70-61 Kean victory.

Cooper added 18 rebounds on the night and currently ranks third all-time in NCAA Division III women’s history as she now has 1,471 rebounds.

Junior guard Ebony Jackson (Newark, NJ/Malcolm X Shabazz) would move within one of setting Kean’s career assist mark as she now has 465, just off the school mark.  Jackson added 10 points and four steals in the game.

TCNJ’s junior center, Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood), the 2007-2008 NJAC Player of the Year, finished the night with a career-high 28 points, while finishing 17 rebounds for her 20th double-double of the season.  The 28 points betters her previous high of 24 points, set just 10 days ago.

Senior Sara Best (High Bridge, NJ/Voorhees) also connected a double digit scoring performance as she netted 11 points and now 718 career points.  TCNJ’s freshman Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough), the 2007-2008 NJAC Rookie of the Year, added eight points with 10 rebounds and handed out four assists.
TCNJ must now wait until the NCAA Division III tournament announcement on March 3 and hope for an at-large pool “C” bid.
Official Basketball Box Score
Kean University vs The College of New Jersey2/29/08 7 p.m. at Ewing, NJ (Packer Hall)

TCNJ’s MARK AZIZ EARNS SPOT ON 2007-2008 NJAC ALL-STAR TEAM

Media release

Pitman, NJ…The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team had one of its players named to the 2007-2008 New Jersey Athletic Conference All-Star Team on Thursday as senior co-captain  Mark Aziz, photo,  (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) earned his second straight posting on the Honorable Mention Team.
On the year, Aziz helped the Lions as the team’s top scorer with a 14.2 ppg average in 25 games played.  He finished the campaign ranking seventh in the NJAC in scoring. He is ranked in the top 10 in rebounding, grabbing 5.8 boards a contest. Those aren’t the only categories he ranks in, as he is sixth in blocked shots (1.08 bpg), sixth in free-throw percentage (76.6%) and 13th in field-goal percentage (47.1%).
On the season, Aziz finished with double-digit scoring performance on 21 different occasions, while leading the Lions in scoring 10 different times this past season. Overall on his career, Aziz started 51 of 76 games played, adding 815 points with 341 rebounds, 77 blocked shots and posted an impressive 74.2% (170-229) free throw percentage and a 47.5% (310-652) effort from the floor.

2007-08 NJAC MEN'S BASKETBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

"PONY WILSON" PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Matt Byrnes, Rowan
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:  James Williams, Montclair State
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Abdoulaye Ouedraogo, William Paterson
"JOHN K. ADAMS" COACH OF THE YEAR:  Ted Fiore, Montclair State

FIRST TEAM
Name School Yr. Pos. Hometown/High School
Matt Byrnes^% Rowan SR G Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest
Jon Greene^ Richard Stockton SR F Wildwood, NJ/Wildwood
Dana John* NJCU JR F Hillside, NJ/Pocono Mountain East
Mario Lancioni^ Richard Stockton SR G Runnemede, NJ/Triton
Abdoulaye Ouedraogo William Paterson SO F Newark, NJ/Science

SECOND TEAM
Name School Yr. Pos. Hometown/High School
Chadd Barnes* Rutgers-Newark JR G Newark, NJ/University
Ken Dudley Montclair State SO G Willingboro, NJ/Burlington Tech
Joey Spiegel William Paterson SR G Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck
Tim Wesley Ramapo JR G Jersey City, NJ/Lincoln
Lamar Wright+ Kean SR G Galloway, NJ/Absegami

HONORABLE MENTION
Name School Yr. Pos. Hometown/High School
Omar Alston^ Ramapo SR C Carteret, NJ/Carteret
Mark Aziz+ TCNJ SR F Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris
Bill Banks Rutgers-Camden JR G Berlin, NJ/Eastern
Jerome Hubbard Richard Stockton JR F Neptune, NJ/Neptune
Assad Shaakir Ramapo SR F Newark, NJ/St. Patrick's

Key: * - First Team All-Conference 2006-07
^ - Second Team All-Conference 2006-07
+ - Honorable Mention 2006-07
% - First Team All-Conference 2005-06

TCNJ’S ALERCIO RESIGNS TO SERVE AS FIRST HEAD FOOTBALL AT CASTLETON STATE

Media Release

Castleton, VT (2/28/08) – Rich Alercio, photo,  (Hamilton, NJ), assistant football coach at The College of New Jersey was introduced on Thursday as the first head football coach at Castleton State College (Castleton, VT) at a press conference. Alercio has accepted a position as the head coach for the Spartans and will lead the team when it officially commences varsity competition in 2009.

At the press conference, Castleton State College Associate Dean of Athletics and Recreation, Deanna Tyson, announced the hiring of Rich Alercio as Castleton’s inaugural head football coach. The college received more than 150 applications for the position.

Tyson said, “The five candidates we interviewed on campus were all well qualified to coach at Castleton, but Rich Alercio is the best fit for our athletic program. He is going to be a tremendous role model for our male athletes – on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.”

At Castleton Alercio will be charged with starting the football program from the ground up, with the team’s first game slated for the 2009 season. His official start date will be July 1, 2008, but he will be involved in the hiring of a full-time assistant coach, along with the planning of the new Spartan Stadium, home of Castleton football.

Along with 21 years of coaching experience, Alercio brings his wife and three sons to the Castleton community. “I felt this is a place where my family and the football family can be together,” he said.

With the addition of football, Castleton will offer 20 varsity sports. The college is a member of NCAA Division III and does not offer athletic scholarships.

Castleton competes in the North Atlantic Conference, which recently added football as a conference sport. Castleton becomes the seventh member to sponsor football in the NAC, along with Becker College, Gallaudet University, Husson College, SUNY Maritime College, Mount Ida College, and Norwich University.

John Castaldo, Director of Athletics and Recreation at TCNJ said, “Rich has been a dedicated staff member and the athletic department wishes him well in his new endeavor.” Castaldo added, “Rich has been a valuable role model for our department and he will surely be missed. We wish Rich all the best in his new position.”

Alercio has been with the Lions as the program’s first and only full-time assistant for the past 15 years. He has served as the Lions’ offensive line coach, and has also doubled as one of TCNJ’s chief recruiters, while also coordinating the offensive game plan and preparation.

Alercio had a fine athletic career at Ursinus College where he served as team captain and earned the Big Bear Award for team leadership as a starting center on the football team. A graduate of Toms River North High School, Alercio returned to his alma mater in 1988 serving as an assistant football coach. While there he was in charge of the varsity squad’s defensive line while also heading up the sophomore football team.

Alercio graduated from Ursinus in 1987 with a BA in economics, and from there he went on to work as an economics teacher, defensive coordinator, and head lacrosse coach at Admiral Farragut Academy. He later served as an assistant football coach and director of intramurals at West Chester University from 1989 to 1991. Before arriving at TCNJ, he served as the assistant coach in charge of the offensive line and the long snappers at East Stroudsburg from 1991 to 1992.

Alercio and his wife, Kim, reside in Hamilton, NJ, with their ten-year old son, Jake, seven-year old son, Shane, and five-year old son, Trey. Alercio is a full-time athletic department staff member whose other duties at TCNJ have also included assisting with athletic development. He is a member of the American Football Coaches Association as well as the National Association of Athletic Development Directors and also serves as the Vice President of the Hamilton Little Lads Baseball Association.

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TOP ROOKIE WITH HENDERSON HONORED AS COACH OF THE YEAR

Media release

Ewing, NJ…On the day of their conference tournament opener, The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team earned three special honors from the New Jersey Athletic Conference for their efforts during the regular season.

Junior Hillary Klimowicz  (Photo right) (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) was voted as the 2008 NJAC Player of the Year, while freshman Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) was selected as the NJAC Rookie of the Year. The honors weren’t limited to the players as Dawn Henderson was tabbed as the Coach of the Year. 

Klimowicz, who was also named First Team All-NJAC for the second consecutive season, has been a force for the Lions all season leading the team in scoring (16.8 ppg), rebounding (11.2 rpg), blocked shots (103) and field-goal percentage (65.0%). She current leads the NJAC in field-goal percentage and blocks, while ranking second in scoring and third in rebounding.  Her shooting percentage from the floor ranks her second nationally and is fourth in blocks at 4.1 per game. She has recorded 19 double-doubles in 25 games this season and has scored in double figures in each game but one.

So far this season, Klimowicz has received various honors including being named the NJAC Player of the Week six times and ECAC Metro Player of the Week twice. She was named the most valuable player of the Gwynedd-Mercy College Classic and earned a spot on the Marymount University Tip-Off Classic All-Tournament Team.

Klimowicz is a standout in the classroom as well as she named CoSIDA’s ESPN The Magazine All-District II Third Team earlier this month.

The center is the first Lion player to receive player of the year honors since Theresa DiMedio was the 2004-05 NJAC Co-Player of the Year.

Kutch (Photo left) has been an impact player for the Lions starting every game and scoring 10.7 points a game and grabbing 6.0 rebounds, putting her second on the team in both of those categories.  The forward, who was honored as the NJAC Rookie of the Week once this season, has been consistent throughout the year scoring in double figures on 16 occasions and leads the NJAC in free-throw percentage (82.7%) and is fifth in shooting from the floor (50.3%).

Henderson guided TCNJ to the top seed in the NJAC South Division with an 11-2 record with the team going 20-5 overall during the regular season. Those 20 wins marks the sixth time in her tenure the team has hit the milestone. This marks the fourth time (‘94, ’99 and ’05) she has won the award outright and shared the honor on one other occasion (’02). The veteran coach boasts a career mark of 332-162 and has a mark of 286-112 since taking over the Lion program in 1993.

TCNJ had one other player recognized as sophomore Alexandra Gregorek (Mahwah, NJ/Academy of Holy Angels) received All-NJAC Honorable Mention. Gregorek is having balanced season averaging 9.3 points a game to go with 5.2 rebounds a game. She has been making the most of her chances as she ranks fourth in the NJAC in field-goal percentage making 51.5 percent of her attempts.

Earlier this season, Gregorek earned a spot on the Marymount University Tip-Off Classic All-Tournament Team.

The Lions begin their quest for a second NJAC Championship in the last three years tonight, February 27 hosting Montclair State University at 7 p.m. at Packer Hall.

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TCNJ INDOOR TRACK TEAMS REPEAT AS NJAC CHAMPIONS

Toms River, NJ…The College of New Jersey swept to its 11th consecutive New Jersey Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships at the John Bennett Indoor Athletic Conference as the Lions captured the men’s competition with 157 points and won the women’s meet with 184 points.

TCNJ’s men and women have won every indoor championship since the conference began conducting the meet in 1998. The meet featured a conference record 376 student-athletes in competition from nine different NJAC institutions.

With their 157 points, TCNJ’s men finished 31 points ahead of second-place Ramapo (126), followed by New Jersey City (80), Montclair State (77), Rutgers-Camden (41), Rowan (28), Kean (17) and an eighth-place tie between Richard Stockton and Rutgers-Newark, with 16 points apiece.

TCNJ’s women outdistanced Richard Stockton (108), while New Jersey City finished third (90), followed by Ramapo (61), Montclair State (59), Kean (15), Rutgers-Newark (14), Rowan (9) and Rutgers-Camden (7).

TCNJ’s duo of junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) and senior Brian Donatelli (Whitehouse Station, NJ/Hunterdon Central) were named the Gerrity Award winners as the Most Outstanding Female and Male Athletes respectively. Herrick won both the mile run (5:00.87) with an NJAC record and an NCAA provisional qualifying time and the 800 meters (2:23.34). Donatelli won the weight throw (16.14) and was second in the shot put (15.63).

The Lions will be right back in action on Friday, February 29 participating in the New York University Invitational held at the 168th Street Armory in New York City.

Men’s Highlights…
Junior Chris Guerriero (Saddle Brook, NJ/Saddle Brook) won the 5,000 meters with an ECAC qualifying time of 15:19.19 and was second in the 3,000 with another ECAC mark of 8:45.10.

In addition to Guerriero taking second in the 3,000, the Lions also claimed the next three spots with junior Kyle Alpaugh (Clinton, NJ/Voorhees) taking third (8:58.92), TJ Bocchino (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East) fourth (9:06.04) and Brandon Rodkewitz (Wharton, NJ/Morris Hills) fifth (9:08.97).

In the mile, the Lions earned a one-two finish as freshman Dennie Waite (Little Silver, NJ/Red Bank Regional) posted a winning time of 4:19.57 and senior Brian Kopnicki (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) was second in 4:21.67. Both of those times met ECAC qualifying standards.

TCNJ had another strong showing in the 800 meters as junior Pasquale DiGioacchino (Bernardsville, NJ/Bernards) won the race in 1:58.60 with teammate Josh Krowicki (Hilltop, NJ/Triton) placing third (2:01.08) and DeShard Stevens (Jersey City, NJ/James T. Ferris) finishing fifth (2:01.80).

The Lions also won the 4x400 relay as the team of Woodrow Prevard (Sicklerville, NJ/Winslow Twp.), Stevens, Kyle Gilroy (Oak Ridge, NJ/West Milford Twp.) and DiGioacchino combined for an ECAC worthy time of 3:26.0.

TCNJ added second-place finishes in both the 4x800 and the distance medley relay.

The Lions gained valuable team points from a several other second-place finishers. Junior Anthony Arnold (Brielle, NJ/St. Rose) was second in the 5,000 (15:45.19) and junior Rob McGowan (Monroe Twp., NJ/Monroe Twp.) took second in the 400 meters (50.74), while meeting and ECAC mark. In the pole vault, freshman Tim Blashford (Wyckoff, NJ/Ramapo) cleared the bar at 4.10 meters to add another second for TCNJ.

Senior Andy Lim (Lodi, NJ/Leonia) contributed with a fourth-place finish in the long jump (6.58 meters), while Gilroy was fifth in both the 55 hurdles (7.91 seconds) and the 400 meters (51.48).

Women’s Highlights…
Herrick anchored two of TCNJ’s top events winning both the 800 and the mile as the Lions placed four runners in the top five in each race. In the mile, TCNJ swept the top four spots with junior Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) finishing in second with a NCAA provisional time of 5:02.93, with senior Heather Garleb (Howell, NJ/Howell) taking third (5:29.81) and Julie Ullmeyer (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) in fourth (5:29.82).

Following Herrick across the finish line in the 800 for the Lions were freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Colts Neck) in second place (2:23.47), sophomore Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler) in third (2:25.02) and Rochelle Prevard (Sicklerville, NJ/Winslow Twp.) in fifth (2:25.66).

Junior Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) placed in a pair of events winning the long jump with an ECAC worthy leap of 5.26 meters. She also placed third in the 200 meters with another ECAC mark of 26.93 seconds.

The Lions dominated the relay events placing first in all three. The team of Wimberly, Prevard, Spadaccini and Meghan Miller (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial) won the 4x400 in 4:06.04, while McGrath, Ullmeyer, Kirsten Gerbehy (Califon, NJ/Voorhees) and Justine Carnevale (Oceanport, NJ/Shore Regional) won the 4x800 in 10:05.24, with both times meeting ECAC standards. TCNJ completed the sweep of the three relays winning the DMR as Carnevale, Jennifer Caratola (Brigantine, NJ/Atlantic City), Carolyn Gray (Barnegat, NJ/Southern Regional) and Michelle Wallace (Emerson, NJ/Emerson) combined for a clocking of 13:28.72.

The Lions took second and third place in the 3,000 meters with Wallace finishing second (11:01.07) and Megan Donovan (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick) third (11:21.59), while junior Nicole Ullmeyer (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) was second in the 5,000 with an ECAC qualifying time of 18:41.75.

Senior Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) picked up a second-place finish in the 400 meters with a time of 1:00.86, while teammate Alexandra Tomaselli (Hillsdale, NJ/Pascack Valley) claimed fourth (1:02.33).

In the 55-meter high hurdles, the Lions had a pair of runners place in the top five as Miller was second (8.86) and sophomore Priscilla Senyah (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial) was fourth (8.92).

In the shot put, freshman Cristina D’Amato (Madison, NJ/Madison) had a strong performance placing third with a toss of 11.18 meters and freshman Sarah Wehrhan (Dodge City, KS/The Peddie School) was one place behind in fourth with a throw of 11.13 meters.

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TCNJ WRESTERS REPEAT AS METROPOLITAN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

Wilkes-Barre, PA… The College of New Jersey wrestling team won its second straight Metropolitan Conference Championship behind the strength of two champions and several other place winners on Sunday at Wilkes University.

TCNJ, which is ranked 17th in the latest Brute – Adidas NWCA Division III poll, led the charge with 90 points followed by 14th-ranked New York University (82) and 23rd-ranked Wilkes (71.5). Rounding out the team standings were York (PA) College (67.50), King's College (58), Hunter College (46.5), Centenary (NJ) College (29.0), Elizabethtown College (29.0) and the University of Scranton (9.5). With the win, the Lions have captured their 25 conference tournament in the last 30 tries.

Claiming individual titles and automatic berths in the 2088 NCAA Division III Championships were freshmen John Barnett (Oakridge, NJ/Jefferson Twp.) and Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East). Barnett was a perfect 3-0 at 149 pounds, while Bonitatis swept his way through his three matches at 165 pounds.

The 2008 NCAA Division III Championships are set for March 7-8 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with Coe College and the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference hosting the event.

The conference also has seven “wild card” spots for the NCAA Championship that will be selected by the coaches. Those selections will be made later this evening.

Barnett won his weight class as the third seed edging New York University’s Matt Magill 5-3 in the finals. The top-seeded Bonitatis won his title with a narrow 2-1 decision against Frank Heffernan of Wilkes.

Two other TCNJ grapplers advanced to the finals as senior Ray Sarinelli (Rockaway, NJ/Morris Hills) and freshman Dan Hughes (Delran, NJ/Delran) each won their first two bouts before falling in the finals. Sarinelli lost to 2007 NCAA Champion Dave Morgan from King’s by fall in 4:40 at 133 pounds, while Hughes fell 12-5 in the title match at 125 pounds to Kyle Flickinger from York.

Four other Lions battled their way to third-place finishes gaining valuable team points. Junior Chris Prihoda (Trenton, NJ/Hamilton) went 4-1 in at 141 pounds scoring a 4-0 decision over Brandon Prentice of Wilkes in the consolation finals.

Sophomore Dan DiColo (Budd Lake, NJ/ Mount Olive) also took third winning his final two matches of the tournament at 157 pounds. He capped his day with a 7-4 victory over Adam Penberthy from Wilkes.

Junior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) was upended in the quarterfinals, but bounced back to take third by pinning Naum Shuminov of NYU in the consolation finals in 6:34 at 174 pounds. 

The final Lion to place third was senior Steve Carbone (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) at heavyweight. Carbone edged Scranton’s Neil Slocum 8-7 in the third-place bout.
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Sports: TCNJ’S SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAMS CONTINUE ACTION AT 2008 MET CHAMPIONSHIPS;

TCNJ SCHOOL RECORDS CONTINUE TO BE SHATTERED

Piscataway, NJ…The College of New Jersey’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams continued action on Saturday at the 2008 Metropolitan Conference Championships at Rutgers University’s Sonny A. Werblin Recreation Center. The three-day event will wrap on Sunday night. A year ago, TCNJ’s men’s team won the team crown, while the Lion women’s squad picked up the runner-up crown in the Division III competition.
TCNJ’s men’s team has posted 457 points to stand in 1st place in a field of 14 teams, while the Lion women have amassed 348 points and stand in second place overall in the 16-team field, topped by Division II Southern Connecticut State University. TCNJ’s women hold a lead in the race for the Division III championship.

Men’s Highlights
Senior Josh Forsman (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) added the fastest time in the trials of the 100 butterfly with an NCAA provisional effort of 50.34, just 0.21 off TCNJ’s school record. He would finish in second place in the race and broke TCNJ’s school record with his time of 49.90. He broke his own record set in 2007 that had stood at 50.07.
Freshman Joe Tseng (East Hanover, NJ/Hanover Park) competed for the Lions in the 400 IM and picked up a fourth place finish in 4:15.07 after entering the race seeded fourth with his trial performance.
Rookie Tom Medvecky (Piscataway, NJ/Piscataway) led the Lions in the 200 freestyle as the Lions had four competitors finish in the top eight. Medvecky picked up third in 1:42.76, an NCAA provisional time and just hundredth off TCNJ’s school mark. Junior Mike Heaney (Voorhees, NJ/Bishop Eustace) took home fourth in 1:43.52, while junior Mike Molloy (Toms River, N/Toms River East) added a fifth place finish in 1:43.61 and freshman Shawn Kircher (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North) took home sixth in 1:43.78.
In the 100 breaststroke, sophomore Myles O’Connor (Santa Monica, CA) posted a time of 56.98 to lead the Lions with his second place finish, while sophomore Eric Rohrs (Congers, NY/Clarkstown High North) picked up sixth in 1:00.40 and junior Ted Yoa (Ocean City, NJ/St. Augustine) took home seventh in 1:00.70.   
Competing in the 200 medley relay, the Lions won the event posting an NCAA automatic time 1: 32.35, two hundredths of a second off the Met record, while also bettering the Lions’ school mark in the race (1:32.48) set in 2004. Competing on the relay for the Lions were Nawrot, O’Connor, Forsman and Kircher.

Women’s Highlights
TCNJ’s senior Ava Kiss (North Brunswick, NJ/Stuart Country Day) opened the day with an NCAA automatic qualifying time in the trials of the 100 butterfly with a time of 57.00, just 0.22 off the program’s school mark (56.78), which she set in 2006. She would finish in second place with an NCAA automatic qualifying time of 55.94, which did break her own school record.
In the 100 breaststroke, senior Lauren Pfeifer (Freehold, NJ/Red Bank Catholic) and rookie Katie Morgan (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) posted top five times in the trials as Pfeifer had a time of 1:06.93 to be seeded second and Morgan was fourth with her trial time of 1:08.21. Pfeifer broke TCNJ’s school record in the trials as she bettered the 2007 mark of 1:07.25 set by Emily Reichard. In the finals, Pfeifer finished in second place in 1:06.81, bettering her own mark from earlier in the day. Morgan picked up fifth in 1:08.14.
In the 400 IM, the Lions had three competitors advance to the championship finals as sophomore Stephanie Seto (Hamilton, NJ/Steinert), junior Brittany Collyer (Forked River, NJ/Lacey Township), and senior Stefanie Rashti (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) had strong efforts. In the finals, Collyer took fourth in 4:44.96, while Seto finished in seventh in 4:48.45, and Rashti picked up eighth in 4:53.86.
TCNJ’s rookie Margaret Molloy (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East) also had a strong showing in the 200 freestyle as did senior Kristin Udicious (Cherry Hill, NJ/Gloucester Catholic).  Molloy finished in fourth place in 1:56.89, while Udicious picked up seventh in 1:59.76.
Competing in the 200 medley relay, the Lions picked up second place in 1:49.03, an NCAA provisional time. Competing on the relay for the Lions were junior Stacy Delehanty (Oceanport, NJ/Shore Regional), Pfeifer, Kiss and rookie Michele Wilson (Millville, NJ/Millville). The lineup was seeded second after they posted a trial time of 1:49.82, just off the College’s mark in the event (1:48.42). 

Mens Basketball: Rutgers over TCNJ 80-77

CAMDEN (Feb. 23, 2008) – Sophomore forward Alex Rislin (Union, NJ/Union) scored on a layup, was fouled and tacked on a foul shot with 20.9 seconds remaining in overtime to lift the Rutgers University-Camden men’s basketball team past The College of New Jersey, 80-77, in the final game of the season for both New Jersey Athletic Conference teams.

The victory allowed the Raptors (6-19 overall and 3-10) to edge past the Lions (6-19/2-11) for fourth place in the final NJAC South Division standings, marking the first time since the 2001-02 season that Rutgers-Camden has climbed out of the NJAC cellar. It also gave Rutgers-Camden a sweep of the home-and-home series against TCNJ this season, the first time that has happened since the teams started playing a pair of games in 1983-84. TCNJ, which now leads the all-time series, 52-11, had won 40 of the last 41 games in the rivalry entering this season.

The game also was the final contest for senior guard Tarell Robinson (Irvington, NJ/St. Benedict’s Prep), who ended his Raptor career with 10 points, seven rebounds, one assist and four steals. He tied for game-high honors in steals with Raptor sophomore guard Joshua Askew (Philadelphia, PA/Winslow Township).

The Lions, who roared back from a 10-point deficit (42-32) early in the second half, appeared headed for the win in regulation. They led, 73-70, when the Raptors’ freshman guard Brandon Canty (Riverside, NJ/Riverside) canned a game-tying three-pointer with 4.7 seconds left in the second half.

In overtime, the two teams were tied at 75-75 and 77-77 before Rislin scored the winning basket. The Lions missed a pair of foul shots in the last second, including the second one intentionally, and Canty grabbed the rebound to clinch the victory.

With the win, Rutgers-Camden matched its record last season in the first year under Head Coach Brian Wischusen. The 12 victories in two seasons are the most since the team went a combined 13-36 over the 2002-03 and 2003-04 campaigns.

Rutgers-Camden was sparked by a sterling effort from Askew, who scored 18 points, added five rebounds and tied for game-high honors with both three assists and four steals.

Canty finished with 14 points for the Raptors, while adding a team-high nine rebounds. Rislin notched 10 points, including the decisive three.

TCNJ received a game-high 19 points from sophomore guard Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial), while senior forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris) added 16 points and junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) notched 15. The 16 points and five rebounds allowed Aziz to finish his career with 815 points and 341 rebounds.

Senior guard Corey Gilmore (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) added 10 points for the Lions, while senior guard Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) had a game-high 16 rebounds.

Junior guard Bill Banks (Berlin, NJ/Eastern Regional) finished his first year at Rutgers-Camden with seven points, going 1-for-3 from three-point range to hit his 60th trey of the season. He tied Tyrone Rucker (2003-04) and Brian O’Donnell (1989-90) for seventh place on the single-season list of three-pointers. His three-point percentage of .432 was the sixth-highest single-season three-point percentage in program history for anybody with a minimum of 50 attempts.

Askew, meanwhile, finished with 59 steals for the second straight season. Halfway through his Rutgers-Camden career, he has 118 steals, only 45 shy of the career mark of 163 by Dane Nicholson (2003-07).

TCNJ’S SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAMS OPEN ACTION AT 2008 MET CHAMPIONSHIPS; TCNJ SCHOOL RECORDS FALL ON DAY ONE

Piscataway, NJ…The College of New Jersey’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams opened action on Friday at the 2008 Metropolitan Conference Championships at Rutgers University’s Sonny A. Werblin Recreation Center. The three-day event will wrap on Sunday night. A year ago, TCNJ’s men’s team won the team crown, while the Lion women’s squad picked up the runner-up crown in the Division III competition.
TCNJ’s men’s team has posted 96 points to stand in 1st place in a field of 14 teams, while the Lion women have amassed 119 points and stand in 1st place in the 16-team field.

Men’s Highlights
Competing in the trials of the 200 individual medley, senior Liam Gallagher (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan) broke TCNJ’s school mark in the event with his time of 1:53.37 to seed him second heading into Friday night’s finals, while also posting an NCAA provisional time in the process. He surpassed the mark set in 1997 by Matt Stypul of 1:53.41.  In the finals, Gallagher posted a time of    1:52.74 bettering his own school mark as he won the race.
Also posting an impressive fourth place finish in the 200 IM was junior Mike Heaney (Voorhees, NJ/Bishop Eustace) in 1:55.16 for an NCAA provisional time cut.
In the 50 freestyle, junior Thomas Nawrot (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick) won the trials with his NCAA provisional time of 21.06 and posted a 1st 20.90 time of in the finals to take home    first place. Senior Josh Forsman (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) added a third place finish in 21.40    in the same event, while freshman Shawn Kircher (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North) posted as time of 21.51, while sophomore Myles O’Connor (Santa Monica, CA) posted a time of 21.85.
Rookie Tom Medvecky (Piscataway, NJ/Piscataway) posted the fastest trial time in the 500 freestyle as he swam a 4:39.73 and bettered that effort with an NCAA provisional time in the finals as he won the race in 4:35.68, which also broke TCNJ’s school record set in 2007 by Mike Molloy (4:37.48).  Freshman Tim Rauch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) and junior Mike Molloy (Toms River, N/Toms River East) added a pair of fourth place finishes in the event in as the pair both posted times of 4:41.86.
In the 400 medley relay, the Lions broke another school record while also posting an NCAA automatic qualifying time in the finals of 3:23.76 to better TCNJ’s mark in the event set in 2004 (3:24.80). Swimming on the championship relay foursome were Nawrot, O’Connor, Forsman, and Gallagher. another
TCNJ won the 200 freestyle relay with their impressive time of 1:23.42 behind the efforts of Nawrot, Gallagher, Forsman and Kircher.
In the men’s one meter diving competition, TCNJ’s junior Greg Lloyd (Ringoes, NJ/Hunterdon Central) picked up 4th place.

Women’s Highlights

TCNJ’s senior Ava Kiss (North Brunswick, NJ/Stuart Country Day) paced the team after posting the third fastest time in the trials of the 200 IM with a 2:12.14 and posted a second place finish in the finals after posting an NCAA B time cut of 2:07.51 to also break the school mark set in 1993 (2:08.12) by Jennifer Harnett, the Lions’ current head coach. Also competing in the event for the Lions were sophomore Stephanie Seto (Hamilton, NJ/Steinert) as she picked up fifth place in 2:14.26, while junior Brittany Collyer (Forked River, NJ/Lacey Township) placed sixth in the race in 2:14.92.
TCNJ’s rookie Margaret Molloy (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East) also had a strong showing in the 500 freestyle after finishing in third place in 5:06.70, to post a school record time and earn an NCAA provisional time cut. She bettered the school record of 5:07.37 set in 2003 by Jennifer Sebastian.
Competing in the 400 medley relay, the Lions picked up third place in 4:00.59, just hundredth of seconds off TCNJ’s school record and an NCAA provisional time. The Lions were seeded third heading into the finals after posting a time of 4:10.09 behind the efforts of junior Stacy Delehanty (Oceanport, NJ/Shore Regional), senior Lauren Pfeifer (Freehold, NJ/Red Bank Catholic), Kiss and Molloy.
The Lions were also led on the night by the foursome that competed in the 200 freestyle relay as they placed fourth in 1:40.43. They were led by freshman Melissa Wallace (Metuchen, NJ/Metuchen), senior Kristin Udicious (Cherry Hill, NJ/Gloucester Catholic), rookie Michele Wilson (Millville, NJ/Millville), and Pfeifer after they posted a trial time of 1:41.18.
In the three meter diving event, freshman Amanda Obst (Cape May, NJ/Lower Cape May Regional) posted a second place finish, while sophomore Jessica Lynch (Thorofare, NJ/West Deptford)   took home ninth place.
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TCNJ WRESTLERS SET TO DEFEND TITLE AT MET CHAMPIONSHIPS

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey wrestling team will seek its second straight Metropolitan Conference Championship this weekend as the Lions head to Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA for the annual conference tournament.

TCNJ has been dominant at the tournament as the team has captured 24 of the last 29 conference championships.

The Lions finished the regular season with a dual-meet record of 19-3 and are ranked 17th in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association Brute – Adidas Division III poll.  TCNJ isn’t the only ranked team vying for the title this weekend as New York University is ranked 14th, Wilkes is 23rd, York College (PA) is 25th and King’s College (PA) is 30th.

The tournament is also the springboard for the 2008 NCAA Division III Championships as the winners of each weight class will earn automatic qualification to the national event, while seven others will receive “wild card” berths. The NCAA Championships are slated for March 7-8 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with Coe College and the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference serving as the hosts.

Leading the Lions into the tournament is Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick). The junior is the defending champion at 174 pounds and is currently ranked sixth nationally in his weight class with a record of 29-4.

Senior Ray Sarinelli (Rockaway, NJ/Morris Hills) seeks his first conference title and return trip to the national championship as he earned a “wild card” selection a year ago. Sarinelli has had a strong season thus far going 25-4, but is in the toughest weight class in the tournament.  Returning Met Conference and NCAA Division III Champion Dave Morgan from King’s College is ranked fourth nationally with Centenary (NJ) College’s Mike Gummerson slotted eighth and Sarinelli is ninth.

The Lions have several other grapplers eyeing tournament titles with two of them currently in the same weight class. Junior Al Wonesh (Columbus, NJ/Northern Burlington) and freshman Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) have each excelled at 165 pounds this season, but one will be forced change to a different weight class. Wonesh is 29-5 this season, while Bonitatis is 31-4, with those 31 wins leading the team.

At 157 pounds, junior Dan DiColo (Budd Lake, NJ/Mt. Olive) has put together tremendous season as he has collected a career-high 28 victories. He is also in a strong weight class as NYU’s Takafumi Hashimoto is ranked seventh and York’s John Niedrich is 10th.

Senior Steve Carbone (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) finished second at heavyweight a year ago and is 24-8 this season, while at 197 pounds Shawn Vanwingerden (Wantage, NJ/High Point) placed fourth last season. Vanwingerden has a current record of 18-5.

A couple of freshman could also make an impact at the tournament in Dan Hughes (Delran, NJ/Delran) at 125 pounds and John Barnett (Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson Township) at 149. Barnett has collected 23 wins this season with Hughes picking up 19.

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TCNJ WOMEN’S LACROSSE TEAM RANKED THIRD IN DIVISION III POLL

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey women’s lacrosse team will open the 2008 campaign ranked third in the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association Division III Pre-season Poll. The Lions received 348 votes with one of them being a first-place vote.

The defending national champion Diplomats of Franklin & Marshall College are ranked in the top spot with 397 points with 17 first-place votes. Salisbury University is second with 361 votes followed by the Lions. Gettysburg College and Middlebury College round out the top five.

The Lions open the season on Saturday, March 8 heading to in-state opponent Fairleigh Dickinson University – Florham in a 1 p.m. start. TCNJ’s home opener is set for Tuesday, March 25 hosting Eastern University at 7 p.m.

Over the course of the 2008 season, the Lions will face five teams ranked in the pre-season poll, including Salisbury, Gettysburg, SUNY Cortland (eighth), University of Mary Washington (16th) and Montclair State University (20th).

TCNJ is coming off of a 12-3 season a year ago advancing to the NCAA Division III quarterfinals. Overall, the Lions have earned 13 national championships and have appeared in every NCAA Tournament since the field began in 1985.


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KOCH’S CAREER NIGHT HELPS LIONS HAND ROWAN 74- 61 LOSS

TCNJ’S KLIMOWICZ TALLIES 1,000th CAREER POINT

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team hosted the Profs of Rowan University in the Lions’ home regular-season finale. The Lions came away with the 74-61 victory to improve to 19-5 overall and 10-2 in the NJAC, while posting their sixth straight victory. Rowan drops to 14-10 overall and 6-6 in the league. With Wednesday’s win, the Lions took the series on the season after collecting the win at Rowan on January 23, 75-50.

TCNJ’s junior center Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) joined the 1,000 point club on Wednesday night after starting the night just eight points shy of the plateau. A transfer from Division I St. Joseph’s University, Klimowicz added 275 of those points in her first season at St. Joe’s and has since scored 731 while playing for the Lions. Overall on her collegiate career, she now has 1,006 as well as 695 rebounds.

TCNJ led 34-19 at the break as they opened on an 11-0 run to start the game.  Klimowicz paced the Lions adding 10 points in the first stanza to join the 1,000 point club, while freshman Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) added eight points in the first half as the Lions held the Profs to 21.2% effort from the floor (7-33).

Junior guard Lisa Koch (Oak Ridge, NJ/Washington Township) had a career night as she finished with   19 points, bettering her previous high of 14 points set in December against Marymount (VA). Koch added five three-pointers and paced all players on the night. TCNJ would get additional double-digit scoring on the contest from junior guard Alyssa Michella (Washington Township, NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy) as she added 11 points with eight rebounds, while Kutch finished with 16 points.

Rowan’s freshman Gina Catanzariti (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) added seven of her 10 points in the first half to lead the Profs as she came in off the bench.  Senior guard Kristina Wallace (Logan Township, NJ/Clearview Regional) led the Profs as she poured in 16 points, while sophomore forward Jessica Nimbley (Middletown, NJ/St. John Vianney) added 10 points with three assists.

Overall on the night, TCNJ shot 50.9% from the floor (28-55) and hit 47.1% from three-point range (8-17), while Rowan was held to just 14.3% from three-point range (2-14) and 34.3% overall from the floor (23-67).

Prior to the contest, TCNJ recognized their 2007-2008 senior, forward Sara Best (High Bridge, NJ/Voorhees) in conjunction with Senior Night in Packer Hall.  Best finished with seven points, six rebounds and five assists to elevate her career totals to 693 points, 239 rebounds and 136 assists.
CNJ returns to action on February 23 travelling to Rutgers University-Camden for a 1 p.m. match-up in the regular-season finale, while Rowan University hosts Kean University in a 1 p.m. home contest in Glassboro, NJ as they hold their Pack the Gym Day event.

The College of New Jersey Top Lions of the Week

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RICHARD STOCKTON HANDS TCNJ 83-72 SETBACK IN MEN’S BASKETBALL

Pomona, NJ…The Ospreys of Richard Stockton College tallied an 83-72 win over The College of New Jersey in NJAC men's basketball action on Saturday. RSC is now 16-6 overall and 9-3 in the league, while TCNJ drops to 6-16 overall and 2-8 in the league.

TCNJ had five different players finish in double-digit scoring including sophomore guard Aaron Syvertsen (Midland Park, NJ/Midland Park) who erupted for a career-best 13 points off the bench to best his previous high of only three points. Joining his in double digits was while senior forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) who added 12 points, while senior Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) added 11 points as did junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley).
Junior Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) added 10 points as well for the Lions.

RSC's Jerome Hubbard added a game-high 20 points for the Ospreys.

TCNJ returns to action on February 20 hosting Rowan University in Packer Hall in an 8 p.m. NJAC contest. TCNJ will honor their 2007-2008 seniors Corey Gilmore (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield), Mark Aziz, and Jeff Warner prior to the contest on Senior Night.

TCNJ INDOOR TRACK TEAMS HIT ECAC MARKS AT NY ARMORY

New York, NY… The College of New Jersey indoor track and field teams performed well in its final tune-up prior to the conference championship as the Lions competed at the Rider-Lafayette Invitational. The meet, which featured mostly NCAA Division I institutions, was held at the 168th Street Armory in New York City.

The Lions will compete at the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships on Monday, February 25 at the John Bennett Indoor Track Complex in Toms River. TCNJ has dominated the indoor championships as the men’s and women’s teams have each swept all 10 titles since the championship began.

Men’s Highlights…
Senior Brian Kopnicki (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) had a ninth-place finish in the mile as the Lion finished with an ECAC time of 4:16.31. Freshman Tom Bucchino (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East) also had a strong showing in the mile with a time of 4:28.17.

Junior Kyle Alpaugh (Clinton, NJ/Voorhees) claimed a top-10 finish in the 5,000 meters as he finished with an ECAC worthy time of 15:26.74 placing ninth.

Senior Brian Donatelli (Whitehouse Station, NJ/Hunterdon Central) had an ECAC toss of 15.63 meters in the weight throw to finish ninth in the field of 31 competitors.

In the 60-meter high hurdles, freshman Peter Gallo (Warren, NJ/Watchung Hills Regional) turned in a personal-best effort of 9.01 seconds.

Women’s Highlights…
Senior Erin Enderly (Ocean Township, NJ/Ocean Township) placed 10th over in the 3,000 meters with a time of 10:40.22, which met ECAC standards. Sophomore Kristen Wallace (Emerson, NJ/Emerson) just missed meeting the ECAC cut as she crossed the finish line in 10:54.02 placing 17ht.

TCNJ has two runners finish in the 25 of the large field in the 60 hurdles as sophomore Priscilla Senyah (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial) ran the race in 9.58 seconds and Kirsten Gerbehy Califon, NJ/Voorhees) finished in 9.71. Senyah’s time met ECAC standards with Gerbehy just missing.

Junior Julie Ullmeyer (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) just missed an ECAC cut in the mile as she finished the race in 5:18.98 to place 19th overall. In the 400 meters, freshman Alexandra Tomaselli (Hillsdale, NJ/Pascack Valley) also just missed an ECAC time as she finished the race in 61.64 seconds.

In the weight throw, the Lions had two place in the top 20 as sophomore Ashley Krauss (Flemington, NJ/Hunterdon Central) was 13th with a throw of 12.50 meters and freshman Sarah Wehrhan (Dodge City, KS/The Peddie School) was 16th with a heave a 12.00 meters. Krauss also turned in a personal-best performance in the shot put with a toss of 11.28 meters, just missing an ECAC mark.


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TCNJ receives million-dollar gift

source www.nj.com

TCNJ officials are marveling and gushing this Valentine's Day because a secret admirer of the college has anonymously given a $1 million gift for its endowment.

Unlike the vast majority of sizable anonymous gifts that TCNJ and other colleges receive from donors whose names are known to school brass but not divulged publicly at the donors' request, this gift to TCNJ is courtesy of a benefactor whose identity is a mystery even to TCNJ President R. Barbara Gitenstein.

       

The  only strings attached to the money are that $750,000 of it be dedicated to the TCNJ endowment to fund scholarships for underrepresented groups and female students, she said. The other $250,000 has no donor-imposed restrictions on it, although that money will go into the endowment as well and much of its revenue likely will go toward scholarships also.
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TCNJ SHOCKS No. 6 KEAN 79-71 IN NJAC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACTION

KLIMOWICZ ADDS 19 EN ROUTE TO 17th DOUBLE-DOUBLE

Media release

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team hosted No. 6 ranked Cougars of Kean University on Wednesday night in Packer Hall on South Division on the line. The Lions would snap Kean’s 16-game win streak as they pulled off the79-71 win to improve to 17-5 overall and 8-2 in the NJAC, while Kean falls to 21-2 and 9-2 in the NJAC. TCNJ has now won four in a row and ties the head to head series as Kean won the first meeting on January 16, 60-44.

TCNJ’s junior center Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) added her 17th  double-double of the season as she tallied a game-high 19 points and 14 rebounds and six blocks.

TCNJ lead 35-29 at the half as the Lions got 12 first half points from rookie forward Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough). TCNJ led by as many as 12 in the first half (28-16 at 9:14) and in the second half Kean pulled within one point for the first time since the opening bucket of the game at 15:05 in the second half (TCNJ 43-42 Kean). Kean tied the action at 9:51 as freshman Angelica Bermudez (Belleville, NJ/St. Anthony) completed a three-point play and tied the action at 51-51.

TCNJ used an impressive performance from the line in the second half as they shot 82.8%, making 24 of 29 free throws. Among the leaders down the stretch, Kutch hit all 12 of her free throws, making 6-6 in each half, while Klimowicz made 9-of-10 for the game and was 7-8 in the second half. Senior Sara Best (High Bridge, NJ/Voorhees) added 17 points for the Lions and made 6-11 from the floor to help the Lions to the win.

Kean’s junior guard Melissa Beyruti (Union City, NJ/Union Hill) led the Cougars as she tallied 15 points, adding nine in the second half. She added four treys in the contest, while Bermudez finished with 13 points as she too added nine second half points.  Senior center Chari’ Cooper (Paulsboro, NJ/Paulsboro) added a double-double as she pulled down 10 rebounds with 10 points. Rookie guard Brittany Powell (Tinton Falls, NJ/Monmouth Regional) added 11 points as she hit 3-of-5 from three points range.

Kean was held to a 34.8% performance from the floor (24-69), while TCNJ also held a 45-38 edge on the boards and forced 22 turnovers.

TCNJ returns to action on February 16 at Richard Stockton for a 1 p.m. road contest at Richard Stockton College, while Kean will play next hosting Richard Stockton on February 20.

TCNJ Weekly All-Sports Release- Feb. 11, 2008

TCNJ's Weekly All-Sport Release - Feb. 11, 2008
2/11/2008 2:19:46 PM

 

TCNJ's Weekly All-Sport Release - Feb. 11, 2008

TCNJ RUNNERS BOATS NUMEROUS ECAC MARKS

 

Boston, MA…It was a successful day at the Valentine Invitational for The College of New Jersey men's indoor track team as the Lions piled up number of ECAC qualifying marks.

The Lion men are currently ranked 14th in the USTFCCA Division III Coaches Power Rankings poll.

TCNJ excelled in a pair of events with three runners qualifying for the ECAC Championships in the 400 meters and two more in the 800. In the 400, junior Rob McGowan (Monroe Twp., NJ/Monroe Township) led the way placing 22nd overall with a time of 49.26 seconds and was followed closely by freshmen Kyle Gilroy (Oak Ridge, NJ/West Milford Twp.) with a time of 50.53 and Jule Brooks (Atlantic City, NJ/Atlantic City) at 50.70.

Junior Pasquale DiGioacchino (Bernardsville, NJ/Bernards) had a qualifying time of 1:54. 85 in the 800 meters with senior Josh Krowicki (Hilltop, NJ/Triton) finishing with a time of 1:57.90.

Sophomore DeShard Stevens (Jersey City, NJ/James T. Ferris) placed 11th in the 500 meters with an ECAC worthy time of 1:05.32, while junior Chris Guerriero (Saddle Brook, NJ/Saddle Brook) also met an ECAC standard in the 5,000 with a clocking of 14:55.80.

TCNJ also had an ECAC time in the 4x400 as Brooks, Steve Murray (East Windsor, NJ/Hightstown), Gilroy and McGowan combined for a time of 3:21.21.

Women's DMR hits NCAA provisional cut…
TCNJ's women's distance medley relay team boasted a NCAA provisional mark with a time of 11:54.64 as junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley), freshman Rochelle Prevard (Sicklerville, NJ/Winslow Twp.), freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Colts Neck) and junior Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) ran the event for the Lions.

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The Roadrunners over TCNJ, 74-60

Mahwah, NJ:  The Roadrunners posted a 74-60 victor over the Lions of The College of New Jersey in a NJAC men’s basketball match-up to improve to 12-9 overall, 6-4 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference.  TCNJ falls to 6-15, 2-7 in the conference.

Ramapo opened the game on a 9-0 run with points coming from seniors Jason Marshall (Hackensack, NJ) (2) and Omar Alston (Carteret, NJ) (2), rookie Scott Spieker (Marlton, NJ) (3), and junior Tim Wesley (Jersey City, NJ) (2).  The Lions finally got on the scoreboard when senior guard Corey Gilmore (South Plainfield, NJ) drained a three-pointer with 16:31 on the clock.  After a three-pointer from Assad Shaakir (Newark, NJ) that put the Roadrunners up by double digits, 11, TCNJ chipped away to come within seven with a jumper from Jay Frank (Brick, NJ) at 14:12.  That would be the last time the Lions closed to a single digit deficit after an 11-0 Ramapo run put the Roadrunners up 25-7 with 9:22 to go in the half.  Sophomore Steve Feinberg (Middletown, NJ) broke Ramapo’s streak with just under nine minutes to play.  The Roadrunners would score five more points to lead TCNJ, 30-9, before the Lions went down an 11-0 run of their own to close the gap to ten, 30-20.  Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ) sparked the run with a jumper and he contributed six more of the team’s points over the course of the run.  In the final three minutes of the half, Ramapo outscored TCNJ, 6-2 to head into the locker room with a 36-22 lead.

Shaakir led the Roadrunners with nine points and six rebounds while Andre Kenny (Jersey City, NJ) and Ahmad Hassan (Edgewater, NJ) netted six and five points respectively.  The team combined for 14 field goals on 25 attempts shooting 56% while the Lions went 9-31 (29%) in the first 20 minutes of play.  Aziz came out on top of all Lions with eight points shooting 3-7, and Frank grabbed two steals in the half.

After a TCNJ turnover to start the second half, Wesley hit a jumper to open the scoring.  The Roadrunners went up by as many as 18 in the half which came at the 16:51 minute mark when Alston hit a jumper to go up, 44-26.  The Lions chipped away to come within 11 just four minutes later after a Will Manhart (Hillsborough, NJ)) three-pointer.  The two teams went back-to-back in scoring over the next five minutes before a mini, 5-0 run put Ramapo up by 16, 58-42, with nine to go in the game.  The closes the Lions would come in the remaining minutes was 12 with 4:37 to go when Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ) hit a jumper and the and-one free throw.  Ramapo posted eight more points to TCNJ’s six down the stretch to earn the 74-60 victory in Mahwah.

Alston led the Roadrunners with 14 points and Kenny and Shaakir netted 12 and 11 points respectively.  Hassan contributed ten points shooting 3-5 including two three-pointers and a perfect 2-2 from the free throw line.  Wesley and Justin Arthur (Paterson, NJ) recorded six points each for Ramapo.  The team went 29-57 (51%) over TCNJ’s 24-67 (36%).  Aziz led the Lions with 16 points and eight rebounds while Frank and Molinelli each contributed 12.

The Roadrunners return to action on Wednesday, February 13th when they travel to York College for a 7:00 PM tip-off in a non-conference match-up.  TCNJ matches up with Kean University at home at 8:00 PM.


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TCNJ RUNNERS HIT NCAA MARKS AT VALENTINE INVITE

Boston, MA… The College of New Jersey women's indoor track and field team earned a pair of NCAA qualifying times and host of ECAC standards as the Lions competed at the Valentine Invitational hosted by Boston University on Friday.

TCNJ is currently ranked in USTFCCA Division III Coaches Power Rankings poll as the Lions are slotted in the 19th position.

Junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) finished second in the 800 meters as the returning All-American boasted a NCAA automatic time of 2:11.78. Classmate Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) earned a NCAA Provisional mark in the 5,000 meters as the junior finished fourth with a clocking of 17:28.77.

Junior Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) advanced to the finals in the long jump and placed in the top 10 as she had an ECAC worthy leap of 5.34 meters.

In the 500 meters, the Lions had a pair of runner earn ECAC time as Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler) had a time of 1:19.65 and Meghan Miller (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial) finished in 1:21.78.

Senior Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) finished the 400 meters in 59.31 seconds, while freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Colts Neck) had a time of 2:19.59 in the 800 meters as both runners met ECAC standards.

In the weight throw, sophomore Ashley Krauss (Flemington, NJ/Hunterdon Central) had an ECAC toss of 13.07 meters.

The final ECAC standard for TCNJ came in the 4x400 relay as Tricocci, Bonelli, Spadaccini, and Miller combined for a time of 4:00.96.

Men's distance medley relay hits provisional mark…
TCNJ's men's distance medley relay team was also in action at the Valentine Invitational and the Lion squad made the most of their chance picking up a NCAA provisional time. The team of freshman Dennie Waite (Little Silver, NJ/Red Bank Regional), sophomore DeShard Stevens (Jersey City, NJ/James T. Ferris), senior Josh Krowicki (Hilltop, NJ/Triton) and senior Galen Johnson (South Plainfield, JN/South Plainfield) finished with a time of 10:06.52.

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TCNJ’S SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAMS RECORD IMPRESSIVE WINS IN REGULAR-SEASON FINALE

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey's men's and women's swimming and diving teams hosted Ramapo College in the final dual meet of the season. Both TCNJ squads came away with impressive wins as TCNJ's women's squad won 117-73 and the Lions men posted a 103-69 victory. TCNJ's women's team is now 4-7 overall, while the Ramapo women drop to 2-7. TCNJ's men's team improves to 7-3 overall, while the Ramapo men fall to 2-5.

Women's Highlights
The Lions posted a sweep of the 200 medley relay as they took first through fourth place in the event. Winning the race for the Lions were the foursome of senior Christine Marino (Scotch Plains, NJ/Mt. St. Mary's Academy), senior Lauren Pfeifer (Freehold, NJ/Red Bank Catholic), senior Ava Kiss (North Brunswick, NJ/Stuart Country Day) and Kristin Udicious (Cherry Hill, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) in 1:55.17. The Lions also won the 200 freestyle relay in 1:47.71 as Kiss, freshman Jennifer Rashti (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West), senior Meghan Moore (Randolph, NJ/Randolph), and Marino teamed up.
Freshman Jennifer Rashti (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) took first in the 1000 freestyle in 11:22.33, while TCNJ's rookie Margaret Molloy (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East) won the 200 freestyle in 1:57.43, while Kiss finished in second place in 1:59.00. Molloy won the 200 backstroke in 2:19.54. Marino added a second in the 200 breaststroke in 2:40.73 for the Lions.
TCNJ's junior Emily Reichard (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) won 100 backstroke in 1:05.35, while Pfeifer added a second place showing in 1:06.79.
Junior Brittany Collyer (Forked River, NJ/Lacey Township) won the 100 breaststroke in 1:13.01. The Lions added another first place finish as freshman Kristen Prentice (Skillman, NJ/Montgomery) posted a time of 2:21.41, while junior Sara Casciano (Hewitt, NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy) took second in 2:28.39.
Udicious won the 50 freestyle in 26.13, while sophomore Stephanie Seto (Hamilton, NJ/Steinert) picked up second in 26.19. Seto also won the 200 individual medley in 2:17.39, while
Freshman Katie Zavoda (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick) was the winner of the 100 freestyle race with her time of 56.02, while senior Caitlin Elmendorf (Medford, NJ/Shawnee) won the 100 butterfly in 1:04.85.

Men's Highlights
Junior Mike Molloy (Toms River, N/Toms River East) added three first place finishes as the meet. He took first in the 200 backstroke in 2:00.61, the 200 freestyle in 1:49.01, and the 100 freestyle in 48.83.
TCNJ added a first in the 200 medley relay in 1:40.15 and the 200 freestyle relay in 1:28.54. Swimming on the winning medley relay for the Lions was freshman Joe Tseng (East Hanover, NJ/Hanover Park), junior Ted Yoa (Ocean City, NJ/St. Augustine), sophomore Herman Chu (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central), and senior Jonaid Lone (Leonia, NJ/Don Bosco Prep). Combining on the freestyle relay were senior Josh Forsman (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial), senior Liam Gallagher (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan), Lone, and senior Kevin Oliver (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North).
Junior Thomas Nawrot (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick) won the 1000 freestyle in 10:56.89 and the 50 freestyle in 21.84. Junior Mike Molloy (Toms River, N/Toms River East) added a first in the 200 freestyle in 1:45.20. Senior John Altobelli (Northfield, NJ/Mainland Regional) won the 100 backstroke in 58.55, while sophomore Eric Rohrs (Congers, NY/Clarkstown High North) won the 100 breaststroke in 10:00.78 and the 200 breaststroke in 2:14.85.
Freshman Tim Rauch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) added an impressive time in the 200 butterfly in 2:00.89, while freshman Andrew Hessler (Palmyra, NJ/Palmyra) was next in 2:04.57 and senior R.T. Greeby (Hainesport, NJ/Rancocas Valley) was third in 2:04.77 to help the Lions sweep the event.
Lone added a first for the Lions in the 500 freestyle in 4:56.68, while Gallagher added a first in the 100 butterfly in 54.31. Forsman added a first in the 200 individual medley in 2:03.52 to help the Lions dominate the meet.

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TCNJ ‘S HILLARY KLIMOWICZ RECOGNIZED FOR ACADEMICS

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey women’s basketball player Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) was honored for her efforts both on the hardwood and in the classroom as she earned CoSIDA’s ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II College Division honors.

Klimowicz, who was named All-District II Third Team, is a psychology major and boasts a grade-point-average of 3.318.

On the court, the junior center is having a banner season as she leads the team in a host of categories. She is the team’s top scorer and rebounder averaging 16.1 points and 11.3 boards. Those numbers ranks her second and third, respectively, in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. She also leads the conference in field goal percentage hitting on 63.6 percent of her shots (136-of-214) and blocked shots per game at 4.15 and both of those numbers rank fourth nationally.

So far this season, Klimowicz has received various honors including being named the NJAC Player of the Week five times and ECAC Metro Player of the Week twice. She was named the most valuable player of the Gwynedd-Mercy College Classic and earned a spot on the Marymount University Tip-Off Classic All-Tournament Team.

She has recorded 16 double-doubles in 20 games this season and has scored in double figures in each game but one.

Klimowicz was a 2006-07 All-NJAC First Team selection after joining the Lions from NCAA Division I St. Joseph’s University where she was selected the 2005-06 Atlantic 10 and Big Five Rookie of the Year.

The Lions are currently 15-5 on the season and are 6-2 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference placing them second in the South Division. TCNJ’s next game is slated for Saturday, February 9 at Ramapo College.

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TCNJ Women's Basketball Team "Think Pink Night"

Ewing, NJ…On Wednesday, February 13

The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team will sponsor a “Think Pink Night” in conjunction with the Lions’ home basketball game with nationally ranked Kean University. “Think Pink” is a unified effort created by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) to raise breast cancer awareness across campuses and communities worldwide. This year, over 670 organizations nationwide are participating in the program. 

Pink t-shirts will be on sale for $10 during the women’s home game on February 13. All fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game and make donations in lieu of an admission charge.

The fan wearing the most pink gear will win a prize.

There will be raffles and pledges at “Think Pink Day” during the game. In lieu of an admission charge, TCNJ is asking for a $2 donation to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Fund. Pink t-shirts will be sold with all proceeds supporting Susan B. Komen Race For the Cure.

NO. 22 RANKED STEVENS DUCKS TALLY 63- 52 WIN DESPITE CAREER-HIGH 24 FROM MOLINELLI

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team hosted the Ducks of Stevens Institute of Technology on Wednesday night in non-conference play. Ranked No. 22 in Division III, Stevens posted a 63-52 win to improve to 18-3 overall, while the Lions drops to 6-14 overall.

TCNJ’s junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) poured in a career-high 24 points, including 16 in the second half, but it was not enough as his team was unable to get past the visiting Ducks. The 24 points surpassed his previous best of 20 points in a win over Huntingdon College (11/26/06).

Stevens got 12 points from senior forward Ted Williams (Selden, NY/Newfield) as he added a double-double off the bench with a game-high 10 rebounds. Junior guard Virgil Gray (Elmwood Park, NJ/Bergen Catholic) chipped in 11 points with six rebounds. 

Stevens held a 25-20 lead at the break as both teams struggled shooting less than 30.0% from the floor. Stevens hit 28.0% of its shots (7-25), while TCNJ was held to a 25.0% effort on 8-of-32 shooting. Senior guard Waleed Farid (Woodside, NY/Stuyvesant) led the Ducks with his seven points and hit 3-of-4 from the line while junior guard Anthony Passalacqua (Staten Island, NY/Susan E. Wagner) added six points and was 2-for-2 from three-point range. Farid and Passalacqua both finished with nine points, while sophomore guard George Greco (Rockville Centre, NY/Oceanside) also netted nine points with five assists. Farid added six assists with two steals as Stevens finished with a 49-33 edge on the boards and held TCNJ to a 30.6% effort from the floor (19-62).

TCNJ’s Molinelli had eight first half points and finished the night making 10-of-16 shots from the floor. Senior forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) added 11 points on the night with seven in the first half and added a team-high eight rebounds, Senior Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) added six defensive boards for TCNJ in the half and finished with seven caroms on the game with seven points.

TCNJ returns to action on Saturday, February 9at Ramapo College in a 3:00 p.m. NJAC match-up, while Stevens travels to Hartwick College for an Empire 8 contest on February 10 at 4:00 p.m.

The College of New Jersey’s Top Lion’s of the week

20 TCNJ WRESTLING TEAM WINS SEVENTH STRAIGHT DUAL MEET

Springfield, MA…The College of New Jersey wrestling team collected its seventh straight dual meet victory on Sunday as the 20^th-ranked Lions handled host Springfield College by the score of 21-13.

 

TCNJ started its current streak with a win over the Pride with the most recent victory putting them at 17-3 for the season. This is the longest win streak the Lions have put together this season after opening the season with six straight triumphs.

 

The win by the Lions also denied the Pride the chance to become the fourth school in NCAA history to earn their 900th career victory.

 

Things got off to a good start for TCNJ as freshman Dan Hughes (Delran, NJ/Delran) opened with a win at 125 and then senior Ray Sarinelli (Rockaway, NJ/West Morris) followed with a technical fall win at 133.

 

The Pride closed the gap to 8-6 after winning the next two weight classes, but the Lions posted wins in the next four bouts to keep their win streak alive.

 

Sophomore Dan DiColo (Budd Lake, NJ/Mt. Olive) started that run with a decision at 157 before junior Al Wonesh (Columbus, NJ/North Burlington) pulled out a 3-1 decision in the tiebreaker at 165. At 174, freshman Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) collected a 7-1 victory and junior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) added a major decision at 184 giving the Lions a solid 21-6 advantage.

 

Springfield then won the final two bouts making the final 21-13.

 

With his win at 174 pounds, Bonitatis picked up his team-leading 30^th win of the season.

 

The Lions return to action next weekend with their final two dual meets of the season. TCNJ will head to the University of Scranton on Saturday to take on the host Royals as well as the Lakers of Oswego State.

 

Match-by-Match Recaps

TCNJ 21, Springfield College 13

125 lbs: Dan Hughes (T) dec. Casey Leslie (S), 9-4

133 lbs: Ray Sarinelli (T) tech fall Eddie Giron (S), 23-7 (6:28)

141 lbs: Jamie Sgaglione (S) dec. Chris Prihoda (T), 6-5

149 lbs: Chris DeBlock (S) dec. John Barnett (T), 3-2

157 lbs: Dan DiColo (T) dec. Erik Delahanty (S), 5-2

165 lbs: Al Wonesh (T) dec. Jake Tyler (S), 3-1 TB1

174 lbs: Justin Bonitatis (T) dec. Victor Stanzaile (S), 7-1

184 lbs: Greg Osgoodby (T) major dec. Anthony Scarpetti (S), 14-2

197 lbs: John Rango (S) major dec. Jim Tomczuk (T), 9-0

285 lbs: Chris Brown (S), dec. Steve Carbone (T), 3-2

 

 

                        -30-

KLIMOWICZ TOO MUCH AS TCNJ DEFEATS NJCU, 62-41

February 2, 2008

JERSEY CITY, NJ… The College of New Jersey reeled off a 16-0 run late in the first half to take control and the Lions, behind 23 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks from 6-foot-3 junior center Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) cruised to a 62-41 victory over New Jersey City University in a New Jersey Athletic Conference interdivisional game at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center on Saturday night. It was Homecoming/Green and Gold Days 2008 at NJCU.

The Lions (15-5, 6-2 NJAC) have won nine of their last 11 games, only losing to conference leaders Kean University and William Paterson University. NJCU (6-14, 1-7 NJAC) had their first two-game winning streak of the season snapped and fall to 0-5 in Homecoming games since it became a winter activity in 2004.

Klimowicz led the Lions with her double-double performance, shooting 10-of-15 from the field in 28 minutes. She had 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting in the first half as the Lions built a 30-14 halftime margin.

Senior guard Sara Best (High Bridge, NJ/Voorhees) was the games' second highest scorer with 12 points (5-8 FG), adding three assists. The Lions also received eight points from junior guard Lisa Koch (Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson Township) and six assists from junior guard Alyssa Michella (Washington Township, NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy) .

NJCU senior forward VANESSA VARGAS ESPINOZA (Union City, NJ/Emerson-Union City) and sophomore guard TANIA GREENLEAF (Bordentown, NJ/Columbia) each scored 11 points and connected on three three-pointers apiece to pace the Knights. Espinoza added six steals and five rebounds and now has 932 points in her collegiate career.

The Gothic Knights had their leading scorer, freshman guard ANGELA FITZGERALD (Jersey City, NJ/Marist) return to the lineup after missing six games due to injury. She scored seven points in 26 minutes off the bench.

With a combined eight blocks, TCNJ's defensive pressure proved to be more than the Knights could handle, and NJCU was limited to a 22.4 field goal percentage for the game (13-58) while the Lions shot 55.6 percent (25-45), including 60.9 percent in the first half ( 14-23). TCNJ outscored NJCU in the paint, 28-6. Despite forcing 26 turnovers, NJCU could not capitalize, only scoring 13 points off giveaways.

TCNJ, which never trailed, had a 14-9 lead with 10:25 left in the first half, before scoring 16 unanswered points to seize control of the game, jumping out to a 21-point lead, 30-9 with 1:40 left in the half. Klimowicz scored nine straight points during the spurt. A three-pointer by Espinoza with 1:19 left snapped a 9:06 scoring drought. Overall, NJCU went 13:47 without a field goal, missing 16 straight shots. A pair of Klimowicz foul shots with 16:14 left in the second half gave the Lions their largest lead, 43-15 (28 points), and the Knights would only come within 16 the remainder of the contest.

NJCU will return to action when they host Ramapo College in a New Jersey Athletic Conference North Division game on Wednesday, February 6 at 6 p.m. The Lions will visit Ramapo in Mahwah, NJ on Saturday, February 9 at 1 p.m.

— www.njcugothicknights.com —

TCNJ’S SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAMS TALLY IMPRESSIVE WINS OVER WPU

 

February 2, 2008

Wayne, NJ…The College of New Jersey's men's and women's swimming and diving teams competed at William Paterson University on Saturday. TCNJ's teams both posted wins as the Lion women collected a 137-95 victory and TCNJ's men posted a 134.5-96.5 win. TCNJ's women are now 3-7 on the year, while the Lion men are now 6-3 heading into this next week's final dual matches with Ramapo College on February 8.

 

Women's Highlights

Freshman diver Amanda Obst (Cape May, NJ/Lower Cape May Regional) won both the one and three meter events on the day as she posted a score of 186.30 in the one meter event and a 196.40 in the three meter event as the Lions opened the competition with the diving events.

TCNJ's rookie Margaret Molloy (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East) won the 200 butterfly in 2:12.63. Senior tri-captain Liz LaCava (Milltown, NJ/Mt. St. Mary's Academy) picked up second in 2:30.58.

The Lions took first through third place in the 1000 freestyle as freshman Michele Wilson (Millville, NJ/Millville) won the race in 11:33.20, junior Brittany Collyer (Forked River, NJ/Lacey Township) took second in 11:39.41 and senior Kristin Udicious (Cherry Hill, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) took third in 11:44.06.

Senior Ava Kiss (North Brunswick, NJ/Stuart Country Day) won the 50 freestyle after posting a time of 25.27, while freshman Jennifer Rashti (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West) took first in the 200 freestyle in 2:05.75, while senior Lauren Pfeifer (Freehold, NJ/Red Bank Catholic) took second in the race in 2:08/33. Another one-two punch for the Lions came in the 200 individual medley as newcomer Melissa Wallace (Metuchen, NJ/Metuchen) won the race in 2:24.50 and sophomore Christine Falcone (Newtown, PA/Notre Dame) took second in 2:25.87.

Freshman Katie Zavoda (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick) was the winner in the 100 freestyle in 56.99, while junior Emily Reichard (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern Regional) won the 500 freestyle race in 5:30.21 and newcomer Katie Morgan (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) finished in second in the race in 5:40.94.

TCNJ also won the 200 medley relay in 1:59.17.

 

Men's Highlights

TCNJ's junior diver Greg Lloyd (Ringoes, NJ/Hunterdon Central) continues his impressive campaign as he once again posted NCAA provisional qualifying scores in both the one and three meter events. Lloyd won the one meter with a score of 288.45 and took first on the three meter board with his performance of 340. 20.

TCNJ added a first in the 200 medley relay in 1:43.23 and the 200 freestyle relay in 1:30.92.

Freshman Tim Rauch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) added an impressive time in the 1,000 freestyle as he won the race in 9:58.60, while rookie Shawn Kircher (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North) won the 50 freestyle in 22.30 and the 500 freestyle in 4:56.65.

Junior Mike Molloy (Toms River, N/Toms River East) added a first in the 200 backstroke in 2:00.61 and the 200 freestyle in 1:49.01. TCNJ actually took first through third in the 200 free as senior Jonaid Lone (Leonia, NJ/Don Bosco Prep) took second in 1:50.95 and freshman Peter Goldsmith (Eatson, PA/Easton Area) was next taking third in 1:51.49.

Rookie Joe Tseng (East Hanover, NJ/Hanover Park) won the 200 IM in 2:04.35 and sophomore Herman Chu (Long Valley, NJ/West Morris Central) won the 200 butterfly in 2:05.96. Freshman Andrew Hessler (Palmyra, NJ/Palmyra) won the 200 breaststroke in 2:17.82 as the Lions dominated the meet on Saturday.

 

                            -30-

TCNJ WRESTLERS GO 3-0 AT MET/NEW ENGLAND DUALS

Bristol, RI, The College of New Jersey wrestling team racked up three more victories on Saturday as the Lions swept their way through the Metropolitan Conference/New England Duals hosted by Rogers Williams University.

 

TCNJ, ranked 20^th in the latest NWCA Brute – Adidas Division III poll, opened with a 30-9 win over the host school and then doubled up 28^th-ranked Williams College, 24-12, before closing out the day with a 39-3 victory over Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

 

Those three wins put the Lions at 16-3 on the season and they have won six straight dual meets heading into Sunday's match-up at Springfield College.

 

In the opening dual meet against Roger Williams, senior Ray Sarinelli (Rockaway, NJ/Morris Hills) and junior Al Wonesh (Columbus, NJ/Northern Burlington) each won their match by fall to pace the Lions. Sarinelli needed only 2:27 to win his bout at 133, while Wonesh pinned his opponent at 165 in 4:59.

 

Against Williams, Wonesh again won by fall, but this time competing at 174 pounds winning in a near identical time of 4:58. Senior Steve Carbone (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) added a second pin for TCNJ as the heavyweight got his opponent flat in 5:45.

 

The Lions finished out the successful day handling WPI. The Engineers won the first match at 125 pounds, but TCNJ won the final nine with Ryan McCabe (Kinnelon, NJ/Kinnelon) winning by fall at 149 pounds in 6:24. Wonesh added victory by technical fall at 165 and Sarinelli had a major decision at 133.

 

Sarinelli, Wonesh and Carbone each finished the day with perfect 3-0 record, while junior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick), sophomore Dan DiColo (Budd Lake, NJ/Mt. Olive), freshman Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) and freshman Joe Bozzomo (Middlesex. NJ/Middlesex) each went 2-0.

 

 

Weight by weight summary

#20 TCNJ 30, Roger Williams University 9            

125: Dan Hughes (TCNJ) dec. Jeremiah Mahoney (RWU), 4-3             

133: Ray Sarinelli (TCNJ) pinned Michal Trayser (RWU), 2:27

141: Andrew Hawley (RWU), pinned Mike Jacoutot, Jr. (TCNJ), 3:22

149: John Barnett (TCNJ) dec. Nick Allegretta (RWU), 10-4

157: Dan DiColo (TCNJ) dec. Kyle Rodgers (RWU), 5-2

165: Al Wonesh (TCNJ) pinned Dan Zotollo (RWU), 4:59

174: Greg Osgoodby (TCNJ) dec. Jared Czarneski (RWU), 9-2

184: Dan Woods (RWU), dec. Jim Tomczuk (TCNJ), 11-5

197: Joe Bozzomo (TCNJ) dec. Nick Cambi (RWU), 10-4

285: Steve Carbone (TCNJ) dec. John Russo (RWU), 8-1

 

Weight by weight summary

#20 TCNJ 24, #28 Williams College 12        

125: Ethan Cohen (WC) major dec. Danny Franke (TCNJ), 13-0             

133: Ray Sarinelli (TCNJ) dec. Corey Paulish (WC), 7-1

141: Dylan Rittenburg (WC) dec. Chris Prihoda (TCNJ), 2-0

149: Nic Miragliuolo (WC) dec. John Barnett (TCNJ), 3-1

157: Dan DiColo (TCNJ) dec. Carl Breitenstein (WC), 3-1

165: Justin Bonitatis (TCNJ) dec. Doug Washington (WC), 6-3

174: Al Wonesh (TCNJ) pinned Andrew Gatewood (WC), 4:58

184: Greg Osgoodby (TCNJ) dec. James McCarthy (WC), 11-5

197: Kyle Ayer (WC) dec. Adam Koziol (TCNJ), 6-3

285: Steve Carbone (TCNJ) pinned Tim Kiely (WC), 5:45

* Williams College lost one team point for unsportsmanlike conduct

 

Weight by weight summary

#20 TCNJ 39, Worcester Polytechnic Institute 3            

125: Carl Anderson (WPI) dec. Dan Hughes (TCNJ), 3-2             

133: Ray Sarinelli (TCNJ) major dec. Jeff Root (WPI), 17-4

141: Chris Prihoda (TCNJ) by forfeit

149: Ryan McCabe (TCNJ) pinned Matt Wainwright (WPI), 6:24

157: John Dinan (TCNJ) dec. Tyler Howe (WPI), 6-4

165: Justin Bonitatis (TCNJ) dec. David Cardenas (WPI), 11-7

174: Al Wonesh (TCNJ) tech. fall John Gikas (WPI), 16-0 (3:00)

184: Jim Tomczuk (TCNJ) dec. Scott Guzman (WPI), 4-2

197: Joe Bozzomo (TCNJ) by forfeit

285: Steve Carbone (TCNJ) dec. Anthony Corbo (WPI), 5-0

 

 

-30-

TCNJ MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM TO PARTICIPATE IN NABC’S

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team will compete on February 2 at New Jersey City University in a New Jersey Athletic Conference contest at 7 p.m. in the John J. Moore Athletic and Fitness Center on the NJCU campus (Jersey City, NJ).

Both TCNJ and NJCU’s coaching staff will be participating in the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers program slated for February 1-3.

The coaching staffs at both institutions will join other head college basketball coaches and their coaching staffs across the country as they wear sneakers with their game attire to show their support in the fight against cancer. National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) member coaches want to express the importance of cancer prevention and early detection.

Join NABC coaches and their staff members this weekend (Feb. 1-3) as they wear sneakers with their game attire to show their support in the fight against cancer. By wearing sneakers with their suits, participating coaches are drawing attention to the fact that while  cancer remains a major health concern, we can all reduce our risk; for those who don’t smoke, control their weight, exercise, and maintain a healthy diet are the best ways to reduce the risk of cancer. The American Cancer Society can help by providing free, lifesaving information, resources and services to anyone affected by cancer.

The American Cancer Society can help by providing free, lifesaving information, resources and services to anyone affected by cancer. For More Information about these events, please contact Patrice Bowles at 404-329-7630 or email patrice.bowles@cancer.org.

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY-CAMDEN TALLIES KEY NJAC WIN IN MEN’S BASKETBALL PLAY

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team hosted the Scarlet Raptors of Rutgers University-Camden on Wednesday night in NJAC play. Rutgers-Camden tallied the 58-53 win as the Scarlet Raptors snapped a six-game losing streak to improve to 4-15 overall and 1-6 in the league. TCNJ drops to 5-13 overall and 1-6 in the NJAC.

The win over the Lions by RUC snapped a 10-game win streak TCNJ held over RUC. Rutgers-Camden’s last win over TCNJ came on January 30, 2002, a 95-80 overtime win in Camden, NJ. That snapped
a 30-game losing streak against TCNJ. The Lions still hold a commanding edge in the series history with a 52-10 lead. 

Rutgers-Camden’s junior guard Bill Banks (Berlin, NJ/Eastern) led all scorers with 21 points, while freshman guard Brandon Canty (Riverside, NJ/Riverside) added 15 points off the bench.  Junior forward Antoine Miller (Camden, NJ/Medical Arts) added a game-high 10 rebounds, including nine defensive boards in leading his team to the win.

TCNJ pulled within one point, 51-50 at 1:15 on a rebound and layup by junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley), before Canty hit a key three-point basket at 31.8 to give his team a 54-40 lead. TCNJ’s sophomore Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) sank a three-pointer at 24.5 left to play keeping it a one-point game.

RUC’s sophomore Joshua Askew (Philadelphia, PA/Winslow Township) hit two free throws at 22.1 left to play as his squad once again took a three-point lead, 56-53. They were his only points of the game, but turned out to be key. Banks returned to the free throw line at 7.9 seconds and proceeded to make both shots to give his team a 58-53 lead as TCNJ’s last shot failed to hit the mark.

RUC held a 25-22 lead at the break and led in all but one possession of the half (19-18 with 6:20). Leading the way for the Scarlet Raptors in the first half was Banks added eight points. RUC held a narrow edge on the boards (21-19) in the first half. TCNJ’s Frank tallied seven points and six boards in the first half and finished with 15 points as the only Lion in double-digits on the night and was also the high performer on the boards with eight caroms.

TCNJ returns to action on Saturday, February 2 at New Jersey City University in a 7 p.m. NJAC match-up, while Rutgers-Camden hosts Montclair State University also on February 2 in a 3 p.m. home league contest.

TCNJ POSTS IMPRESSIVE VICTORY OVER RUTGERS-CAMDEN IN NJAC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACTION;

KLIMOWICZ ADDS 15TH DOUBLE-DOUBLE

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team hosted Scarlet Raptors of Rutgers University-Camden on Wednesday night in Packer Hall on Saturday. TCNJ cruised to a67-29 win to improve to 14-5 overall and 5-2 in the NJAC, while Rutgers-Camden drops to 7-12 overall and 1-6 in the league.

TCNJ led 32-9 at the break, holding the Scarlet Raptors to a season low for points in a half, yielding only nine as they shot only 10.0% (2-20). 

TCNJ’s junior center Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) added her 15th double-double of the season as she tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds and four blocks. Overall on her career, she has now added double-digits in 24 games with the Lions. She also surpassed the 900 career point plateau as she played her first season at St. Joseph’s University, tallying 275 points and earning Atlantic-10 Rookie of the Year honors. She also now has 641 career rebounds as well 909 points.

TCNJ’s rookie forward Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) contributed 15 points, while senior Sara Best (High Bridge, NJ/Voorhees) added 14 points with four rebounds, five assists and five steals. TCNJ’s sophomore center Alexandra Gregorek (Mahwah, NJ/Academy of the Holy Angels) also added 10 points with seven rebounds off the bench as the Lions held a 42-31 edge o n the boards and forced 29 turnovers.

For the game, TCNJ shot 46.9% from the floor, while limiting the opposition was held to 22.2% (10-45).

RUC’s senior guard Imani Hafiz (Franklinville, NJ/Delsea Regional) collected one steal to pull her even closer the Scarlet Raptors’ career steal mark as she is now just three shy of the current mark held by Tamara Carey (1991-95) with 345. Hafiz now has 343 steals with the Scarlet Raptors.

Senior center Amber Parker (Pennsauken, NJ/Pennsauken) netted a team-best nine points while hitting 4-of-8 from the floor.

TCNJ returns to action on February 2, traveling to NJCU for a 5 p.m. NJAC match-up, while RUC hosts Montclair State University that same day with a 1 p.m. start.

#20 TCNJ WRESTLERS RALLY PAST #19 WILKES, 20-18

Ewing, NJ… In a showdown of nationally-ranked wrestling programs, The College of New Jersey overcame an early deficit to rally past visiting Wilkes University on Tuesday as the Lions prevailed by the score of 20-18.

The Lions (13-3) are ranked  20th in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III poll, while the Colonels (15-6-1) are one spot higher at 19th.

Prior to the match, the Lions recognized their five seniors for their dedication and commitment to TCNJ’s program. Honored were Steve Carbone (Cranford, NJ/Cranford), Lenny Goduto (Stanhope, NJ/Lenape Valley), Ray Sarinelli (Rockaway, NJ/Morris Hills), Jim Tomczuk (Delran, NJ/Delran) and  Shawn Vanwingerden (Wantage, NJ/High Point).

The Colonels opened the match with a win at 125 pounds as Shaun Farnham (Baldwinsville, NY/C.W. Baker) pulled out a 4-2 decision giving the visitors an early 3-0 advantage.

The Lions came back to take the lead at 133 as Sarinelli, who is ranked ninth in his weight class nationally, posted a 13-4 major decision, but that lead was short lived as Brandon Prentice (Ogdensburg, NJ/Wallkill) edged TCNJ’s Brian Suozzo (Old Bridge, NJ/Old Bridge) by the count of 6-4 in overtime at 141.

The next weight class, 149 pounds, also needed overtime to determine a winner with Wilkes again pulling out a win as Erik Smith (Danville, PA/Danville) edged John Barnett (Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson Twp.), 3-1. That win put the Colonels in front 9-4.

The Lions crept closer at 157 pounds as Dan DiColo (Budd Lake, NJ/Mt. Olive) won 8-6 and then reclaimed the lead when Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) collected a narrow 7-6 decision at 165 putting TCNJ back in the lead at 10-9.

At 174 pounds, Al Wonesh (Columbus, NJ/Northern Burlington) made it three straight victories of the hosts as the junior won by fall in 4:54. Then at 184 pounds, Lion junior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) recorded an 11-2 major decision against Shawn Bradley (Jim Thorpe, PA/Jim Thorpe) putting TCNJ in front 20-9.

Wilkes added another victory at 197 as Zach Pizarro (Easton, PA/Easton) slipped past Vanwingerden, 5-1 and in the final bout of the night the Colonels won by fall as Andrew Feldman (Shavertown, PA/Wyoming Valley West) won his bout in 4:05 making the final a two-point difference.

TCNJ has a busy weekend in front of them competing at the Metropolitan Conference/New England Duals hosted by Roger William University on Saturday before heading Springfield College for a dual meet on Sunday. The Colonels also have a busy slate this weekend with three dual meets at Franklin & Marshall on Saturday.

The College of New Jersey Weekly Sport Release

TCNJ's Weekly All-Sport Release - Jan. 28, 2008
1/28/2008 1:55:43 PM

 

TCNJ's Weekly All-Sport Release - Jan. 28, 2008

WPU DEFEATS TCNJ MEN, 74-60 IN NJAC ACTION

January 26, 2008

Wayne, NJ…The Pioneers of William Paterson University posted a 74-60 home win over The College of New Jersey in NJAC men’s basketball action on Saturday to maintain its unbeaten status in the conference. WPU is now 14-3 overall and 6-0 in the conference, while TCNJ falls to 5-12 overall and 1-5 in the league.
The Pioneers took a quick 6-0 lead in the first two minutes of play courtesy of senior Joey Spiegel's (Teaneck, NJ/Teaneck) two solid shots from beyond the arc.  The hot shooting continued as the Pioneers shot 50.0 (14-28) percent from the floor, 50.0 (5-10) percent from three-point range and were 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in the first half, leading 37-21 at the break.

The Lions fought back throughout the contest, and were able to come within eight points after senior forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) sunk a three-point shot to bring the
score to 62-54 with 1:18 remaining in play.  But the Pioneers would not relent, holding TCNJ to 21-for-53 (.396) shooting overall and 9-for-22 (.409) from beyond the arc for the game.

Spiegel led the Pioneers with 24 points, and was 7-for-11 (.636) from the floor, 3-for-6 (.500) from three-point range and 7-for-9 (.777) from the line. Spiegel's solid shooting brings him only 49 points shy of becoming the 26th Pioneer to score 1,000 career points.

Sophomore Bobby Dunn (Garwood, NJ/Johnson Regional) added 10 points, tying his career record set earlier this season against City Tech. Dunn's five rebounds mark a new career best, one better than his previous high. Senior Jason Cameron (Cliffside Park, NJ/Cliffside Park) added a new season record of three steals while adding seven tallies to the 74-60 victory over the Lions.

By game’s end, Aziz would add 15 points and a team-high seven rebounds, while sophomore Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) tallied a team-high 16 points after hitting 5-of-7 from the floor. Senior guard Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) contributed 14 points as well for the Lions.

TCNJ returns to action on Wednesday, January 30 hosting Rutgers University-Camden in Packer Hall in an 8 p.m. match-up.

Mens Basketball: Rowan 68 TCNJ 62

GLASSBORO, NJ – The Rowan University men’s basketball team overcame a 20 point deficit to defeat The College of New Jersey, 68-62 in a New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) game on Wednesday.

TCNJ had a 36-21 halftime lead.  The Lions extended their advantage to 20 points (45-25) following a three point play by forward Mark Aziz (sr. Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris) at 15:40.  TCNJ guard Corey Gilmore’s (sr. S. Plainfield, NJ/S. Plainfield) free throw at 11:23 made the score 52-36.  Rowan went on a 16-4 run over the next 9:02 to go ahead 62-56 with 2:21 remaining.  Guard Michael Farrow (fr. Whitesboro, NJ/Middle Twp.) paced the Profs with 12 points, while guard Kevin Darby (jr. Atco, NJ/Hammonton) followed with six and forward Dwayne Reevey (sr. Fair Haven, NJ/Rumson-Fair Haven) added four.  Farrow’s three-pointer at 4:45 gave Rowan a 57-56 lead.  Guard Jeff Warner (sr. Jackson, NJ/Jackson Mem.) nailed a three-pointer with 1:13 to bring the Lions within two points (64-62).  Darby and forward Matt Byrnes (sr. Mays Landing, NJ/Oakcrest) each made two free throws with 19 and nine seconds remaining respectively to seal the victory.

Rowan improves to 12-4 overall and 2-3 in the conference, while TCNJ has a 5-11 record and a 1-4 NJAC mark.  The Profs were led by Byrnes and Darby with 20 points apiece.  Farrow contributed with 16 points off the bench.  Reevey chipped in with seven points and seven rebounds.  For the Lions, guard Jay Frank (so. Brick, NJ/Brick Mem.) scored a career-high 24 points and grabbed five boards.  Aziz and Gilmore added nine points apiece, while Warner had eight.

In the first half, the game was tied three times before TCNJ took control.  Reevey’s foul shot at 10:09 tied the score at 17.  The Lions scored the next seven points to lead 24-17 at 5:47.  Frank had five points, while Gilmore had two.  Byrnes made two free throws at 4:29 to cut the deficit to five points (24-19).  TCNJ closed out the half by outscoring the Profs 12-2.  Frank recorded seven of the 12 points.  He led all scorers with 22 points at the break.  Byrnes had 14 points for Rowan.

TCNJ WOMEN’S BASKETBALL DEFEATS ROWAN, 75-50

Media release, January 23

GLASSBORO, NJ – Center Hillary Klimowicz scored 20 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead The College of New Jersey over conference opponent Rowan University, 75-50 on Wednesday night.

Klimowicz (jr. Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) was nine for 11 from the floor and two for two from the line. She also recorded four blocks. Guard Alyssa Michella (jr. Washington Twp., NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy) tied her career high with 16 points. Michella hit five three-pointers and pulled down nine boards. Forward Sara Best (sr. High Bridge, NJ/Voorhees) contributed with 12 points.

The College of New Jersey is 13-4 overall and 4-1 in the conference. Rowan is 10-6 on the season with a 3-2 NJAC mark. The Lions out rebounded the Profs, 49-32.

For Rowan, guard Kristina Wallace (sr. Logan Twp., NJ/Clearview Reg.) totaled 12 points, four assists and four steals. Forward Kaitlin Guy (jr. Fairlawn, NJ/Fairlawn) contributed with nine points and forward Ashley Cieplicki (jr. Haworth, NJ/Dumont) added seven.

In the first half, Rowan led 7-4 after two foul shots by Cieplicki at 17:56. TCNJ answered with nine straight points to lead 13-7 with 15:35 remaining. Klimowicz scored six points and Michella had a three-pointer. The Lions never trailed again for the rest of the game. Wallace made a layup at 7:09 and the Profs were down by seven points (20-13).

TCNJ nailed four straight baskets for a 17 point advantage (30-13) with 3:57 left. Klimowicz started the surge with a layup (7:04), Michella made two threes (6:23, 5:36) and Best had a layup (3:57). The Lions led by 20 points (35-15) at 2:39 after Best's basket. TCNJ was up 37-23 at the intermission. Michella ended the period with 16 points while Klimowicz compiled 10.

Wallace hit a three at 18:34 in the final period and the Profs trailed by 13 points (39-26). TCNJ followed with three baskets to lead 45-26 at 16:36. Best made two while Klimowicz had one in the run. At 10:52, the Lions were ahead by 26 points (56-30) after Best's jumper. The Lions' biggest lead was 28 points (64-36) with 6:14 left. The closet the Profs came was 20 points (68-48) after Wallace's three-pointer at 2:31.

Next Rowan hosts Ramapo College on Saturday, January 26 at 1 p.m. TCNJ travels to William Paterson on Saturday for a 1 p.m. contest.

JEAN-BABPTISTE TALLIES 26 AS BROOKLYN COLLEGE

January 21

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team hosted the Bridges of Brooklyn College on Monday afternoon in a non-conference match-up. Brooklyn College would use a strong second half to collect a 76-60 victory to notch the squads’ fifth straight win and improve to 13-4 overall, while TCNJ drops to 5-10.

Brooklyn College’s sophomore forward Richard Jean-Baptiste (Queens, NY/St. John’s Prep) led all players with his 26 points after hitting 10-for-19 from the floor. He had 17 points in the first half as TCNJ held a 37-35 lead at the break. He added a game-high 12 rebounds as well with four assists, two blocks and two steals for the match-up and BC force 17 turnovers and held TCNJ to just 28.0% from three-point range.

The Bridges would finish with a 50.0% shooting performance from the floor as they made 28-of-56 shots including 8-16 from three-points range after making 5-for-8 in the second half to regain the lead with 6:24 left to play (58-57). There were nine lead changes in the half and four ties before BC would collect the 16-point road win. Adding to BC’s scoring output in the contest were sophomore guard Daniel Nisbett (State Island, NY/Michael J. Petrides) with 21, while senior guard Corey McFarlane (Brooklyn, NY/Transit Tech) and junior center Sean Weismuller (Brooklyn, NY/James Madison) added 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Four of TCNJ’s five starters netted double-digits in the game as senior guards Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) and Corey Gilmore (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) each added 15 points. Warner added his fourth double-double of the year tallying 11 rebounds including nine defensive caroms. He added three assists as well, while shooting 50.0% from the floor (6-12). Gilmore hit an impressive 7-12 of his shots and led the Lions in the first half with 10 points.

TCNJ’s senior forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) added 10 points with three blocks and has now scored in double-digits in the Lions’ last 14 straight games after being held to a season-low eight points in the season-opener. Aziz is closing in on his 700th career-point as he now has 692 points in 66 games played for the Lions.

Junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hoipewell Valley) added 13 points with six rebounds and four assists for the Lions as well.

TCNJ returns to action on Wednesday, January 23 travelling to Rowan University for an 8 p.m. NJAC match-up in Glassboro, NJ, while Brooklyn College faces Medgar Evers College also on Wednesday in a 7:30 p.m. away contest.

TCNJ POSTS IMPRESSIVE 83-54 WIN OVER RICHARD STOCKTON COLLEGE

 
KLIMOWICZ ADDS 12TH DOUBLE-DOUBLE

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team hosted the Ospreys Richard Stockton College in Packer Hall on Saturday afternoon in Packer Hall. TCNJ used a 45-17 halftime lead to cruise to an 83-54 win. The Lions now stand at 12-4 overall and 3-1 in the NJAC, while RSC drops to 8-6 overall and 3-2 in the NJAC.

TCNJ posted a season high 45 points in the first stanza and by game’ end added a season-high 83 points as the Lions’ snapped their brief one-game NJAC losing skid. TCNJ’s sophomore center Alexandra Gregorek (Mahwah, NJ/Academy of the Holy Angels) had a team-high 16 points after adding 10 in the first half for the Lions as they shot 51.5% (34-66) for the game.

Junior guard Alyssa Michella (Washington Township, NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy) added 14 points after leading the Lions with 11 points in the first half and by game’s end, TCNJ had five players in double-digits.

RSC’s junior forward Kelley Guarrera (Shamong, NJ/Shawnee) added 10 of her team’s 17 first half points as she had five of the Ospreys’ eight first half field goals (8-27, 29.6%). She would finish with a game-high 25 points after hitting 11-of-23 shots from the floor and finishing with a team-high four rebounds.

TCNJ’s junior center Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) added her 12th double-double of the season as she tallied 12 points and 13 rebounds, while rookie forward Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) contributed 13 points. Senior Sara Best (High Bridge, NJ/Voorhees) added 14 points for the Lions as they posted a season-high 83 points, bettering the performance of 81 points on January 4 in an 81-57 win over Widener University.

TCNJ returns to action on January 23 when they travel to Rowan University for a 6 p.m. match-up with the Profs, while RSC travels to Gettysburg for a 7 p.m. contest with Gettysburg College on January 21.

Men's College Basketball: Stockton Post 75-55 Win over TCNJ

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey men's basketball team hosted the Ospreys of Richard Stockton College on Saturday afternoon. Richard Stockton posted a 75-55 win to improve to 10-4overall with a 4-1 record in the NJAC, while TCNJ drops to 5-9 overall and 1-3 in the league. 

RSC's senior guard Mario Lancioni (Runnemede, NJ/Triton) added a game-high 22 points to pace his team to the win. RSC led 38-21 at the break and opened the contest on a 10-0, holding the Lions scoreless until 14:38 in the first session. TCNJ would pull within five points midway through the half, before the Ospreys would pull away mounting a 17-point halftime lead. Pacing RSC in the first half were Lancioni and senior forward Jon Greene (Wildwood, NJ/Wildwood) as they each had 10 points.  .6% of their shots (15-28), while TSC also RSC held a 15-10 edge on the boards in the first half as well as hitting 53% of their shots (15-28). TCNJ also had a strong shooting performance from the floor (8-16, 50.0%).

For the Lions, senior guard Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) had a team-high six points in the first half, while the Lions' high scorer on the season, senior forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) was held to just two points in the first half, but managed to get three blocks. Warner finished 12 points hitting 4-of-6 from three-point range. Aziz finished with 11 points after fouling out of the game with 6:40 left to play as the Lions trailed 59-45. TCNJ's junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) also added 12 points for the Lions. RSC forced TCNJ to commit 24 turnovers, while making 50.9% on their shots (27-53).

TCNJ returns to action on Monday, January 21 hosting Brooklyn College in a 2 p.m. non-conference match-up, while RSC's next game is also on January 21 when the Ospreys travel to Hunter College for a 3 p.m. non-conference game.

TCNJ INDOOR TRACK TEAMS RETURNS TO ACTION AT GOTHAM CUP

Media Release January 18, 2008

New York, NY… The College of New Jersey indoor track and field teams showed no signs of a layoff as several Lions boasted qualifying marks for postseason competitions at the Gotham Cup on Friday at the 168th Street Armory.

The meet, which featured mostly NCAA Division I institutions, was only the second of the season for TCNJ and the first since the season opener back in December.

Men’s Highlights…
Senior Brian Donatelli (Whitehouse Station, NJ/Hunterdon Central) was second in the shot put with personal best and an ECAC qualifying mark of 15.30 meters and was the top NCAA Division III finisher in the event. He then earned a NCAA provisional throw of 16.58 meters in the weight throw to finish fifth.

Another ECAC worthy mark of 2:34.09 was turned in by senior Josh Krowicki (Hilltop, NJ/Triton) in the 1,000 meters.

Junior Kyle Alpaugh (Clinton, NJ/Voorhees) earned a fourth-place finish in the 3,000 meters finishing the race in 15:50.25.

The 4x800 relay team also garnered an 11th-place finish as they posted an ECAC mark of 8:10.35. Competing on the team for the Lions were Krowicki, junior Rob McGowan (Monroe Twp., NJ/Monroe Township), Chris Guerriero (Saddle Brook, NJ/Saddle Brook) and freshman Kyle Roos (Mickleton, NJ/Kingsway).

In the 4x400, TCNJ once again boasted an ECAC mark as Kyle Gilroy (Oak Ridge, NJ/West Milford Twp.), Steve Murray (East Windsor, NJ/Hightstown), Jule Brooks (Atlantic City, NJ/Atlantic City) and Woodrow Prevard (Sicklerville, NJ/Winslow Twp.) teamed up for a time of 3:25.12.

McGowan also had an ECAC time in the 500 meters with a time of 1:05.75, while Gilroy earned that mark as well in the 60 hurdles with time of 8.58 seconds.

In the seeded 3,000 meters, Guerriero and Brian Kopnicki (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) both finished with ECAC worthy times with Guerriero crossing the finish line in 8:45.16 and Kopnicki in 8:57.70.
Senior Galen Johnson (South Plainfield, JN/South Plainfield) had a time of 4:24.40 in the unseeded mile to finish 11th.

TCNJ just missed an ECAC time in the distance medley relay as the team of freshman Dennie Waite (Little Silver, NJ/Red Bank Regional), Johnson, junior Pasquale DiGiacchino (Bernardsville, NJ/Bernards) and junior Anthony Arnold (Millstone Twp,. NJ/Peddie) finished in 10:44.95 placing ninth.

Women’s Highlights…
Junior Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) started off the new year in fine fashion finishing second in the 5,000 meters with a NCAA provisional mark of 17:33.54. Teammate Nicole Ullmeyer (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) also performed well in the race with a time of 19:50.32 to finish 14th.

Junior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) claimed sixth in the as she was the top Division III finisher with a swift time of 2:56.54 in the 1,000. That time also met ECAC qualifying standards and set a new TCNJ record.

Herrick was also part of the distance medley relay team along with freshman Christine Cox (Rockaway, NJ/Morris Knolls), sophomore Lauren Keller (Whippany, NJ/Whippany Park) and Michelle Wallace (Emerson, NJ/Emerson) as the quartet combined for an ECAC time of 12:47.68.

In the long jump, junior Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) was the top Division III finisher as she posted a distance of 4.98 meters, which was an ECAC qualifying jump. The Lions had two more ECAC efforts in the 500 meters as freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Coltsneck) had a time of 1:19.69 and classmate Rochelle Prevard (Sicklerville, NJ/Winslow Twp.) crossed the finish line in 1:21.20.

Freshman Cristina D’Amato (Madison, NJ/Madison) had a strong showing in the weight throw taking 10th with a heave of 13.24 meters making her the top Division III finisher. That throw also met an ECAC standard.

Julie Ullmeyer (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) added a 14th-place finish in the unseeded mile with a time of 5:25.55.

TCNJ’s 4x400 relay also took 14th while meeting ECAC standards as Meghan Miller (Sayreville, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial), Prevard, Wimberly and Tricocci posted a time of 4:06.79.


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TCNJ’S ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT TO HONOR BONNER COMMUNITY SCHOLARS CORP AT MEN’S BASKETBALL GAME

Media Release
Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey's athletic department will honor a group of TCNJ students and a handful of staff members on Monday in conjunction with the Lions' home men's basketball game with Brooklyn College. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. in Packer Hall.  At halftime of the contest, TCNJ will recognize members of the Bonner Community Scholars Corp who travelled to New Orleans from January 12-19 and assisted with rebuilding the homes and lives of those who were shattered by the effects of Hurricane Katrina.
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?" --Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
For its 2008 celebration of the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., The College of New Jersey would like to recognize the value and necessity of service to the community, both local and beyond.
In conjunction with the Bonner Community Scholars Corps, the College has planned a week of service-related events in which students, faculty, and staff are invited and encouraged to participate.
JOIN US IN RECOGNITION
The week will begin on Monday, January 21 with a reception for members of the Bonner Community Scholars corps, who will recount their January 12-19 trip to New Orleans to rebuild the homes and lives of those still struggling with the effects of Hurricane Katrina. The reception will take place in Brower Student Center 202 starting at Noon. Refreshments will be served. Read about the recovery experience in New Orleans on the Bonner Scholars' blog: http://tcnjbonners.wordpress.com/
The scholars will also be recognized during halftime at Monday's 2 p.m. men's basketball game against Brooklyn College.
JOIN US IN GIVING
Beginning on Monday, January 21, the Bonner Scholars will be accepting donations for the Bonner Center's Trenton community partners including:  Academic Sports Academy, Young Scholars Institute, Columbus Elementary School, El Centro de Recursos Para Familias, Habitat for Humanity, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, and Trenton Medical Arts Academy.
Specific items needed are:
-winter coats
-hygiene products
-children's books
-high school text books
-school supplies
-canned goods
-small tools/hand tools

Collection bins will be available at the Monday Bonner Scholar reception at Noon in BSC 202, and at the Monday men's basketball game against Brooklyn College starting at 2 p.m. in Packer Hall. Donations may be made at the Bonner Center from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Monday, January 21 and Tuesday, January. For donations after those specified times, please contact the Bonner Center at 609.771.2548 (on campus x2548).
JOIN US IN SERVICE
Finally, the Bonner Scholars have invited the campus community to participate in any of their various weekly service events, which range from Habitat for Humanity to tutoring high school students, to interacting with the developmentally disabled. To sign up for an off-campus service event, please fill out this form:
https://jedi.tcnj.edu/webteam/cgi-bin/formgenie/formgenie.pl?form=22579

*Employees who wish to use leave time or adjust a work schedule in order to participate in an off-site program during normal work hours should seek approval from their supervisor.
Please join in celebrating the spirit of community. For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at 771-2368. For more information about the Bonner Scholars or how you can get involved, please call 771-2548.

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AZIZ ADDS 21 POINTS AS LIONS TALLY 65-63 NJAC WIN OVER KEAN

Union, NJ…The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team tallied their first NJAC win of the season and for interim head coach Matt Hunter as the Lions beat Kean University on Wednesday night, 65-63 at Harwood Arena. With the win, TCNJ is now 5-8 overall and 1-2 in the NJAC, while Kean drops to 5-10 overall and 1-3 in the league.

Pacing the Lions on the night was senior forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) as he led all scorers with his 21 points and added seven rebounds. Aziz would hit 10-of-12 shots from the line, while shooting 5-8 from the floor to help the Lions to the conference win.

Kean led 31-29 at the break, but TCNJ made the most of their shots, hitting 56.5% from the floor (13-23), while holding Kean to just 36.7% from the floor (11-30). Kean committed 13 turnovers as the Lions held a 39-35 edge on the boards in the win.

TCNJ’s junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) and 11 points for the Lions, while senior guard Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) just missed a double-double adding nine points with nine rebounds. Senior co-captain Corey Gilmore (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) added nine points as well for the Lions.

Kean had four players finish in double-digits on the night led by Lamar Wright who had 16 points, while Jonathan Jones added 12 points. Reserves Sean Carter and William Floyd added 11 and 10 points, respectively for the Cougars.

TCNJ returns to action on Saturday, January 19 hosting Richard Stockton College in a 1 p.m. NJAC contest.

TCNJ RACKS UP FIFTH STRAIGHT WIN AS KLIMOWICZ ADDS 11TH..........

DOUBLE-DOUBLE AS LIONS BEAT ELIZABETHTOWN, 72 -64

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team hosted the Blue Jays of Elizabethtown College in a non-conference game in Packer Hall on Monday night. TCNJ tallied the 72-64 win to notch their fifth straight win and improve to 11-3 overall, while Elizabethtown drops to 8-5.

TCNJ’s while junior center Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) added her 11th double-double of the season as she racked up 20 points with a team and game-high 14 rebounds. She had 12 second half points with seven rebounds in each half and a pair of blocks.

TCNJ led 34-33 at the break. The Blue Jays scored the first basket of the game, but TCNJ would build a 10-point lead, up 16-6 before Elizabethtown would take the lead 31-29 at 2:45. The Blue Jays hit 50.0% of their shots from three-point range in the first stanza, 5-10 and were a perfect 2-2 from the line. Pacing the visiting Blue Jays was junior Megan Quinn (Millersville, PA/Penn Manor) as she had 11 points and hit 3-of-5 shots from three-point range, while adding three assists in the first half. Quinn would finish with 20 points and was 7-9 from the line with five rebounds, three assists and a steal on the night.

TCNJ got 12 points from rookie forward Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) including 10 in the first half.  Junior guard Alyssa Michella (Washington Township, NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy) added 15 points, one shy of her personal best, while senior Sara Best (High Bridge, NJ/Voorhees) added 12 points with seven rebounds.

After the two teams exchanged leads and several ties, TCNJ would take a 66-56 lead with three minutes left to play. During that time the Lions would hit six of seven free throws. TCNJ finished the night having hit 13-of-18 shots from the line, while making 11 of 16 in the second half to help the Lions on the night. Elizabethtown had made nine straight free throws in the game, before their first miss at 10:31 in the second half. For the game, the Blue Jays hit 15-of-19 from the charity stripe and made 45.0% of their three-point attempts as well (9-20).

Elizabethtown College’s senior guard Erin Walton (Columbus, NJ/Northern Burlington County) became the third all-time leading scorer for the Blue Jay women’s basketball program as she moved ahead of Abbie Fabian (1,503 points) and now has 1515 points after adding 13 points in the contest.

Sophomore guard  Courtney Kofeldt (Coatesville, PA/Holy Spirit (NJ) added 11 points and hit three-of-four from beyond the arch to help her team on the night.

TCNJ returns to action on January 16 when they travel to No. 14 ranked Kean University for a 6 p.m. NJAC contest, while Elizabethtown College faces Immaculata College on January 19 on the road at 1 p.m.

#9 TCNJ WRESTLING TEAM TAKES SEVENTH AT WHITEHILL DUALS

Williamsport, PA…The College of New Jersey wrestling team claimed seventh place at the 14th Annual Budd Whitehill National Duals as the Lions picked up two more victories against one defeat on the final day of the tournament.

Ninth-ranked TCNJ started the day with a 28-12 win over Messiah College before falling to 17th-ranked Rhode Island College, 25-13. The Lions came back in the seventh-place match with a strong effort posting a 35-7 victory over Springfield College. Overall, TCNJ went 4-2 in the tournament and are now 11-3 on the season.

The Lions got off to a fast start on the final day of the tournament racing out to a 15-0 lead against Messiah. TCNJ won the first five weight classes of the dual meet with Dan Hughes (Delran, NJ/Delran) at 125, Ray Sarinelli (Rockaway, NJ/West Morris) at 133, Mike Jacoutot Jr. (Roswell, GA/Lassiter) at 141, John Barnett (Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson Twp.) at 149 and Dan DiColo (Budd Lake, NJ/Mount Olive) at 157 each recording victories.

Against RIC, the Lions won three of the first four bouts to take an early 10-4 lead, but the Anchormen responded by coming out on top in five of the final six bouts to earn the win.

In the team's final match, TCNJ never trailed leading 20-0 as freshman Kyle Kinchen (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) opened the dual with pin at 125 and Sarinelli followed with a major decision making it 10-0. The Lions then got wins by Jacoutot and John Barnett (Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson Twp.) adding wins at 141 and 149 respectively.

Juniors Al Wonesh (Columbus, NJ/North Burlington) and Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) added to the win by winning their weight classes by major decision with major decisions with Wonesh taking the mat at 165 pounds and Osgoodby at 174. 

TCNJ won't compete again until January 23 when the Lions head to Centenary College.

Match-by-Match Recaps
TCNJ 28, Messiah College 12
125 lbs: Dan Hughes (T) dec Bryce Stever (M)- 7-6 
133 lbs: Ray Sarinelli (T) dec Josh Craig (M)- 7-3 
141 lbs: Mike Jacoutot Jr. (T) dec Barry Thrush (M)- 3-1 
149 lbs: John Barnett (T) dec Craig Gin (M)- 5-1 
157 lbs: Dan DiColo (T) dec Mike Bressler (M)- 3-2 
165 lbs: Trent Zemple (M) fall Justin Bonitatis (T)- 6:54 
174 lbs: Greg Osgoodby (T) maj dec Dave Jones (M)- 12-3 
184 lbs: Matt McHugh (M) fall Joe Bozzomo (T)- 5:54 
197 lbs: Shawn Vanwingerden (T) dec T. Hopkins (M)- 4-1 
285 lbs: Steve Carbone (T) by forfeit

Rhode Island College 25, TCNJ 13
125 lbs: Kyle Kinchen (T) dec Brian Hoyt (R)- 10-4 
133 lbs: Ray Sarinelli (T) maj dec Travis Drappi (R)- 14-3 
141 lbs: Michael Bonora (R) maj dec Brian Suozzo (T)- 17-3 
149 lbs: John Barnett (T) dec Kevin Sutherland (R)- 2-1 
157 lbs: Mike Martini (R) dec Dan DiColo (T)- 10-6 
165 lbs: Brendan Guarino (R) fall Al Wonesh (T)- 1:38 
174 lbs: Greg Osgoodby (T) dec Brendan Casey (R)- 5-0 
184 lbs: Nick Logan (R) dec Jim Tomczuk (T)- 8-6 
197 lbs: Kevin Davis (R) fall Shawn Vanwingerden (T)- 4:58 
285 lbs: Ray Moore (R) dec Adam Koziol (T)- 9-2 

TCNJ 35, Springfield College 7 
125 lbs: Kyle Kinchen (T) fall Gary Henningsen (S) - 1:59 
133 lbs: Ray Sarinelli (T) maj dec Blaze Chatham (S) - 13-5 
141 lbs: Mike Jacoutot Jr. (T) by forfeit 
149 lbs: John Barnett (T) maj dec Oscar Orellana (S) - 13-2 
157 lbs: Erik Delehanty (S) dec Dan DiColo (Y) - 9-5 
165 lbs: Al Wonesh (T) maj dec Victor Stanziale (S) - 9-0 
174 lbs: Greg Osgoodby (T) maj dec Anthony Scarpetti (S) -18-2
184 lbs: Jim Tomczuk (T) dec Brandon Sundwall (S) - 7-1 
197 lbs: Shawn Vanwingerden (T) dec Anthony Delesandro(S) 9-3 
285 lbs: Ron Fusco (S) maj dec Adam Koziol (T) - 17-8 

 
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MSU COLLECTS 70-63 WIN OVER TCNJ IN NJAC MEN’S BASKETBALL ACTION

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey men's basketball team hosted the Red Hawks of Montclair State University on Saturday in NJAC action. The Red Hawks came away with the 70-63 NJAC win to improve to 8-6 overall and 2-1 in the NJAC, while TCNJ drops to 4-8 overall and 0-2 in the league. MSU would get a game-high 16 points from freshman guard  James Williams (Englewood, NJ/Dwight Morrow) while sophomore guard Mike Hern (Hamburg, NJ/Wallkill Valley) to help the Red Hawks to the victory.

MSU led 30-28 at the break after pair of key three-point baskets from TCNJ's junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) and a score from junior forward Adam Gonzalez (Rochelle Park,  NJ/Hackensack) to bring the Lions within two after trailing 30-23 with 1:42 left to play before the break. Molinelli led the Lions with nine first half points.

MSU's Williams added 10 points in the first half and was an impressive 5-6 from the floor to pace MSU's efforts that included a team field goal percentage of 51.9% (14-27). The Red Hawks also held the Lions to just 36.7% from the floor in the first stanza and held a narrow 17-15 edge on the boards at the break. Williams finished hitting 8-of-9 shots from the floor and helped MSU finish the game with a 50.0% effort from the floor (26-52).

MSU emerged at the break and would hold the Lions scoreless for the first three minutes of the second half as they built a 36-31 lead as William Jett (Browns Mills, NJ/Pemberton) finally got a layup and a free throw to break the drought.  TCNJ would tie the action at 40-40 with 13:50 left to play on a three-point field goal from sophomore guard Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial), but then  MSU took over again with a 10-0 run and held a 50-40 lead at 9:43.
TCNJ did not go away and with 1:44 left only trailed by five down 60-55 after junior center Ryan Washington (Edison, NJ/JP Stevens) fouled out and the Lions hit two free throws.

MSU's sophomore guard Ken Dudley (Willingboro, NJ/Burlington Tech) hit two free throws with 1:02 left to give his team a 64-57 lead. TCNJ's senior guard Corey Gilmore (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) hit two free throws at 58.2 seconds left and pulled the Lions within five again, down 64-59. The Red Hawks' Hern went to the line at 54.8 and hit one free throw to give MSU a 65-59 lead. After a pair of baskets from each team, TCNJ got the ball back with 37 seconds left and failed to collect the basket before MSU's Eric Johannesen (Matawan, NJ/St. John Vianney) would hit both  of his two free throws at 27.8 seconds left and give his team a 69-61 lead.  Hern returned to the line at 21.6 seconds and added one more point and gave his team a seven points lead.  

For the Lions, senior guard Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) added a team-leading 16 points and a team-high eight rebounds, while senior forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) netted 14 points and Jett contributed 10 points.

TCNJ returns to action on Wednesday, January 16 travelling to Kean University for an 8 p.m. NJAC contest, while MSU hosts William Paterson the same night, also at 8 p.m.

TCNJ WRESTLING TEAM WINS TWO OF THREE AT WHITEHILL DUALS

Williamsport, PA…The College of New Jersey wrestling team’s bid for a second straight title at the a14th Annual Budd Whitehill was derailed in the team’s first match of the tournament as the Lions fell to St. Johns (MN) University in the opening round of the tournament on Friday.

TCNJ then won its next two dual meets to remain alive in the consolation bracket beating John Carroll University by the score of 25-13 and then got past Case Western Reserve University 43-13.

By going 2-1 on the day, the Lions are now 9-2 on the season.

The Johnnies knocked off the third-seeded Lions by the score of 34-8 sending TCNJ into the consolation bracket. In that match, TCNJ managed only a pair of wins, both by major decision, as senior Ray Sarinelli (Rockaway, NJ/West Morris) at 133 and junior Al Wonesh (Columbus, NJ/North Burlington) at 174 each won their weight classes.

Things didn’t get any easier for the ninth-ranked Lions in their second match of the tournament as they faced 22nd-ranked John Carroll University. TCNJ, however, dominated from the beginning winning the first seven matches. Junior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) pinned his opponent at 174 pounds in 3:16, while classmate Ryan McCabe (Kinnelon, NJ/Kinnelon) posted a victory by major decision at 157 to pace the Lions.

The final match on Friday was against Case Western Reserve University and TCNJ responded with its second straight win. The Lions held a narrow 10-7 lead midway through the match before reeling off five straight wins. Wonesh and Osgoodby recorded back-to-back pins at 165 and 174 pounds securing the win for TCNJ.

The Lions return to action Saturday morning facing Messiah College at 9 a.m.

ALBRIGHT SURVIVES SCARE WITH 71-67 OT VICTORY

ALBRIGHT SURVIVES SCARE WITH 71-67 OT VICTORY

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team hosted the Lions of Albright College on Wednesday night. Albright College would triumph 71-67 in overtime to improve to 9-2 on the year, while TCNJ drops to 4-7 on the season.

The game would end in a 58-58 tie at the end of regulation and Albright would lead by as many as five in overtime, 65-60 (2:06), before the Lions would claw back and pull within one, 68-67 with 25 seconds left to play. Sophomore guard Andre Murphy (Philadelphia, PA/Engineering and Science) would sink a pair of free throws at 19.2 second left before senior guard Taylor Steltz (Womelsdorf, PA/Conrad Weiser) would make the first of two free throws with 7.2 seconds left and provide the edge in Albright’s fourth straight win, snapping TCNJ’s two-game win streak.

By game’s end, Albright had three players finish in double-digit scoring as freshman guard Zac Shaeffer (Lampeter, PA/Lampeter-Strasburg) led the way with 14 points, while senior forward Albert Medoro (Exton, PA/West Chester) and freshman forward Andrew Pomager (Philadelphia, PA/North Catholic) each added 11 points.
TCNJ led 27-25 at the break after sophomore guard Aaron Syvertsen (Midland Park, NJ/Midland Park) came off the bench to hit a three-point basket with only 28 seconds left in the half to break a 24-24 tie. Albright’s Steltz would hit only one of two free throws with 2.5 second left as the Lions of TCNJ took a 27-25 lead into the locker room. 

TCNJ’s junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) added 10 of his 13 points in the first half. Albright’s Shaeffer had eight points in the first stanza for his team as he was a perfect 2-2 from three-point range in only eight minutes of play off the bench.

At the end of regulation, TCNJ’s senior forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) had a layup with 3.0 seconds left to tie the contest and finished the night with a game-high 20 points.  Molinelli was the team’s second leading scorer with 13 points, while sophomore guard Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) added 11 points as he made his first start of the season. 

TCNJ returns to Packer Hall on Saturday, January 12 hosting Montclair State University in a 3 p.m. NJAC match-up, while Albright College travels to Penn State-Berks for a 3 p.m. match-up.

Official Basketball Box Score
Albright vs The College of New Jersey
1/9/08 7 pm at Ewing, NJ (Packer Hall)

VISITORS: Albright 9-2
                          TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN
23 Jeff Sparrow........ *  2-6    1-3    0-2    1  3  4   1   5  3  2  0  0  25
32 Andre Murphy........ *  1-6    0-2    2-2    0  2  2   1   4  3  1  0  2  32
33 Phil Hall........... *  2-8    0-2    0-0    0  4  4   1   4  2  0  0  0  14
44 Tom Murphy.......... *  3-8    2-4    0-0    0  6  6   2   8  4  1  0  0  33
45 Albert Medoro....... *  4-8    2-2    1-2    3  5  8   2  11  3  2  0  0  32
3  Taylor Steltz.......    0-3    0-2    2-4    0  1  1   0   2  2  0  0  1  13
30 Zac Schaffer........    4-7    4-7    2-4    0  1  1   1  14  1  1  0  0  26
42 Andrew Pomager......    5-9    1-2    0-1    2  6  8   0  11  1  3  2  1  21
5  Kyle Brudvig........    3-6    0-0    0-0    2  3  5   2   6  0  0  0  0  14
50 Matt Bazsika........    3-5    0-0    0-0    0  0  0   0   6  1  0  1  0  15
   TEAM................                         1  1  2
    Totals..............   27-66  10-24   7-15   9 32 41  10  71 20 10  3  4 225

TOTAL FG% 1st Half:  9-28 32.1%   2nd Half: 14-32 43.8%   OT:  4-6  66.7%   Game: 40.9%  DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half:  4-10 40.0%   2nd Half:  4-11 36.4%   OT:  2-3  66.7%   Game: 41.7%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half:  3-7  42.9%   2nd Half:  1-3  33.3%   OT:  3-5  60.0%   Game: 46.7%    3,1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOME TEAM: The College of New Jersey 4-7
                          TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN
03 Jay Frank........... *  5-12   1-3    0-0    0  4  4   2  11  3  0  0  1  38
20 Jeff Molinelli...... *  5-12   3-6    0-0    1  4  5   2  13  0  1  0  0  40-
22 Mark Aziz........... *  9-19   0-1    2-2    3  3  6   2  20  2  3  1  0  36
23 Jeff Warner......... *  1-8    0-6    2-2    1  7  8   4   4  6  2  0  1  36
30 William Jett........ *  4-9    0-3    0-0    1  6  7   2   8  3  3  0  1  35
34 Eric Hayes..........    3-5    0-0    0-0    0  0  0   2   6  1  0  0  0  19
35 Adam Gonzalez.......    1-2    0-0    0-0    1  4  5   1   2  1  1  0  0  11
42 Aaron Syvertsen.....    1-4    1-4    0-0    0  2  2   1   3  1  0  0  0  10
   TEAM................                         2  4  6
    Totals..............   29-71   5-23   4-4    9 34 43  16  67 17 10  1  3 225

TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 11-31 35.5%   2nd Half: 14-29 48.3%   OT:  4-11 36.4%   Game: 40.8%  DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half:  3-13 23.1%   2nd Half:  1-7  14.3%   OT:  1-3  33.3%   Game: 21.7%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half:  2-2  100 %   2nd Half:  2-2  100 %   OT:  0-0   0.0%   Game: 100 %    0,1

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officials: Bryan Scipio, Chris Jennings and Peter McGuire
Technical fouls: Albright-None. The College of New Jersey-None.
Attendance: 200
Score by Periods                1st  2nd   OT   Total
Albright......................    25   33   13  -   71
The College of New Jersey.....   27   31    9  -    67

 

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Sports: TCNJ's Defensive Tackle Joe King honored

Cape Cod, MA (1/8/08) – With the release of the 2007 Eastern College Athletic Conference Southeast Football All-Star Team, The College’s New Jersey’s senior defensive tackle, Joe King (Mountainside, NJ/Governor Livingston) has captured another honor for his outstanding play for the Lions.

King was named the 2007 ECAC Southeast Division III Player of the Year, while a total of four Lions were named to the All-Star Team.  King finished the season tied for second in the nation with 28 tackles for a loss (2.4 per game). He also finished third in the nation in sacks with 15 (1.3 per game) for total losses of 125 yards. King received the New Jersey Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year honor for his efforts. TCNJ, which had been picked seventh in the NJAC preseason coaches’ poll, finished the season with a 6-1 NJAC record and a share of the 2007 championship crown. The Lions advanced to the second round of the 2007 NCAA playoff before closing the year with a 9-3 record.

Joining King on the team were senior offensive lineman, Robert Keyes (Flemington, NJ/Hunterdon Central), senior defensive back Andrew Larkin (Hamilton Square, NJ/Notre Dame), and senior punter Jeff Struble (Toms River, NJ/Manchester Township).

KLIMOWICZ ADDS 8TH DOUBLE-DOUBLE OF YEAR AS LIONS DOWN

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team hosted the Sea Gulls of Salisbury University in a non-conference game in Packer Hall on Monday night. TCNJ posted a 47-36 win to improve to 9-3 on the season, while Salisbury falls to 4-8 overall. TCNJ’s defense held SU to a season-low 36 points on the night, while allowing just 15 points in the second half of play.

The Lions held a 22-21 halftime lead as junior center Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) paced TCNJ with eight points and six rebounds in the first stanza of play. TCNJ shot only 33.3% from the floor (11-33) and was unsuccessful from three-point range as they were 0-8.

SU’s junior guard Monica Merkel (Walkersville, MD/St. John’s) had nine points in the first half after shooting 4-6 from the floor. The Sea Gulls also struggled from three-point range in the first half as they were 0-4 from beyond the arch.

The Lions would go on a 10-0 run to open play as they held SU scoreless until the 13:52 mark of the second half. Klimowicz would add her eighth double-double of the season as she would net 12 points and 11 rebounds in the win, freshman forward Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) also had a strong performance as she tallied 10 points with nine rebounds and nine steals in pacing the Lions to the convincing victory, the third in a row for the Lions.

Merkel led the Sea Gulls with 11 points and shot 50% from the floor (5-10) as SU and TCNJ finished with 47 rebounds each. TCNJ forced 27 turnovers and added 18 steals along the way.

TCNJ’S BALANCED OFFENSE LEADS LIONS PAST BUFFALO STATE 80-68

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team hosted the Bengals of Buffalo State College on Monday night in the Lions’ home opener of the 2008 half of the season. TCNJ would run away with the game and tally an 80-68 victory as the team had five different players finish in double-scoring figures, while senior guard Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) added his second straight a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. TCNJ is now 4-6 overall, while Buffalo State drops to 3-5 on the year.

TCNJ would take a 41-37 halftime lead into the locker room as senior forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) and sophomore guard William Jett (Browns Mills, NJ/Pemberton) paced the team with 10 points each in the first half, while holding a narrow 17-16 edge on the boards.  Aziz added a game and team-high 18 points for the Lions, while Jett tied his career-best with 14 points.

BSC’s junior guard Jamar Gray (Rochester, NY/Bishop Kearney) and sophomore guard Santo LaMar (Buffalo, NY/Maryvale) each had eight points in the first half for the Bengals. The Bengals shot 55.2% from the floor as they hit 16-of-29 shots. Junior guard James Tyndal (Bronx, NY/Mnsgr. Scanlon) had six first half assists as well.

TCNJ never trailed in the second half and managed to hold the Bengals at bay despite several runs. The Lions would finish with a 37-29 edge on the boards on the night and shot an impressive 51.7% from the floor (30-58), while holding the Bengals to 43.5% (27-62).

TCNJ’s sophomore Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) added 14 points on a 6-11 shooting performance for the floor and junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) added 14 points as well with four assists.
Buffalo State’s freshman forward Mike Maloney (Buffalo, NY/Cheektowaga) provided a spark in the second half for the team as he finished as the team’s co-scoring leader with 11 points and five rebounds in just nine minutes of work. Santo finished with 11 points as well, while Gray added 10 points. Senior Dion Mozelle (Rego Park, NY/Xaverian) added nine points and a team-high seven rebounds, all defensive.

TCNJ returns to Packer Hall on Wednesday, January 9 hosting Albright College at 7 p.m., while Buffalo State  hosts SUNY-Potsdam on Friday, January 11 at 8 p.m.

FRANK SPARKS LIONS OFF THE BENCH IN 79-63 WIN

St. Mary’s, MD…The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team opened the 2008 portion of the season on the road as they faced St. Mary’s College of Maryland. TCNJ would come away with a 79-63 victory to improve to 3-6 overall, while St. Mary’s drops to 7-6. The Lions snap a two-game losing skid, while SMC’s has now lost three in a row. TCNJ led by only one at the break, 39-38 but cruised in the second half.
TCNJ’s sophomore Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) added a team-high 19 points off the bench to help the Lions on the night as five different players finished in double digits scoring in the contest. The 19 points marks a career-high for Frank, whose previous best came last year with 17 points in a win over Muhlenberg.

Junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) added 17 points, while senior forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) put up 16 points for TCNJ with a 7-12 effort from the floor.
Senior guard Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) added a double-double with 10 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, all on the defensive end of the floor.  Senior guard Corey Gilmore (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) added 10 points as well for TCNJ with four assists and a steal.
SMC’s freshman Mike Bowden (Columbia, MD/Long Reach) added a game-high 23 points for the Sea Gulls, while senior guard Tyson Lesesne (Edgewood, MD/Edgewood) finished with 10 points.
TCNJ returns to Packer Hall on Monday, January 7 hosting Buffalo State College at 8 p.m., just following the women’s home 6 p.m. match-up with Salisbury University.

#9 TCNJ WRESTLING TEAM GOES 3-1 AT NORTH/SOUTH DUALS

Collegeville, PA… The College of New Jersey wrestling team participated in the annual North/South Duals hosted by Ursinus College on Saturday and had a successful day as they finished the event with record of 3-1.

The ninth-ranked Lions opened the tournament with a pair of victories beating Plymouth State University by the score of 36-3 and then handled Messiah College, 32-9. Those two victories extended the team’s dual-meet winning streak to 19 before falling in their third match of the tournament. TCNJ suffered a 40-3 defeat at the hands of third-ranked University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and bounced back with a 46-0 win over Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Lions are now 7-1 in dual meets this season.

Freshman John Barnett (Oakridge, NJ/Jefferson Twp.) was perfect on the day going 3-0 at 149 pounds for the Lions. Also performing well for the Lions were junior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) at 174, sophomore Dan DiColo (Budd Lake, NJ/Mount Olive) at 157 and freshman Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) at 165 as each grappler went 3-1.

One of the bigger wins for the Lions came in their final bout as senior heavyweight Steve Carbone (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) knocked off nationally-ranked Glenn Geesman of MIT by the score of 8-6.

The Lions will face another tough task next weekend competing in the two-day  Budd Whitehill National Dual Meet Tournament hosted by Lycoming College.

Match-by-Match Results

#9 TCNJ 36, Plymouth State 3
125: F. Wilkinson (Ply) won by dec 5 -3 over Dan Frank (TCNJ)
133: Ray Sarinelli (TCNJ) won by major dec. 17-3 over Chris Greenwood (Ply)
141: Brian Suozzo (TCNJ) won by dec 7 -5 over Joe McGowen (Ply)
149: John Barnett (TCNJ) won by technical fall: 4:28 over Adam Friend (Ply)
157: Dan DiColo (TCNJ) won by fall 4:53 over Jared Laganas (Ply)
165: Justin Bonitatis (TCNJ) won by technical fall, 5:00 over Mark Watts (Ply)
174: Greg Osgoodby (TCNJ) won by major decision 13-2 over Ryan Schieding (Ply)
184: Mike Denver (TCNJ) won by TB-2, 12-11 over Landon Nelson (Ply)
197: Adam Koziol (TCNJ) won by dec 8 -4 over Rob Phillips (Ply)
285: Steve Carbone (TCNJ) won by dec 5 -1 over Josh Stours (Ply)

#9 TCNJ 32, Messiah 9
125: Dan Hughes (TCNJ) won by major dec 20-9 over A. Clark (Mess)
133: J. Cragg (Mess.) won by fall 1:15 over Ray Sarinelli (TCNJ)
141: Mike  Jacoutot Jr. (TCNJ) won by dec 9 -3 over L. Putnam (Mess)
149: C. Gin (Mess) won by dec 2 -0 over Ryan McCabe (TCNJ)
157: Dan DiColo (TCNJ) won by dec 9 -4 over M. Hojnacki (Mess)
165: Justin Bonitatis (TCNJ) won by fall 6:06 over T. Zampel (Mess)
174: Al Wonesh (TCNJ) won by dec 5 -2 over D. Jones (Mess)
184: Greg Osgoodby (TCNJ) won by major dec 9-0 over M. McHugh (Mess)
197: Jim Tomczuk (TCNJ) won by dec 5 -3 over T. Hopkins (Mess)
285: Steve Carbone (TCNJ) won by fall 0:58 over E. Arbiza (Mess)

#3 Wisconsin-La Crosse 40, #9 TCNJ 3
125 – Brandon Music (UWL) won by dec. Dan Hughes (TCNJ), 7-6
133 – Jordan Kolinski (UWL) won by dec. Ray Sarinelli (TCNJ), 7-3
141 – Kevin Barber (UWL) injury def. Mike Jacoutot, Jr (TCNJ)., 1:42
149 – John Barnett (TCNJ) won by dec. Eric Seppelt (UWL), 5-2
157 – Jay Milz (UWL) won by dec. Dan DiColo (TCNJ), 4-3
165 – Tim Palmer (UWL) won by major dec. Justin Bonitatis (TCNJ), 14-4
174 – Josh Chelf (UWL) pin Greg Osgoodby (TCNJ), 2:04
184 – Josh Zabel (UWL) pin Jim Tomczuk (TCNJ), 2:45
197 – Andy Moore (UWL) dec. Joe Bozzomo (TCNJ), 5-1
285 – Dan Laurent (UWL) pin Steve Carbone (TCNJ), 1:06

#9 TCNJ 46, MIT 0
125 – Dan Hughes (TCNJ) dec. Grant Kadokura, 6-1
133 – Dan Frank (TCNJ) dec. Greg Wellman, 3-2
141 – Brian Suozzo (TCNJ) dec. Keynan Tanote, 2-1
149 – John Barnett (TCNJ) forfeit
157 – Dan DiColo (TCNJ) forfeit
165 – Justin Bonitatis (TCNJ) forfeit
174 – Al Wonesh (TCNJ) forfeit
184 – Greg Osgoodby (TCNJ) medical forfeit over Travis Samuel
197 – Joe Bozzomo (TCNJ) major dec. Joe Silverman, 24-10
285 – Steve Carbone (TCNJ) dec. Glenn Geesman, 8-6

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TCNJ WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM WINS GWYNEDD-MERCY CLASSIC

Gwynedd Valley, PA… Junior Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) posted a double-double and was tabbed as the most valuable player of the Gwynedd-Mercy College Classic as the Lions defeated the host school in the title game 54-40 on Saturday.

Klimowicz finished with a game-high 18 and added 12 rebounds as she was perfect from the floor making all nine of her shots. The center also added six blocked shots. In the two wins in the tournament, Klimowicz connected on a blistering 16-of-18 shots from the floors and averaged 10.5 rebounds and five blocks.

Senior Sara Best (Voorhees, NJ/High Bridge) added to the victory with 12 points and seven rebounds and earned a spot on the all-tournament team. Sophomore Alex Gregorek (Mahwah, NJ/Academy of Holy Angels) also scored in double figures as she netted 10 points and added seven rebounds.

TCNJ defense shined holding the Griffins to only 40 points, the fewest allowed by the Lions this season, and only 22percent shooting from the floor. Gwynedd-Mercy made only 13 field goals on 59 attempts.

Next up for TCNJ is another non-conference game hosting Salisbury University at Packer Hall on Monday, January 7 at 6 p.m.

Campus on alert after TCNJ officials receive "unsubstantiated threat"

by Michael Ratcliffe/The Times

Friday January 04, 2008,  8:22 PM

       

EWING -- College of New Jersey officials are urging everyone on campus to "exercise a heightened sense of alertness" following the receipt by college police of a "unsubstantiated threat" to the campus.

"TCNJ's Office of Campus Police Services has received information about an unsubstantiated threat to our campus," officials said in an e-mail sent out Friday night to students, faculty and others affiliated with the college.

"Those on campus should exercise a heightened sense of alertness and report any suspicious individual or activity to the campus police dispatcher (extension 2167 from a campus telephone or 609-771-2167 from elsewhere). In case of an emergency, please dial 911," the alert said.

continue..........

TCNJ appoints John Castaldo Athletic Director

Source Media release, January 4, 2007

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey Vice President for Student Affairs Jim Norfleet has announced the appointment of John Castaldo (Hamilton Square, NJ) as the athletic director for the College. Castaldo has served as the interim athletic director since June 1, 2007. Castaldo, TCNJ's former men's basketball coach and a 1982 graduate of the College, replaces Kevin McHugh, who resigned last spring to accept a position as the director of athletics and chair of the Department of Physical Education at Bates College (Lewiston, ME). Castaldo's appointment was announced on Friday by Vice President Norfleet.

"An alumnus who is unwaveringly loyal to his alma mater, John has shown himself to be a creative and energetic leader," said Norfleet. "He has enjoyed this new challenge, and I have been impressed with the way he has approached it. He is dedicated to students and TCNJ's concept of the student-athlete, understands the role of athletics and recreation in a highly selective residential college, and has an impeccable record of personal and professional integrity. His success in forging connections across campus and in stewarding relationships with our alumni and friends bode well for the further integration of athletics into the broader campus community."

Castaldo holds both undergraduate and master's degrees from TCNJ, having earned a bachelor of science degree in urban administration in 1982 and a master's of education in administration of physical education and athletic management in 1983.

Castaldo said of his appointment, "It is with tremendous pride and honor that I accept and look forward to working as the Director of Athletics and Recreation at The College of New Jersey." Castaldo added, "I am eager to work with Dr. Gitenstein and Jim Norfleet in creating our vision for the future. TCNJ is a remarkable place and I am excited about continuing to be part of it and continuing to build upon the outstanding traditions of the college and producing quality student-athletes. Working in a collaborative effort with my campus colleagues is paramount in reaching our goals. I look forward to reaching out to our alumni and friends, as we continue to move TCNJ on its continued path of success. As a former student-athlete, and graduate assistant at TCNJ, as well as the former basketball coach, I have witnessed first-hand the outstanding leadership traits of Roy Van Ness, which continued under the direction of Kevin McHugh. They have passed the baton and I look forward in building upon the legacy, tradition and belief that athletics and recreation plays a vital role within our campus community."

Castaldo served at the helm of TCNJ's men's basketball program for 14 seasons. He returned to his alma mater in 1993 and proceeded to rebuild the Lions' men's basketball program. Under his guidance, the Lions have been a constant threat in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) playoff race. In fourteen seasons at the helm, Castaldo has compiled a record of 200-149 at TCNJ. Including his stint at McCorristin High School, Castaldo has an overall coaching record of 410-209.

Castaldo remained at TSC following his graduation and earned a master's degree from the College. Born and raised in the Trenton area, Castaldo's local ties are extremely strong. He was honored in 2004 by the Golden Wave Club and presented with the prestigious Reverend Clarence O'Shea Memorial Award for his area contributions and on the court successes. The award also comes on the heels of being inducted in 2003 to McCorristin Catholic's Hall of Fame.

Castaldo, 47, came to TCNJ from nearby McCorristin High School, where he had been serving as both the boy's basketball coach and the athletic director. Since 1983, Castaldo's basketball teams had compiled a 210-60 (a .780 win percentage), including a Mercer County record 56-game win streak spanning from the 1986 to 1989 seasons. In addition, Castaldo's 1989 and 1990 teams captured the NJSIAA Parochial A Championship. His teams also won three South Jersey Parochial A state titles and seven conference championships during his career. His record over his last eight years at McCorristin was an astounding 192-32 (a .860 win percentage). During his 10 years at McCorristin, his teams averaged 21 wins per season.

In conjunction with his McCorristin coaching duties, Castaldo also served as the athletic director from January 1985 until September 1993. He was responsible for all phases of the athletic department as well as developing an academic counseling program for student-athletes at the Trenton-based high school.

At TCNJ, Castaldo has also served as the coordinator of event staffing for the College's fall and spring varsity athletic contests, while also working on marketing and promotions of the College's 20 varsity athletic programs.

Castaldo added, "I thank my parents, wife, and family for their unconditional support throughout the years. As I conclude twenty-eight years in the coaching profession, it is a pleasant feeling to know that I am not going home, but "staying home."

TCNJ’S Baseball Team Earns Pre-School Ranking; Lions 2008 Schedule Released

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey's 2008 baseball team has been tapped for the No. 14 spot in the 2008 Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's Division III Pre-Season Poll.  The 2008 Lions will be led by interim head coach Dean Glus, who replaces Rick Dell who resigned this past summer to accept a position with Major League Baseball.

Glus inherits a squad that has earned three straight New Jersey Athletic Conference Championships as well as NCAA bids in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. The Lions went 34-11 in 2007 and had two players tapped as National All-Americans adding to the program's long list of accomplishments and honors.

The Lions will open up the 2008 season with an ambitious schedule. For the third straight year, TCNJ will head West with a spring training trip to Arizona. While in Arizona, the Lions will play 11 contests, including three match-ups against nationally ranked opponents. Pre-season second ranked SUNY Cortland will give the Lions an early test as will games with No. 13 ranked Wheaton College (MA), and No. 30 ranked Keene State College. When they return to New Jersey, the Lions take on a handful of non-conference opponents before jumping into an extremely tough conference schedule since the NJAC has produced seven NCAA Division III Champions since 1978.

Traditional tough NJAC rivals include William Paterson, the 1997 NCAA Division III Champions and Montclair State University, the 2000 NCAA Division III Champions as well as defending NCAA Division III Champions, Kean University. Additional NJAC competition will come from Rowan University, Rutgers University-Newark, Kean, Rutgers University-Camden, Richard Stockton and New Jersey City University.

Non-conference match-ups for the Lions will include contests with contests with nationally ranked opponents such as No. 29 ranked Gwynedd-Mercy College and No. 10 ranked Johns Hopkins University. Additional non-conference contests with Haverford College, Arcadia University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Ursinus College, Neumann College, Moravian College, and Messiah College help complete the 2008 schedule for the Lions, all helping to give TCNJ some tough independent competition that should prepare the Lions for a return to the NCAA tournament.

At season's end, the Lions will look to four-peat as the NJAC Champions with an eye on returning to the College World Series after taking fourth place six years ago.

No stranger to TCNJ's baseball program and TCNJ's department of athletics, Glus enters his 17^th season with the College this fall after serving as the baseball program's assistant coach for the past 16 years. In addition to his role as TCNJ's baseball assistant coach, Glus was tapped as the College's director of athletic and recreational facilities and scheduling after the retirement of Frank Harris in the spring of 2006.

Glus is a former three-year letterwinner for the Mountaineers at Division I West Virginia University. As WVU's top reliever, Glus helped his teams earn NCAA Tournament bids in 1985 and 1987.

Since arriving at TCNJ in 1990, Glus has been involved in many facets of the game on and off the field for the Lions ranging from pitching, catching, infield play, strategies of the game, and recruiting. In addition to his involvement with numerous TCNJ baseball camps and clinics, Glus also served as a national coach in Estonia, for the Junior and National baseball teams in the Baltic States in 1991. In 1996, Glus was tapped to serve as a coach with the Roberto Clemente All-Stars in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In the summer of 1997, he traveled to Guam and the Philippines while participating in Major League Baseball's International Asian tour.

see schedule and rankings

2008 THE COLLEGE OF NEW JERSEY BASEBALL SCHEDULE

DATE                OPPONENT                    TIME

MARCH

Fri.-Sun. 7-16            Spring Training Trip (Phoenix, AZ)

Fri. 7                vs. Concordia University (IL)            TBA

Sat. 8                vs. Wheaton College (MA)            TBA

Sun. 9                vs. Webster University                        TBA

Mon. 10            vs. Dickinson College                TBA

                vs. SUNY Cortland                TBA

Wed. 12            vs. SUNY Cortland                TBA

Thu. 13            vs. Wheaton College (MA)            TBA

Fri. 14                vs. Suffolk University                TBA

Sat. 15                vs. Keene State College (DH)            TBA

Sun. 16            vs. UMASS-Boston                TBA

Wed. 19             COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND        3:30

Thu. 20            at Ursinus College                3:30

Fri. 21                HAVERFORD COLLEGE            3:30

Wed. 26            at Gwynedd-Mercy College            3:00

Thu. 27            *RUTGERS UNIV-CAMDEN        3:30

Fri. 28                *at Rowan University                3:30

Sat. 29                *at Rutgers Univ-Newark (DH)        11:30

Mon. 31            at Arcadia University                3:30    

APRIL

Tue. 1                ALBRIGHT COLLEGE            3:30

Thu. 3                MORAVIAN COLLEGE            4:00

Fri. 4                *RICHARD STOCKTON                       3:30

Sat. 5                *NJ CITY UNIVERSITY (DH)         Noon

Tue. 8                NEUMANN COLLEGE            3:30

Thu. 10            *at Rutgers University-Camden        3:30

Fri. 11                *at Ramapo College                3:30

Sat. 12                *MONTCLAIR STATE U  (DH)               Noon

Tue. 15            at Messiah College                3:30

Thu. 17            *ROWAN UNIVERSITY            3:30

Fri. 18                *at Richard Stockton College            3:30

Sat. 19                *at William Paterson University (DH)        Noon

Mon. 21            at Johns Hopkins University            3:30

Tue. 22            STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECH        3:30

Wed. 23            at Widener University                3:30

Fri. 25                *RAMAPO COLLEGE             3:30

Sat. 26                *at Kean University (DH)            Noon       

Wed.-Sun. 30-4        at NJAC Championships            TBA

MAY

Wed.-Sun. 14-18        at NCAA Division III Regionals        TBA

Fri.-Tue. 23-27        at NCAA Division III College World Series    TBA            

 

    *Indicates NJAC Contest    DH Indicates Double Header

HOME GAMES ARE IN ALL CAPS AND PLAYED IN GEORGE ACKERMAN PARK

 

Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's

2008 NCAA Div. III Pre-Season Poll

www.baseballnews.com

 

Rank    School Name         '07 Final Record Point Totals

1.     Wooster, OH         42-7         259

2.     Cortland St., NY     42-7         257

3.     Kean, NJ         43-8         254

4.     Chapman, CA         41-8         250

5.     Emory, GA         43-10         247

6.     Eastern Conn. St.     38-12         243

7.     Wisc.-Stevens Point     34-17         240

8.     Carthage, WI         37-13         236

9.     Marietta, OH         32-17         234

10.     Johns Hopkins, MD     38-11         230

11.     Wisc.-Oshkosh     35-12         227

12.     Pacific Lutheran, WA     35-9         225

13.     Wheaton, MA     34-13         221

14.     The College of NJ    34-11         219

15.     Texas Lutheran     37-10-1     216

16.     Luther, IA         31-11         213

17.     St. Thomas, MN     34-12         210

18.     Texas-Tyler         37-1         207

19.     Southern Maine     27-15         205

20.     Ferrum, VA         27-18         202

21.     Trinity, CT         30-8         199

22.     Otterbein, OH         32-13         196

23.     Ithaca, NY         27-15         195

24.     Augustana, IL         35-14         191

25.     York, PA         32-14         188

26.     Salisbury, MD         33-10         187

27.     Illinois Wesleyan     32-13         185

28.     St. Olaf, MN         32-10         182

29.     Gwynedd-Mercy, PA     33-12         178

30.     Keene St., NH     32-15         174

Other Top Teams: Ohio Wesleyan (27-16), Webster (31-14), Transylvania (29-12), St. Joseph's, ME (30-12), Edgewood (26-13), George Fox (30-11), Rhodes (36-10), Pomona-Pitzer (30-13), Hope (29-13), Texas-Dallas (34-13).

 

Teams bolded are 2008 TCNJ opponents

     -30-

Brute Sunshine Open: TCNJ THREE CHAMPS AND THREE RUNNERS-UP

Lakeland, FL… The College of New Jersey wrestling team wrapped action on Saturday at the 2007
Brute Sunshine Open at the Lakeland Convention Center. After two days of competition in the non-
team scored event, TCNJ produced three champions, three runners-up, a fourth place finisher
and a sixth place finisher. Defending event champion, Augsburg College (MN) produced only two
champions, while Delaware Valley College also had three champions at the event. The
21-team competition featured four of the nation’s top ten ranked teams in Division III, including
No. 1 ranked Augsburg College (MN), #4 Heidelberg College (O), #6 Delaware Valley College and
the #8 ranked Lions of TCNJ.

Capturing the championship at their respective weight classes for the Lions were freshman Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) at 165 pounds, junior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) at 174 pounds as well as sophomore Dan DiColo (Budd Lake, NJ/Mt. Olive) at 157.

TCNJ’s second place finishes were earned by junior Al Wonesh (Columbus, NJ/Northern Burlington) at 165 pounds, freshman Kyle Kinchen (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) at 125 pounds, and senior heavyweight Steve Carbone (Cranford, NJ/Cranford), while rookie John Barnett (Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson Township) took fourth at 149 pounds and junior Jon Biango (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) picked up a sixth place in the 165 pounds weight class.

Bonitatis was a perfect 5-0 for the tournament with a pin in the second round, while DiColo added a 4-0 performance for the weekend. Osgoodby also was 4-0 with a technical fall win and a major decision, while Kinchen and Wonesh both went 3-1 for the tournament. Carbone picked up a 4-1 record for the event as TCNJ had another impressive tournament showing.

BRUTE SUNSHINE OPEN SEMIFINALS: TCNJ Still Alive

December 28, 2007 Media Release

Lakeland, FL… The College of New Jersey wrestling team opened action on Friday at the 2007 Brute Sunshine Open at the Lakeland Convention Center. After one day of competition in the two-day non-team scored event, TCNJ proudly boasts eight wrestlers alive in the semifinals.

The 21-team competition features four of the nation’s top ten ranked teams in Division III, including No. 1 ranked Augsburg College (MN), #4 Heidelberg College (O), #6 Delaware Valley College and the #8 ranked Lions of TCNJ.

TCNJ’s junior Al Wonesh (Columbus, NJ/Northern Burlington) put the Lions in good standing after day one after he pulled the upset of the day off, besting the top seeded grappler at this weight and the tournament’s defending champion to advance in the 165 pound weight class.

At 157 pounds, Jon Biango (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) added a victory over second seeded    to move on at his weight class.

Among the other Lions alive in the semifinals of their respective weight classes are freshman Kyle Kinchen (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) at 125 pounds, rookie John Barnett (Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson Township) at 149 pounds, Dan DiColo (Budd Lake, NJ/Mt. Olive) at 157.
Ranked No. 10 in Division III at 165 pounds, freshman Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) remains in the winners’ bracket as well for the Lions, while junior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) is competing for TCNJ at 174 pounds and senior heavyweight Steve Carbone (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) is also alive for the Lions.

College Men’s Soccer: TCNJ Places 3 Players on 2007 NSCAA All-Metro Team *

 

Media release December 21, 2007

 

Ewing, NJ¦ With the release of the 2007 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Metro Region Team, The College of New Jersey finds three players amongst the region's players honored with a spot on the all-star team.

Named to the 2007 All-Metro Regional Third Team from TCNJ were sophomore Kevin Luber (Delran, NJ/Delran), senior midfielder Joe McGinley (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) and senior back Frank Fiorilli (Bridgewater, NJ/Immaculata).

Luber finished his sophomore season as the Lions' top scorer with a career-best 28 points on 10 goals with eight assists. He added two game-winning goals and is currently ranked fourth in the NJAC with his 1.47 points per game, while his 10 goals was seventh best in the league. A 19-game starter for the Lions, Luber now has 11 career goals with 10 assists for 32 points in 35 games played thus far. He was also named the NJAC Offensive Player of the Week after adding 5 points on the week and by year's end was a 2007 NJAC All-Star First Team honoree.

McGinley added a goal and two assists for the Lions in the midfield and is now a four-time NJAC honoree having earned selections in 2004, 2005, and 2006. He caps his career having tallied five goals with 12 assists in 68 games played for the Lions.

Fiorilli, an NJAC honorable mention pick in 2006, added NJAC Second Team honors for the Lions after anchoring the backfield this fall. He added two goals to help TCNJ's offense finish the season having outscored their opponents by a 40-26 margin, while adding four shutouts. Over his career, Fiorilli played in 67 games for the Lions while tallying three goals with two assists.

The 2007 Lions finished the season with a 10-6-3 record, while earning the No. 3 seed in the NJAC tournament before bowing from the tournament in the first round. TCNJ racked up tournament titles at the Rowan University Harrison House Invitational to open the season and held a national ranking for several weeks, including a ranking on No. 7 in mid-October.

 

College Mens Basketball: WESLEY HANDS TCNJ 58-57 HOME SET BACK

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey men's basketball team hosted the Wolverines of Wesley College on Friday night in Packer Hall in a non-conference match-up.  Wesley came away with the 58-57 win to improve to 6-2, while TCNJ falls to 2-6 on the year.

In the final seconds of the game, TCNJ's would have possession of the ball and called a timeout with 21.5 seconds left. Senior forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) put up a layup with less than 3 seconds left, only to watch the ball clank off the rim and Wesley's junior guard Evan Martin (Wilmington, DE/Laurinburg) reeled in the rebound to preserve the win for his team.

TCNJ would go on a 17-4 run to open the game before Wesley would come back and trail by only three at the break, 33-30. The game would become tied at 38-38 with 15:10 left to play. Wesley would take a 41-40 lead at 14:30 and before the game was over, there were five ties and four lead changes.
TCNJ's Aziz would finish with 18 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) added 11 points.  Junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) added only five points but led the Lions on the boards with nine and handed out five assists in the loss.

WC's junior guard Rashawn Johnson (Selbyville, DE/Sussex Tech) led the way with 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Wolverines. The leading scorer for Wesley, Johnson was limited to only 14 points, down from his 25.7 ppg average. Sophomore forward Khyle Nelson (Wilmington, DE/Glasgow) contributed 10 points off the bench with six rebounds and a block for the Wolverines as they captured their third straight win.

College Men’s Basketball: GBUENA VISTA TRIUMPHS IN TWO OT’s, 84-77 OVER TCNJ

Source media release

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey men's basketball team hosted the Beavers of Buena Vista University on Wednesday night in Packer Hall in a non-conference match-up.   Senior guard Rahn Franklin (Kansas City, MO/North) shot back to back three-point baskets in the final minute of the second overtime period to lift his team to an 84-77 win, snapping a two-game losing streak.  With the win, BVU is now 7-3 overall, while TCNJ drops to 2-5.

BVU opened with a 7-3 run to open the game. TCNJ would lead twice by as many as eight points, before the Beavers would regain the lead (21-20 at 3:03). By the end of the first stanza there were six lead changes and three ties as BVU held a 27-24 lead on a three-point basket by junior guard Andre Wagner (Omaha, NE/Northwest). Wagner led his team in the first half with 10 points, while junior forward Matt Cleveland (McCook Lake, SD/Heelan) added eight points in the first half.

TCNJ's junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) had nine points in the first half, while  senior co-captain Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) had seven points and three steals for the Lions.

After never owning a lead in the second half, TCNJ would climb back from being down by 13 points (55-42, 6:04) and would tie the game on a three-pointer by Aziz with 8.2 seconds left and send the game to overtime tied at 64-64. The game would go to an additional period of overtime tied at 73-73 all and head to a second period of overtime play

TCNJ would have two players foul out of the extra action, Molinelli and sophomore Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial). Molinelli would finish with nine points, while Frank netted a season-high 14 points off the bench.

By game's end, BVU's Wagner added 20 points, while Cleveland added a double-double on 17 points with 12 rebounds and a pair of blocks.  Rahn finished with 12 points, while senior center Adam Arndorfer (Corwith, IA/Bishop Garrigan) added 15 points on 6-7 shooting from the floor.

Aziz led all of TCNJ's players with his season-high 22 points, while senior guard Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) tallied his first career-double-double with 15 points and a career-high 12 rebounds.  Aziz hit the three-point basket on a pass from Warner with 7.8 seconds left in regulation to send the game to the overtime session after tying play at 64-64.

College Football: TCNJ's Defensive Tackle Joe King named to All-America 2nd Team

Media Release

Ewing, NJ (12/19/07) – With the release of the 2007 D3Football.com All-America Team, The College’s New Jersey’s senior defensive tackle, Joe King (Mountainside, NJ/Governor Livingston) has been placed on the All-America Second Team. King was named D3football.com 2007 East Region Defensive Player of the Year as well as a First Team All-East Region player.

King recorded 28 tackles for loss and 15 sacks while breaking up seven passes for the Lions, who held opponents to 70.5 rushing yards per game. He was also named the 2007 NJAC Defensive Player of the Year.

TCNJ, which had been picked seventh in the NJAC preseason coaches’ poll, finished the season with a 6-1 NJAC record and a share of the 2007 championship crown. The Lions advanced to the second round of the 2007 NCAA playoff before closing the year with a 9-3 record.

King capped his stellar athletic career having earned the Defensive Player of the Year honors from both the NJAC and the D3Football.com East Region. His final game was shortened by an injury, but not before he managed to add his final career sack. King was extended an invitation to compete in the 2007 AFCA’s Aztec Bowl, but had to decline the invitation due to the injury suffered in his final game. King earned NJAC Defensive Player of the Week honors three times in 2007 as well as capturing ECAC Defensive Player of the Week honors once. He caps his stellar athletic career having excelled on the gridiron.  On the 2007 season, he finished the year with 71 tackles with a team and league leading 28 tackles for a loss (-173 yards), while also adding 15 sacks (-125 yards). On his career, King racked up 148 career tackles with 56.5 tackles for a loss (-337 yards), while adding 34.5 sacks (-269 yards), with 14 pass break ups, four blocks and four fumbles in 39 games played.  As of November 27, he was ranked fifth in Division III in sacks per game (1.3), while ranking third as well in tackles for a loss (2.3).

College Soccer: TCNJ WOMEN’S SOCCER PLAYERS EARN ALL-AMERICA HONORS

Source Media Release

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey women’s soccer team was well represented when the National Soccer Coaches Association of American dished out their post-season honors as two Lions were named NSCAA/adidas Women’s NCAA Division III All-Americans. In addition to the All-America citations, TCNJ had five players selected All-Mid-Atlantic Region.

Senior Dana DiBruno (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) reeled in All-America honors for the third straight year as the midfielder in addition to the Mid-Atlantic First Team. She was previously a 2005 First Team All-America and last season earned a spot on the second team. Earlier this season, the Lion standout was named the 2007 New Jersey Athletic Conference Midfielder of the Year and All-NJAC First Team.

DiBruno, who was the 2004 NJAC Rookie of the Year and the 2005 NJAC Offensive Player of the Year, finished the season 14 goals and eight assists for 36 points leaving her as the program’s all-time leading scorer. She capped her career with 137 points on 55 goals and 27 assists and she also ranks second in career goals and fourth in assists.

Senior defender Courtney Krol (Howell, NJ/Howell) was named a third team All-America marking the second straight year she has been honored. In 2006, Krol was a first team honoree. In addition to the national honor, Krol was also named Mid-Atlantic First Team and was the 2007 NJAC Defensive Player of the Year marking the third straight year she has claimed that award and was All-NJAC First Team.

Krol contributed at both ends of the field for TCNJ scoring four goals and adding seven assists, while anchoring a defensive unit that has allowed only six goals in 22 games with 18 shutouts. The Lions ranked first nationally in goals-against-average at 0.257. In addition to her success on the field, Krol was also CoSIDA ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District II College Division Second Team.

Two other Lions were named to the All-Mid-Atlantic First Team as junior Jamie Kunkel (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape) and sophomore Briann McDonough (North Arlington, NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy) earned the honor for the first time.

Kunkel finished the season as the team’s leading scorer with 17 goals and six assists for 40 points with all three of those numbers being career highs. Those 17 goals were the third best total for a single season in program history and her 40 points ranks fourth. The forward was also an All-NJAC First Team selection.

McDonough was another key component to TCNJ’s offense as the forward finished third on the team in scoring with 32 points on 10 goals and 12 assists. McDonough led the NJAC in assists and set career highs in every offensive category, while being named All-NJAC Second Team.

The final Lion honored was goalie Jessica Clarke (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) as she was named All-Mid-Atlantic Third Team. The 2007 NJAC Goalkeeper of the Year and All-NJAC First Team pick led the nation in goals-against-average at a mere 0.238 a game and was 13th in save percentage at .891. She finished the year with a 21-1-1 record with 12 solo shutouts and six more combined.

The Lions finished the 2007 campaign with a 21-1-1 record and advanced to the NCAA Division III semifinals for the third straight season. TCNJ also won its third straight NJAC Championships winning the conference tournament following an 8-0-1 conference mark during the regular season.


-30-

TCNJ Basketball: MARYMOUNT RALLIES PAST TCNJ WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM

Arlington, VA… Marymount (VA) University overcame a 19-point deficit in the first half and pulled out an 81-73 victory over The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team on Sunday.

The loss knocked the Lions to 6-3 on the season with two of those losses coming against the Saints, which remained undefeated at 7-0 on the season.

TCNJ held a 29-10 lead with 10:01 remaining in the opening half before the hosts went on a 28-10 run to close to within a point at 39-38 at the half.

Marymount took its first lead 1:35 into the new half at 42-41 and then built an eight-point lead at 57-49 at the 12:15 mark. The Lions roared back to take a four-point lead at 63-59 with 8:36 to play.

The Saints reclaimed the lead for good on a 3-pointer making it a 71-69 game.

TCNJ received a double-double from junior Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) as the center scored 19 points and added 10 rebounds.

Junior Lisa Koch (Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson Twp.) added 14 points and five assists for the Lions and sophomore Alex Gregorek (Mahwah, NJ/Academy of Holy Angels) chipped in with 12 points.

TCNJ Mens Hoops: AZIZ AND MOLINELLI COMBINE FOR 39 POINTS AS TCNJ BEATS CABRINI 83-62

source media release

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team hosted the Cavaliers of Cabrini College in a non-conference match-up on Saturday in Packer Hall. TCNJ led 45-24 at the break and rolled to an 83-62 win to improve to 2-4, while Cabrini drops to 3-6 having lost three in a row. The victory was the first home win for TCNJ’s interim head coach Matt Hunter as his Lions are now 1-1 in Packer Hall.

TCNJ’s junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) finished with 12 points after leading all scorers with 10 first half points. He had seven of his career-high 10 rebounds in the first stanza as well as TCNJ held a 26-11 margin on the boards.  The double-double was a career-first for Molinelli as he paced the Lions. TCNJ had 10 different players score in the first half as both senior co-captain, forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) and sophomore guard William Jett (Browns Mills, NJ/Pemberton) added six points a piece in the first half.

Aziz led all players with his 17 points, but was held to a season-low one rebound despite hitting an impressive 7-11 from the floor. As a team, the Lions shot a blistering 50.8% (31-61) from the floor.

By game’s end, TCNJ had also gotten a season-high 10 points from sophomore Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial), who returned to the Lions’ lineup a week ago after missing the team’s first four games with illness.

Cabrini’s junior guard Corey White (Philadelphia, PA/George Washington) had seven first half points, including a 2-2 from three-point range, while junior guard Ryan Oxley (Germansville, PA/Northwestern Lehigh) had six points on a 2-6 effort from three-point range.  By game’s end, senior forward Randy Reid (Philadelphia, PA/Monsignor Bonner) would lead the Cavaliers with 11 points and nine rebounds with five blocks on the day.

Cabrini had three players add nine points in the loss, White, Oxley, and sophomore guard Matt Walsh (Wantagh, NY/Trinity).

TCNJ’s 83 points was a season-high for the Lions, while they also held a 50-29 edge on the boards, despite TCNJ’s Aziz being held to a season-low one rebound on the day.
TCNJ returns to action on Wednesday, December 19 hosting Buena Vista University in a 6 p.m. non-league contest in Packer Hall. Two days earlier, BVU will visit Cabrini for a 7:30 p.m. contest on December  17 in Radnor, PA.

TCNJ's football team earns acclaim from D3football.com

Ewing, NJ (12/14/07) – With the release of the 2007 D3Football.com East Region Team, The College’s New Jersey’s senior defensive tackle, Joe King (Mountainside, NJ/Gov. Livingston) and head football coach Eric Hamilton have both been honored. King was named D3football.com 2007 East Region Defensive Player of the Year, while Hamilton was named East Region Coach of the Year in the site’s annual regional awards.

The teams, selected in balloting by East Region sports information directors and D3football.com staff, were chosen from 173 nominations by Division III member schools. A total of 75 players were chosen.

King recorded 28 tackles for loss and 15 sacks while breaking up seven passes for the Lions, who held opponents to 70.5 rushing yards per game. He was also named the 2007 NJAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Hamilton led TCNJ, which was picked seventh in the NJAC preseason coaches’ poll, to an 8-2 regular season record and a first-round NCAA playoff win as the 2007 Lions went 9-3. He was also named the NJAC’s 2007 Coach of the Year and was also a finalist for the AFCA Region I Coach of the Year. He is currently one of five finalists for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year.

Also earning acclaim on the 2007 D3football.com All-East Team from TCNJ were senior punter Jeff Struble (Toms River, NJ/Manchester Township), senior offensive tackle Robert Keyes (Flemington, NJ/Hunterdon Central), and senior cornerback Andrew Larkin (Hamilton Square, NJ/Notre Dame).

For more information please contact D3football.com publisher Pat Coleman at (703) 868-4364 or by e-mail at pat@d3football.com.

D3football.com 2007 All-East Region Team
Offensive Player of the Year: Jason Boltus, QB, Hartwick
Defensive Player of the Year: Joe King, DT, The College of New Jersey
Coach of the Year: Eric Hamilton, The College of New Jersey

First Team Offense
Pos. Name, Cl. College Hometown
QB Jason Boltus, Jr., Hartwick Baldwinsville, N.Y.
RB Vinson Hendrix, So., Alfred Rochester, N.Y.
RB Matt Bielecki, Sr., Rochester Burnt Hills, N.Y.
WR Jack Phelan, Jr., Hartwick Slingerlands, N.Y.
WR Brendan McGowan, Sr., RPI Mesa, Ariz.
T Brennan Fortune, Sr., St. John Fisher Avon, N.Y.
G Michael Robinson, Sr., Trinity (CT) Drexel Hill, Pa.
C Matt Krueger, Sr., Coast Guard Waterboro, Maine
G Nick Hartmann, Sr., Coast Guard Slidell, Hawaii
T Cuyler Groth, Jr., Brockport St. LaFayette, N.Y.
TE Mike Butler, Sr., Worcester Polytech Athol, Mass.
K Matthew Mintz, Sr., SUNY Cortland Lawrence, N.Y.
RET Jason Chier, Jr., Ithaca Binghamton, N.Y.

Second Team Offense
Pos. Name, Cl. College Hometown
QB Tanner Kelly, So., Albright Clearfield, Pa.
RB Jamie Donovan, Sr., Ithaca Washington, D.C.
RB J.T. Harold, Jr., Mass-Dartmouth North Andover, Mass.
WR James Wright, Sr., Hobart Olean, N.Y.
WR Felix Borukhov, Sr., Curry Newton, Mass.
T Dan Kyle, Sr., Rochester Rochester, N.Y.
G Chris Gray, Jr., Ithaca Delmar, N.Y.
C Joe Lesnau, Jr., Brockport State West Monroe, N.Y.
G Mike Farrington, Sr., Montclair State Fairview, N.J.
T Robert Keyes, Sr., TCNJ Flemington, N.J.
TE Brian Weverbergh, Jr., Ithaca Westport, Conn.
K Chris Reynolds, Sr., Alfred Pittsford, N.Y.
RET Tim Acker, So., RPI Arlington, Wash.

Third Team Offense
Pos. Name, Cl. College Hometown
QB Paul Keeley, Sr., Alfred Caledonia, N.Y.
RB Ryan McCoach, Sr., Montclair State Rockaway, N.J.
RB Jeff Mack, Sr., Plymouth State Milford, N.H.
WR Jimmy Smith, Jr., St. John Fisher Oneida, N.Y.
TE Bill Margetich, Sr., Lycoming Glenolden, Pa.
T Anthony Morello, Jr., Union Riverside, Conn.
G Jasmin Ibric, Jr., RPI New York, N.Y.
C John Mihalko, Sr., Trinity (CT) Shelton, Conn.
G Tim LaRose, Jr., St. Lawrence Weedsport, N.Y.
T Brandon Wagner, Sr., Lebanon Valley Mifflintown, Pa.
TE Chris Harmon, Sr., St. John Fisher Caledonia, N.Y.
K David Lieberman, Sr., Coast Guard Virginia Beach, Va.
RET Tim Bloniasz, Jr., Curry Leicester, Mass.

First Team Defense
Pos. Name, Cl. College Hometown
DE Ryan Yaple, Sr., Lycoming Stillwater, Pa.
DT Joe King, Sr., TCNJ Mountainside, N.J.
DT Don Miller, Sr., Alfred LeRoy, N.Y.
DE Ben Nagle, Jr., Cortland State Rochester, N.Y.
LB Kyle Follweiler, Sr., Wilkes Slatington, Pa.
LB Tore Alaimo, Sr., King's Pittston Township, Pa.
LB Erik Woodring, Sr., Middlebury Cos Cob, Conn.
CB Orlando Brown, Sr., Widener Wilmington, Del.
S Tim Bloniasz, Jr., Curry Leicester, Mass.
S Matt Christ, Jr., Albright Birdsboro, Pa.
CB Steve Stepnick, Sr., St. John Fisher Marilla, N.Y.
P Jesse Harms, Sr., Coast Guard St. Petersburg, Fla.

Second Team Defense
Pos. Name, Cl. College Hometown
DE Kevin Marchant, Sr., Western Connecticut East Lyme, Conn.
DT Tom Pinto, Sr., Curry Plymouth, Mass.
DT Travis Albanesius, Sr., Delaware Valley Green Lane, Pa.
DE Dan Pollock, Jr., St. John Fisher Fulton, N.Y.
LB John Pursell, Sr., Delaware Valley Middletown, Del.
LB Jay Fiedling, Jr., Westfield State Methuen, Mass.
LB Justin Hager, Jr., Hobart Salamanca, N.Y.
CB James Alexander, Sr., Hobart Beverly, Mass.
S Ryan Terlecki, Sr., Ithaca Fairless Hills, Pa.
S Kelvin Bellamy, Sr., Rowan Trenton, N.J.
CB Andy Rape, Sr., Rochester Zelienople, Pa.
P Jeff Struble, Sr., TCNJ Toms River, N.J.

Third Team Defense
Pos. Name, Cl. College Hometown
DE Dale Buck, Sr., Brockport State Oakfield, N.Y.
DT Derrell Sapp, Sr., Montclair State Long Branch, N.J.
DT Phil Byers, Sr., Ithaca Rochester, N.Y.
DE Randy Tosh, Sr., Rowan Columbia, N.J.
LB Matt Scalice, Jr., Ithaca Tonawanda, N.Y.
LB Cornell Hunt, Jr., Montclair State North Brunswick, N.J.
LB Anthony Casale, Sr., RPI Troy, N.Y.
CB Andrew Larkin, Sr., TCNJ Hamilton, N.J.
S Tom Tassinari, So., Tufts Andover, Mass.
S Russell DeStefano, Sr., Lebanon Valley Conshohocken, Pa.
CB Tim Acker, So., RPI Arlington, Wash.
P Ricky Tatar, Jr., St. John Fisher Rochester, N.Y.

For more information about Division III football, log onto www.d3football.com.

King capped his stellar athletic career having also earned the NJAC’s Defensive Player of the Year award. His final game was shortened by an injury, but not before he managed to add his final career sack. King was extended an invitation to compete in the 2007 AFCA’s Aztec Bowl, but had to decline the invitation due to the injury suffered in his final game. King earned NJAC Defensive Player of the Week honors three times in 2007 as well as capturing ECAC Defensive Player of the Week honors once. He caps his stellar athletic career having excelled on the gridiron.  On the 2007 season, he finished the year with 71 tackles with a team and league leading 28 tackles for a loss (-173 yards), while also adding 15 sacks (-125 yards). On his career, King racked up 148 career tackles with 56.5 tackles for a loss (-337 yards), while adding 34.5 sacks (-269 yards), with 14 pass break ups, four blocks and four fumbles in 39 games played.  As of November 27, he was ranked fifth in Division III in sacks per game (1.3), while ranking third as well in tackles for a loss (2.3).

Keyes, a 2007 NJAC All-Star First Team player on offense, helped the Lions with his outstanding play as a 12-game starter.  He is a one-time defensive lineman and earned a spot as a starter last year at tackle and was a two-year starter for the Lions. He helped the team average 313.2 ypg, while adding 15 touchdowns in the air and 16 rushing scores. He was part of an offensive line that helped the Lion quarterbacks set a school record for most passes completed & attempted in ’07. Has also directed an offensive-line that yielded only 28 sacks all season.

Struble, a 2007 NJAC All-Star First Team punter, was the NJAC's punting leader as he finished the season having averaged 39.4 yards per punt on 68 punts for 2,681 yards. He added 17 punts inside the opponent's 20 yard line. Against Mount Union, he had a 74-yard punt to add his name to the Lions’ post-season record book, while adding 387 punting yards in the game, also a TCNJ post-season mark. The 74-yard punt was not only a season best for the senior, but a career best boot. As a first-year defensive back, he also contributed 25 tackles with three interceptions for 62 return yards and three pass breakups. The former quarterback also has 2,438 career passing yards to his credit as well. As of November 27, Struble is ranked 35th in Division III in punting with a 39.4 ypp average. As a punter, his career numbers include 96 punts for 2,778 yards, good enough for a 28.9 ypp average.

Larkin was amongst the players cited for academic and athletic excellence, earning national second team honors on the 2007 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-America College Division Team. Larkin becomes TCNJ’s 48th CoSIDA Academic All-American and the third Lion football player to be cited since the program was started.  A 2007 team co-captain for the Lions was also named to the 2007 NJAC All-Star First Team for his efforts as a defensive back. A starter in 12 games on the season, he helped TCNJ earn the NJAC’s automatic bid to the 2007 NCAA Championships, where the Lions advanced to the second round before falling to top ranked and two-time defending NCAA Division III Champions, Mount Union College. For the year, TCNJ went 9-3 and set a school mark for most consecutive wins at eight.

Over the course of the 2007 season, Larkin added several big plays this fall for the Lions with his athletic ability. He returned an interception against Buffalo State in the third quarter 91 yards for a TD. That marked his second interception return for a touchdown this fall. The 91 yard return for a score was just eight yards shy of tying TCNJ's school record for an interception return for a TD, which stands at 99 yards and was set in 1975 by Don Covin against Glassboro State. He also had an 82-yard interception return in the Lions’ 10-7 road win over then No. 17 ranked Rowan. He also added an interception in the waning minutes of the third quarter against RPI in the first round of the 2007 NCAA’s as TCNJ posted a 17-14 road win. On the year, Larkin finished with 65 tackles with a team-leading seven interceptions for 179 yards with six pass breakups. Those seven interceptions were tops in the NJAC, while his 0.58 per game average was second. He was also third in the league with his 13 passes defended. He ranks in a tie for 35th in Division III with 0.6 interceptions per game as of November 27. On his career, Larkin played in 32 games for the Lions and racked up has 170 career tackles with 16 career pass breakups and 11 career interceptions for 252 return yards. 

TCNJ INDOOR TRACK TEAMS SHINE AT NEW YEAR INVITATIONAL

Princeton, NJ… As the lone NCAA Division III team competing at the New Year Invitational hosted by Princeton University, The College of New Jersey indoor track and field teams turned in some impressive performances as several individuals met post-season qualifying times.

Saturday’s meet was the first of the new season for the Lions.

Men’s Highlights…
Junior Pasquale DiGiacchino (Bernardsville, NJ/Bernards) placed 13th in the 500 meters, but his time of 1:07.37 qualified him for the ECAC Championships in the later stages of the season.

Senior Brian Donatelli (Whitehouse Station, NJ/Hunterdon Central) placed in a pair of events for TCNJ as he claimed sixth place in the weight throw with a heave of 49’5-1/2” and 10th in the shot put. His toss in the shot was 45’2-1/4”.

Junior Rob McGowan (Monroe Twp., NJ/Monroe Township) took fifth in the 300 meters (36.23), while freshman Matt Rosana (Vernon, NJ/Vernon Township) was eighth in the long jump with a distance of 6.47 meters. Freshman Dennie Waite (Little Silver, NJ/Red Bank Regional) also recorded an eighth-place finish with a time of 9:06.25 in the 3,000.

Another freshman, Kyle Gilroy (Oak Ridge, NJ/West Milford Township), excelled in the 60-meter hurdles with a swift time of 8.68 seconds to place ninth.

Women’s Highlights…
The best event for the Lions was the 500 meters with three individuals placing in the top 20 with each of them meeting ECAC standards. Sophomore Jianna Spadaccini (Butler, NJ/Butler) was 13th in 1:20.49 and was followed by freshman Meryl Wimberly (Farmingdale, NJ/Coltsneck) in 16th place (1:21.5) and freshman Rochelle Prevard (Sicklerville, NJ/Winslow Township) in 17th place (1:21.84).

TCNJ’s top finish was in the long jump as junior Kristen Tricocci (Cinnaminson, NJ/Cinnaminson) was third sailing a distance of 5.30 meters. She was also 11th in the 300 meters with a time of 43.74.

Junior Martine McGrath (West Long Branch, NJ/Shore Regional) boasted an ECAC time of 10:25.44 in the 3,000 to place fourth.

The Lions also had two throwers finish in the top 10 of their respective events with freshman Sarah Wehrhan (Dodge City, KS/The Peddie School) posting a distance of 12.67 meters in the weight throw and Cristina D’Amato (Madison, NJ/Madison) recording a toss of 10.86 meters in the shot put.

-30-

source Media release

JOHNSON LIFTS RUTGERS-NEWARK 59-53 IN NJAC OPENER PAST TCNJ

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team hosted the Scarlet Raiders of Rutgers University-Newark on Saturday in Packer Hall. The contest marked the NJAC opener for both teams as well as the Lions’ first home game of the 2007-2008 season. Rutgers-Newark would come away with a 59-53 win to improve to 4-3 overall and 1-0 in the NJAC, while TCNJ drops to 1-4 overall and 0-1 in the conference. Sophomore guard James Johnson (Summit, NJ/Summit) would net a game-high 13 points in leading his team to the win after adding some key free throws in the final seconds of the game.

After a series of lead changes, Rutgers-Newark would take a 28-24 lead into the locker room as senior forward Derryck Alexander (Lakewood, NJ/Lakewood) paced the Scarlet Raiders with eight points in the first half. He also had five first half boards as RUN struggled from three-point arch, shooting just 28.6% (2-7). By game’ end, he would finish with 12 points, while Johnson added 10 second half points in lifting his team to the win.

TCNJ’s scoring output in the first half was extremely balanced as four players had five points, including senior co-captain, forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central), who had six first half rebounds for the Lions. Aziz led the Lions in the contest with 11 points and eight rebounds, while sophomore guards William Jett (Browns Mills, NJ/Pemberton) added a season-high 10 points in the contest.

In the opening minutes of the second half, RUN’s junior guard Chadd Barnes (Newark, NJ/University), a 2006-2007 NJAC All-Star First Team honoree and the team’s top scorer, went down with an injury and was lost for the rest of the contest. Barnes had six points and four rebounds in his 19 minutes of work, down from his 18.8 ppg average.

Down the stretch the Lions would pull with in three points, down 53-50 with 3:50 left to play. RUN would take a 57-50 lead before TCNJ added buckets including a three-pointer by sophomore Jay Frank (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) at 1:12 to keep the Lions within four, 57-53.  Sophomore guard James Johnson (Summit, NJ/Summit) would hit one of two free throws down the stretch at 18.2 seconds and another free throw at 8.1 second to give RUN a 59-53 lead.

GREGOREK CAREER-HIGH 22 POINTS PACE LIONS IN NJAC WIN OVER RUTGERS-NEWARK

  IN NJAC WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ACTION, 75-44

 

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team hosted the Scarlet Raiders of Rutgers University-Newark on Saturday in Packer Hall. The NJAC opener for both teams, TCNJ would take the early lead in the conference race after posting a 75-44 win. TCNJ is now 6-2 overall and 1-0 in the NJAC, while Rutgers-Newark is now 6-2 overall and 0-1 in the league. TCNJ’s sophomore forward Alexandra Gregorek (Mahwah, NJ/Academy of the Holy Angels) had a double-double adding a career-high 22 points and 10 rebounds.

 

TCNJ would take a 36-20 lead into the locker room after both junior center Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) and Gregorek had double digit performance in the half. Gregorek paced TCNJ with 13 first half points, just one off her career high, while Klimowicz had 10 points and four blocks.

 

By game’s end, Gregorek added 22 points and Klimowicz netted 12 points with five rebounds, and four blocks. Freshman forward Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) also had a career-day adding 17 points and seven boards for the Lions.

 

Rutgers-Newark’s senior Stephanie Ross (Nutley, NJ/Nutley) would lead her team in the first stanza with seven points, while the Scarlet Raiders would commit 12 turnovers. She finished with 13 points and a team-high six rebounds, while senior guard Nerlande Nicolas (Maplewood, NJ/Columbia) added 14 points.

TCNJ’S ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT HONORED

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey's Athletic Department was recognized on November 27 for winning the second New Jersey Athletic Conference Blood Drive Challenge, sponsored by the American Red Cross.

 

Members of the American Red Cross Staff were on hand to present interim athletic director, John Castaldo with a trophy for winning the event at halftime of the Lions' women's basketball game with Moravian College. Over the course of the 2006-2007 academic year, members of TCNJ's community donated 497 units of blood, top amongst the six NJAC schools that participated in the blood drives last year. That is enough blood to save as many as 1,491 hospital patient.

 

TCNJ, Rowan University, Rutgers University-Camden, Montclair State University, Rutgers University-Newark, and Richard Stockton College all participated in the blood drive challenge and combined to donate 1,761 units of blood which conversely saved hundreds of different lives last year.

 

TCNJ's athletic director John Castaldo said, ""The athletic department teaming up with the campus community in a collaborative effort to produce a successful blood drive campaign is extremely satisfying." Castaldo added, "Winning the NJAC Challenge two years in row is a rewarding feeling, however the ultimate goal of this program was simply to help others in need. TCNJ's athletic department and the campus community are proud to have played a positive role in this venture."

 

 

 

 

Pictured in the photo are left to right:

Robyn Biskup, American Red Cross College Key Account Manager, Bob Kessler, American Red Cross Director of Donor Recruitment, TCNJ Interim Athletic Director John Castaldo, Carol Field, American Red Cross Account Manager.

BLUE KNIGHTS HAND TCNJ FIRST HOME LOSS AS THEY RALLY FOR A 62-55 WIN

 
 

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team hosted Blue Knights of Mount Saint Mary College on Thursday night in a non-conference game in Packer Hall. Down at the half, 21-20, Mount Saint Mary College came back to post their third straight win over the Lions after posting a 62-55 win. MSMC improves to 7-1, while TCNJ is now 5-2.

 

TCNJ opened the contest on a 9-0 run before the Blue Knights clawed their way back to trail by just one point at the half, 21-20. Pacing TCNJ in the first half was freshman forward Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) as she had seven points and four rebounds. Senior Sara Best (High Bridge, NJ/Voorhees) chipped in with five points and five rebounds in the first half for the Lions as they forced 15 turnovers, but committed 16 themselves.

 

MSMC’s senior guard Vanessa Lawson (Kingston, NY/Kingston) had six points in the first half, while junior guard Meredith Paggi (Wappinger Falls, NY/Our Lady of the Lourdes) added four points and five rebounds to pace her team in the first half with three steals.

 

In a wild second half, MSMC would post their first lead at 18:05 (24-23) and before the night was over there were six ties and nine lead changes as the Blue Knights would triumph on an impressive 8-10 shooting performance from the line in the second stanza.

 

Paggi would finish with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Lawson led her team with 14 points. Sophomore forward Shannon Sangster (Syracuse, NY/Bishop Ludden) added eight second half points to finish with 10 on the night.

 

TCNJ’s junior Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) would net her fifth double-double of the season after chipping in 14 points with 12 boards and ties her personal best having blocked eight shots. Best had 10 points, while Kutch finished with nine.

 

 

Official Basketball Box Score -- GAME TOTALS -- FINAL STATISTICSOfficial Basketball Box ScoreMt. St. Mary College vs The College of New Jersey12/6/07 7 pm at Ewing, NJ (Packer Hall)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

VISITORS: Mt. St. Mary College 7-1

 TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS

## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN

00 Paggi, Meredith..... * 6-17 0-4 1-2 3 5 8 2 13 3 3 0 5 35

20 Anthony, Chantel.... * 2-13 2-7 0-0 0 6 6 1 6 6 6 0 3 34

24 Lawson, Vanessa..... * 6-12 0-1 2-2 1 2 3 1 14 3 2 0 3 32

30 Markert, Jackie..... * 2-7 0-0 3-6 2 6 8 1 7 1 1 0 1 32

44 Sangster, Shannon... * 5-7 0-0 0-0 1 3 4 2 10 1 1 0 2 28

12 Biordi, Catie....... 1-3 1-2 0-0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 10

22 King, Brittany...... 1-1  0-0 2-2 2 0 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 2

23 Kimmey, Megan....... 0-2 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 7

32 Augustin, LaSheila.. 0-1 0-0 1-2 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 4

35 McCourt, Kelly...... 2-4 0-0 0-0  2 1 3 1 4 0 1 0 0 16

 TEAM................ 3 2 5

 Totals.............. 25-67 3-14 9-14 14 25 39 9 62 16 17 0 15 200

 

TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 9-28 32.1% 2nd Half: 16-39 41.0% Game: 37.3% DEADB

3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 1-8 12.5% 2nd Half: 2-6 33.3% Game: 21.4% REBS

F Throw % 1st Half: 1-4 25.0% 2nd Half: 8-10 80.0% Game: 64.3% 2,1

 

 

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HOME TEAM: The College of New Jersey 5-2

 TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS

## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN

03 Sara Best........... * 3-9 0-2 4-5 0 6 6 4 10 2 1 0 1 24

15 Nicole Diaz......... * 2-6 2-4 0-0 0 2 2 1 6 5 3 0 2 32

22 Kelsey Kutch........ * 3-7 0-0 3-4 2 2 4 3 9 1 9 2 1 31

23 Alyssa Michella..... * 1-9 0-3 0-0 1 2 3 1 2 6 1 0 2 36

34 Hillary Klimowicz... * 7-10 0-0 0-0 2 10 12 3 14 0 2 8 1 31

02 Stephanie Prall..... 0-1 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 5

21 Karen Lassoni....... 0-2 0-0 0-0 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 10

32 Lisa Koch........... 2-4 2-4 0-0 0 2 2 2  6 0 4 0 0 13

45 Alexandra Gregorek.. 3-6 0-0 2-2 1 3 4 0 8 1 3 3 0 18

 Team................ 1 3 4

 Totals.............. 21-54 4-14 9-11 8 31 39 14 55 15 27 13 8 200

 

TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 7-27 25.9% 2nd Half: 14-27 51.9% Game: 38.9% DEADB

3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 1-7 14.3% 2nd Half: 3-7 42.9% Game: 28.6% REBS

F Throw % 1st Half: 6-8 75.0% 2nd Half: 3-3 100 % Game: 81.8% 1

 

 

TCNJ FALLS TO ARCADIA 66-62

News Release 

Glen Side, PA…The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team suffered a 66-62 non-conference set back at the hands of Arcadia University on Wednesday night. TCNJ had been off for the last 15 days, but was not able to come up with the road win despite three players contributing double-digit scoring performances. TCNJ drops to 1-3, while Arcadia is now 3-2.

TCNJ got a game-high 20 points from senior co-captain, forward Mark Aziz (Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central), while senior Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) chipped in 13 points. Aziz hit an impressive 9-of-14 shots from the floor, while Warner shot 60.0% (6-10) on the night.

 Junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) added 12 points for the Lions despite shooting an impressive team mark of 54.0% from the floor on the game (27-50).

Arcadia’s Eric Elliott (Evansville, IN/Steinert) finished with 16 points and seven rebounds for the Knights, while nine rebounds, all defensive caroms, and added four blocks on the night.

TCNJ will host Rutgers University-Newark on Saturday, December 8 at 3 p.m. in the Lions’ home opene r.

TCNJ’s Eric Hamilton Recognized For Achievements

Eric Hamilton is a Finalist for Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award;
Fans Can Cast Vote for Eric Hamilton  at coachoftheyear.com by December 15 to Win $50,000 for Charitable Support and $20,000 for Alumni Scholarship

Ewing, NJ – December 4, 2007 – The College of New Jersey’s Head Football Coach Eric Hamilton has been named a finalist for the 2007 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, which honors the college football coaches who best exemplify responsibility and excellence on and off the field of play.  Fans can cast a vote for Eric Hamilton to win for Division III by December 15 at www.coachoftheyear.com.  The winner will be announced on December 29 during an ABC/ESPN special.

“More than a half-million fan votes were cast for 597 college football coaches this season, a tremendous and passionate outpouring of support from college football fans across the nation,” said Greg Gordon, Liberty Mutual vice president, Consumer Marketing.  “Each finalist embodies what makes this award different than any other: responsibility – not only to his own team and players, but also to his school and his community.”

Hamilton guided the 2007 Lions to the NJAC Co-Championship, while garnering a bid to the NCAA Division III Playoffs, as the team advanced to the second round before bowing from the tournament after facing the No. 1 ranked Mount Union College Purple Raiders. Hamilton produced the 2007 NJAC Defensive Player of the Year in Joe King, as well as a 2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Second Team honoree in Andrew Larkin. For the season, the Lions went 9-3 overall with a 6-1 mark in NJAC play after being tapped to finish seventh in the league’s pre-season poll. Hamilton is also one of the finalists for the AFCA Region I Coach of the Year for his accomplishments with the Lions this fall.

Joining Eric Hamilton as a finalist for Division III are: 
Greg Debeljak, Case Western Reserve
John Gagliardi, St. John’s (Minn.)
Joe King, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Mike Swider, Wheaton College

Each winner receives $50,000 from Liberty Mutual to support his civic and charitable activities, $20,000 in scholarship to his school’s alumni association, and is recognized in the permanent Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year display at the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind.

During the initial fan-voting phase at www.coachoftheyear.com (September 6 – November 27), the top 25 vote getters in each division qualified to be evaluated by an objective model designed exclusively for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award and reviewed and endorsed by the College Football Hall of Fame. The model arrived at the finalists by scoring each of these qualifying coaches in four areas:  coaching excellence, sportsmanship and integrity, academic excellence, and community commitment.

Fan votes in this second phase account for 20 percent of each coach’s final score, with a voting committee of college football media (25 percent) and College Football Hall of Fame coaches and players (55 percent) contributing the remainder.

The winners will be announced December 29, 2007, on an ABC special presentation hosted by Hall of Fame Sportscaster Keith Jackson and Analyst Kirk Herbstreit at 5:30 p.m. (ET).  The special award presentation will re-air January 8, 2008, on ESPN2 at 2:00 p.m. (ET).

TCNJ Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Teams at ECAC

East Meadow, NY…The College of New Jersey’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams continued action on Saturday the 2007 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Swimming and Diving Championships at the Nassau County Aquatic Center. The three-day event will wrap on Sunday night. After two days of competition, TCNJ’s men’s team stands in second place in the 17-team competition. New York University holds the lead with 245 points, while TCNJ is in second with 240 points.
In the men’s 800 freestyle relay the Lions won the race and broke the meet record of 7:00.82 set in 2004 as junior Mike Molloy (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East), senior Liam Gallagher (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan), freshman Tom Medvecky (Piscataway, NJ/Piscataway), and junior Mike Heaney (Voorhees, NJ/Bishop Eustace). The Lions’ foursome won the race with a time of 7:00.55
Medvecky also picked up a second place finish in the 200 butterfly with an NCAA provisional time of 1:53.36. Taking fourth in the event from TCNJ was senior Josh Forsman (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) with his time of 1:57.31.
Gallagher won the 200 backstroke in 1:56.47, while Heaney took third in 1:57.81 and senior Kevin Oliver (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North) took fourth in 1:57.81.
Junior Thomas Nawrot (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick) added a second place finish in the 100 freestyle in 47.29, while junior Ted Yoa (Ocean City, NJ/St., Augustine) took third in the 200 breaststroke in 2:12.57 and sophomore Myles O’Connor (Santa Monica, CA) was next in 2:12.98 to take fourth.
In the three meter diving event, junior Greg Lloyd (Ringoes, NJ/Hunterdon Central) took second in the three meter diving with his performance of 467.45.
TCNJ’s women’s team is in fourth place in the team race in the 15-team field. New York University stands a top the team standings with 192 points, while Gettysburg is in second with 170.5 and TCNJ has amassed 117 points in the meet.
Senior Ava Kiss (North Brunswick, NJ/Stuart Country Day) picked up third in the 100 freestyle in 54.42, while senior Christine Marino (Scotch Plains, NJ/St. Mary’s Academy) placed seventh in 2:15.85 in the 200 backstroke.
In the 200 breaststroke, freshman Katie Morgan (Westfield, NJ/Westfield) placed seventh in the race in 2:31.66.
In the 800 freestyle relay, the Lions picked up fourth in 8:05.17 behind the efforts of senior Stefanie Rashti (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill West), senior Kristin Udicious (Cherry Hill, NJ/Gloucester Catholic), Kiss and freshman Margaret Molloy (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East).
In the one meter diving event, TCNJ’s rookie Amanda Obst (Cape May, NJ/Lower Cape May Regional) finished in ninth with her score of 316.65, while sophomore Jessica Lynch (Thorofare, NJ/West Deptford) picked up 19th with her score of 230.85.

GREG OSGOODBY LEAD TCNJ WRESTLERS AT YORK INVITATIONAL

York, PA… Junior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) won the 174-pound weight class as The College of New Jersey wrestling team competed at the annual Spartan Invitational hosted by York (PA) College on Saturday.

Osgoodby won all four of his matches in convincing fashion, including a 12-2 victory over sixth-ranked Brandon MacWhinnie from Stevens Institute of Technology in the finals. The Lion opened the tournament with a pin and then a technical fall victory before scoring a major decision in the semis. The four wins on the day put Osgoodby at 13-3 on the season.

Junior Al Wonesh (Columbus, NJ/North Burlington) also advanced to the finals at 165 pounds, but dropped the title bout 6-2 to Randy Moore from Gloucester County College. Wonesh finished the tournament with a record of 3-1.

TCNJ had a strong performance in the upper weight classes as junior Shawn Vanwingerden (Wantage, NJ/High Point) was third at 197 and senior Steve Carbone (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) finished in that same spot at heavyweight.

Sophomore Joe Bozzomo (Middlesex, NJ/Middlesex) was third at 184 pounds as the Lions had wrestlers place in the top four in each of the final five weight class.

The success didn’t stop there as returning All-American Tyler Branham (Newton, NJ/Kittantinny) was fourth at 149 pounds and freshman Dan Hughes (Delran, NJ/Delran) was fourth at 125.

Next up for the eighth-ranked Lions will be a dual meet on Tuesday, December 4 at Stevens Institute of Technology.
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TCNJ WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM WINS THIRD STRAIGHT

Washington, DC… The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team rolled to its third straight win as the Lions had five players reach double figures in a 78-49 victory at Catholic University on Saturday.

The victory boosted TCNJ’s record to 5-1 on the young season, while the loss was the first of the year for the Cardinals (3-1).

The game was close early before the Lions made a huge run scoring the final 14 points of the opening half to gain control of the game. TCNJ held the hosts off of the scoreboard for the final 9:05 in the opening frame taking a 35-17 lead into the break. 

Senior Sara Best (High Bridge, NJ/Voorhees) led the balanced offense for the Lions with 14 points with Alyssa Michella (Washington Twp., Immaculate Heart Academy) was next with 13 and freshman Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) added 12. Adding to TCNJ’s season-high scoring output were Alexandra Gregorek (Mahwah, NJ/Academy of Holy Angels) with 11 and Lisa Koch (Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson Twp.) with 10.

A big key for the Lions was their success in shooting the ball from behind the 3-point arc as they connected on 7-of-14 shots from long range. Michella, Koch and Nicole Diaz (Egg Harbor Twp., NJ/Egg Harbor Twp.) each made a pair of three-pointers.

The Lions return home on Thursday, December 6 to host Mount Saint Mary College in a 7 p.m. start.

TCNJ WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM TAMES DICKINSON, 66-63

Carlisle, PA… The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team picked up its fourth win of the season as the Lions held off host Dickinson College 66-63 on Thursday.

The Red Devils (3-2) got the early jump on the Lions racing out to an 11-3 lead, but the TCNJ (4-1) regrouped and finished the opening half strong going on a 24-10 run over the final 14:09 of the period to hold a 27-21 lead at the break.

In the second half, Dickinson again got off to a fast start scoring 10 of the first 14 points to knot the game at 31-31. A pair of buckets by freshman Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) helped the Lions take the lead for good as TCNJ went on a 7-0 spurt after the hosts tied the game and never looked back.

The 66 points scored by the Lions were the most allowed by the Red Devils this season as they had been allowing only 44.8 points per game.

TCNJ had a very balanced offensive attack as nine different players scored led by center Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) as the junior finished with her fourth double-double of the year with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Kutch added 11 points for the Lions, while Sara Best (High Bridge, NJ/Voorhees) netted a season-high 10 points.

The Lions are on the road again on Saturday, December 1 heading to Catholic University for a 3 p.m. tip-off.

TCNJ WRESTLERS PICK UP ROAD WIN AT KING’S COLLEGE, 43-6

Wilkes-Barre, PA… The College of New Jersey wrestling team posted its third straight dual meet victory to start the season as the Lions beat Metropolitan Conference opponent King’s (PA) College 43-6 on Wednesday.

The Lions (3-0) are ranked eighth in the latest National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III poll, and have now won 16 straight dual meets dating back to last season.

Freshman Kyle Kinchen (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) gave the Lions the early lead with a pin in 4:13 at 125 pounds before the Monarchs earned their first win at 133. That match featured King’s  top-ranked and defending national champion David Morgan facing TCNJ's seventh-ranked Ray Sarinelli (Rockaway, NJ/Morris Hills). Morgan recorded an escape in the third period to break a 2-2 deadlock and hand Sarinelli his first defeat of the season via a 3-2 decision.

The Monarch’s tied the score at 6-6 with a win at 141 before TCNJ took the lead for good at 149 pounds as sophomore Tyler Branham (Newton, NJ/Kittantinny) posted an 11-0 major decision. Dan DiColo (Budd Lake, NJ/Mt. Olive) made won by fall in 4:39 at 157 for another win.

The Lions then received back-to-back forfeits with Al Wonesh (Columbus, NJ/Northern Burlington) getting the win at 165 and Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) at 174 pushing TCNJ’s lead to 28-6.

At 184 pounds, Jim Tomczuk (Delran, NJ/Delran) then won 6-5 for the Lions with Shawn Vanwingerden (Wantage, NJ/High Point) notching TCNJ’s third win by fall at 197 in 4:13.

Senior heavyweight Steve Carbone (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) capped the meet for the Lions with another pin getting his opponent flat in 5:33 to round out the scoring.

TCNJ will be back on the mat this weekend competing in the Spartan Invitation hosted by York (PA) College on Saturday.

TCNJ’S ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT SET TO HONOR ALL-AMERICANS ON DECEMBER 8

Ewing, NJ… The College of New Jersey’s department of athletics will
honor the 31 student-athletes that combined to earn 46 All-America
citations last year while competing for The College.  TCNJ will honor
these individuals in conjunction with the Lions’ home basketball double
header contest with Rutgers University-Newark in Packer Hall on
Saturday, December 8. The games are set for a 1 p.m. tip for the women
and the men’s contest follows at 3 p.m. and the individuals will be
honored at the halftime of the men’s contest at approximately 3:45 p.m.
that day.

The event was originally scheduled for a home football game in October,
but heavy rains forced the cancellation of the event. TCNJ is asking all
ceremony participants to RSVP to TCNJ’s athletic department at
609-771-2230 and to be present at TCNJ’s Packer Hall on December 8 by
3:15 p.m.

What follows is a list of the student-athletes and their accomplishments
for the previous year that brought honor and distinction to TCNJ and
their respective teams.

2006-2007 TCNJ All-Americans

Field Hockey
Jess Berkowitz (Cranford, NJ/Cranford), First Team NFHCA
Meg Hess (Morristown, NJ/Morristown),   First Team NFHCA
Allison Greene (Atco, NJ/Hammonton), Second Team NFHCA

Women’s Soccer
Courtney Krol (Howell, NJ/Howell), First Team NSCAA
Dana DiBruno (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East), Second Team NSCAA

Men’s Cross Country
Brian Kopnicki (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood), 21st Place at
NCAA Championships
Chris Guerriero (Saddle Brook, NJ/Saddle Brook), 35th Place at NCAA
Championships

Women’s Swimming and Diving
Lee Swanson (Princeton Junction, NJ/West Windsor-Plainsboro South), 15th
place in 3 Meter Diving and 15th place in 1 Meter Diving at NCAA’s.
Ava Kiss (North Brunswick, NJ/Stuart Country Day), 9th place in 100
Butterfly at NCAA’s.

Men’s Swimming and Diving
Josh Forsman (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial),  15th place in 100
Butterfly;  7th place in 200 Medley Relay, 10th in 400 Medley Relay,
12th place in 400 Freestyle Relay, and 15th place in 800 Freestyle Relay
at 2007 NCAA’s.
Liam Gallagher (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan), 12th place in 400
Freestyle Relay and 15th place in 800 Freestyle Relay at 2007 NCAA’s.
Kyle King (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick), 7th place in the 200
Medley Relay, 10th place in 400 Medley Relay, 12th in 400 Freestyle
Relay, 15th in 800 Freestyle Relay.
Greg Lloyd (Ringoes, NJ/Hunterdon Central), 6th place in 1 Meter Diving
at 2007 NCAA’s.
Myles O’Connor (Santa Monica, CA/Home Schooled), 7th place in 200 Medley
Relay and 10th place in 400 Medley Relay at 2007 NCAA’s.
Kevin Oliver (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North), 7th place in 200 Medley
Relay at 2007 NCAA’s
Tom Nawrot  (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick), 12th place in 400
Freestyle Relay and 15th place in 800 Freestyle Relay at 2007 NCAA’s.

Wrestling
Joe Galante (Ocean City, NJ/Ocean), Second at 157 Pounds at 2007 NCAA’s.
Mike Guenther (Ewing, NJ/Brick Memorial), Second at 165 Pounds at 2007
NCAA’s.
Tyler Branham (Newton, NJ/Kittantinny Regional), Eighth at 141 Pounds at
2007 NCAA’s.

Baseball
Gerard Haran (Matawan, NJ/Old Bridge), 2007 ABCA First Team at catcher
Jeffrey Toth ( Parlin, NJ/Sayreville War Memorial), 2007 ABCA Third Team
at short stop

Women’s Tennis
Christina Contrafatto (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East), Fifth place at
2006 ITA Championships in Doubles
Jackie Shtemberg (Franklin Lakes, NJ/Ramapo), Fifth at 2006 ITA
Championships in Doubles and Sixth in Singles

Women’s Indoor Track and Field
Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley), Sixth in the 800 Meters at
2007 NCAA’s.

Men’s Indoor Track and Field
Brian Kopnicki, (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) Seventh in One
Mile Run, Seventh in Distance Medley Relay at 2007 NCAA’s.
Rob McGowan (Monroe Township, NJ/Monroe Township), Seventh in Distance
Medley Relay at 2007 NCAA’s.
Matt Randal (Dayton, NJ/South Brusnwick), Seventh in Distance Medley
Relay at 2007 NCAA’s.
Chris Guerriero (Saddle Brook, NJ/Saddle Brook), Seventh in Distance
Medley Relay at 2007 NCAA’s.

Women’s Lacrosse
Toni-Anne Cavallo (Cedar Grove, NJ/West Essex), 2007 IWLCA/US Lacrosse
First Team at Midfield
Karen Doane (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan), 2007 IWLCA/US
Lacrosse First Team at Attack

Men’s Outdoor Track and Field
Jeff Zodda (Mercerville, NJ/Notre Dame), Second in 800 Meters at 2007
NCAA’s.

Women’s Outdoor Track and Field
Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley), Fifth in 800 Meters at 2007
NCAA’s.
Jessica Bonelli (Sewell, NJ/Gloucester Catholic), Seventh in the 400
Meters at 2007 NCAA’s.

MOUNT UNION ADVANCES IN NCAA'S WITH 59-7 WIN OVER TCNJ

FINAL SCORE:  Mount Union College 59; The College of New Jersey 7
Mount Union College (12-0) vs. The College of New Jersey (9-3)
November 24, 2007; Mount Union Stadium, Alliance, OH

Alliance, OH (11/24/07) - The two-time defending NCAA Division III
Champions Mount Union College used a 59-7   win over The College of New
Jersey on Saturday in Mount Union Stadium before a crowd of 2,593 fans to
advance to the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals. With the win, the Purple
Raiders are now 12-0 and improve their win streak to 35 games, while
TCNJ's season comes to an end with a 9-3 mark.

Mount Union will now face St. John Fisher College, which also advanced on
Saturday with a 38-7 win over Curry.  Mount Union will continue play as
they will be looking to sew up their third straight NCAA Division III
Championship title and the program's 10th overall when play continues next
week with a Noon contest at Mount Union Stadium on December 1.  The win by
MUC marks the 16th consecutive year the Purple Raiders have advanced to
the NCAA Quarterfinals (1992-2007).

Mount Union's offense would finish with 59 points, 508 yards and seven
touchdowns, while the Purple Raiders' defense held TCNJ to only seven
points and 46 yards. TCNJ did manage to record a season best six sacks and
forced Mount Union to punt four times on the day, while also scoring on a
defense that posted seven shutouts in 12 contests thus far in 2007.

For the game, junior quarterback Greg Micheli (Upper Sandusky, OH) threw
for four TD's and 354 passing yards, while junior running back Nate Kmic
(Delta, OH) picked up only 68 rushing yards and added two scores on 14
carries.  Senior receiver Bryson Davis (Copley, OH) led his team with six
catches for 188 yards and three scores on the day.

TCNJ's defense forced Mount Union to punt on their first possession of the
game as both senior Joe King (Mountainside, NJ/Governor Livingston) and
sophomore Paul Mychalczuk (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough) recorded sacks
of junior quarterback Greg Micheli (Upper Sandusky, OH), but junior Zach
Rinaldi (Burlington, NJ/Florence) was stripped of the ball on the play and
Mount Union's junior Daryl Ely (Winter Springs, FL) picked the ball up on
the fumble and returned it 28 yards for the Purple Raiders' first score of
the game at 11:39, marking his first tally of the year as well.

MUC added to the scoring as the Purple Raiders junior running back Nate
Kmic capped a six-play 51 yard drive with a one yard rush at 9:11 pushing
the score to 14-0, marking his 180th point on the year.

MUC's senior kicker Mike Zimmerman (Archbold, OH) missed a 39-yard field
goal at 3:19 in the first as his attempt was wide and to the left.

Forced to punt in the final minute of the first quarter, TCNJ was able to
come up with the ball when sophomore Craig Meyer (Far Hills, NJ) recovered
the ball on a fumble on the punt return, giving TCNJ the ball at the
Purple Raiders' 12-yard line.  The Lions would strike as senior running
back Dan Dornacker (Jersey City, NJ/Brick Township) would push it in from
one yard out and put TCNJ on the score board at 14:29 in the second
quarter and capped a 5-play, 12 yard drive.

Junior defensive back Anthony Cortina (Hamilton, NJ/Steinert) added a sack
at 10:30 in the second quarter forcing a fourth down and marking the most
sacks allowed by Mount Union in a contest this fall. With fourth down and
19 yards to go, TCNJ forced the Purple Raiders to go for it and a dropped
pass in the end zone game the Lions the ball at the MUC 27 yard line with
10:22 left in the half.  Ely picked off James to halt the Lions' drive,
marking his fourth pick off of the year.  Kmic would make the most on the
drive, punching the ball in from 16-yards out and giving his team a 20-7
lead and a PAT by Zimmerman gave MUC a 21-7 lead with 8:53 left in the
first half.

Mount Union started the next drive at NJ's 22 yard line after Pierre
Garcon (West Palm Beach, FL) returned the punt 30 yards and would score on
a drive that took just one play from scrimmage and saw Micheli find senior
Bryson Davis (Copley, OH) for a 22-yard TD pass at 6:26.

Garcon scored again at 5:03 on a 13 yard run before Micheli hit Davis from
71 yards out for another touchdown as Mount Union built a 42-7 halftime
lead. At the half, Micheli had thrown for 232 yards on a 13-for 20 effort
with one interception.

Sophomore quarterback Chris James (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) was held to
18 passing yards in the first half of play as he was 7-for 18 with an
interception. Mount Union racked up 302 first half yards of total offense
on 38 plays, while holding TCNJ to 42 net yards on 37 plays. TCNJ held a
16:32 to 13:28 advantage in time of possession. By game's end, James was
8-for 23 with only 22 passing yards, while sophomore quarterback Bill
Picatagi (Hamilton, NJ/Hamilton West) added five passing yards on a 2-3
effort while netting a team-high 23 rushing yards on 13 carries.

To open the second half, MUC's Garcon recorded with his 43rd career touch
down pass, a 22 yard catch for the score and broke the OAC's career TD
mark previously held by Ohio Northern's Steve Vagedes (1996-1999) with 43.

Davis would eclipse his personal best performance as he added his third
touchdown pass to help build MUC's lead to 56-7 with 6:55 left to play
after adding a 45-yard TD catch at 6:55 in the third quarter.

King suffered an injury in the late minute of the third quarter and left
the game, but not before recording three tackles, including a sack. King
wraps his stellar career having earned 2007 NJAC Defensive Player of the
Year honors, while netting 34.5 sacks, 142 tackles, and 57 tackles for a
loss.

Senior punter and defensive back Jeff Struble (Toms River, NJ/Manchester
Township) would finish with a career-best 74 yard punt in the opening
minutes of the fourth quarter for the Lions. He surpassed his season-high
72 yard punt in the contest and bested last year's 73-yard punt in his
final contest as a Lion.

Senior linebacker Nicholas Steffner (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater) and
sophomore linebacker Joe Spahn (Burlington, NJ/Florence) finished with a
game-high 11 stops each. Steffner added a pass break up with a half sack.
Sophomore defensive back Paul Mychalczuk (Hillsborough, NJ/Hillsborough)
added four tackles with 1.5 sacks (-9 yards) and an interception, while
junior Frank Schultheis (Absecon, NJ/Holy Spirit) added 10 stops with a
sack (-13 yards), a quarterback hurry.

MUC's sophomore Troy Chaffin (Collins, OH) added a team-best six stops for
the Purple Raiders, while Jonathan Andrews (North Canton, OH) added five
tackles with 1.5 for a loss.

TCNJ is now 4-5 lifetime in the NCAA's since first appearing in 1990,
while MUC is now 54-9 all-time in the NCAA's.

#3 TCNJ WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM FALLS TO #2 MESSIAH IN SEMIS

Lake Buena Vista, FL. Second-ranked Messiah College netted a goal in each
half bringing an end to third-ranked The College of New Jersey's bid for a
third straight appearance in the NCAA Division III title game as the
Falcons beat the Lions 2-0 on Friday in Buena Vista.

The loss was the first of the season for the Lions as they finished the
season with a mark of 21-1-1. TCNJ has appeared in the NCAA Division III
semifinals in each of the last three seasons moving into the title game
the two previous seasons.

This marked the fourth straight year TCNJ and Messiah have met in the NCAA
Tournament with the Falcons holding 3-1 lead in those games. The lone win
for the Lions came in the same spot in last year's tournament as TCNJ
netted a 1-0 double-overtime win over Messiah.

The Lions got off to a good start carry play and had a quality scoring
chance in the opening minutes when junior Jamie Kunkel (Mt. Laurel,
NJ/Lenape) found some space on the far side of the Messiah goal and laced
a shot high.

Even with that chance, Messiah (23-0) opened the scoring 18:49 into the
game as freshman Joanna Haqq (Belchertown, MA) worked her way along the
end line from the right side put back her own rebound for a 1-0 Falcon
lead.

"When you get to this level, you make a mistake and they will punish you,"
noted TCNJ head coach Joe Russo of Messiah's first goal that originated in
an unsettled situation.

TCNJ continued to have chances and almost tied the game in the latter
stages of the half as senior Dana DiBruno (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill
East) took a long shot that just went over the net as Messiah took that
one-goal lead into the half.

"We had a lot of opportunities and really didn't take advantage of that
and it hurt us in the end," noted Lion senior Kristen Cubicciotti (North
Haledon, NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy). "We just didn't get a lot of shots
off."

TCNJ held a territorial edge in the opening half, but were outshot 4-3
despite having all seven corner kicks in the period.

The Lions opened the second half looking for the equalizer and nearly got
it as sophomore Briann McDonough (North Arlington, NJ/Immaculate Heart
Academy) had two good chances with one being stopped by Messiah keeper
Brindley Beckwith (Upper Montclair, NJ) and the second going just high.

Messiah, however, added an insurance goal with 27 minutes even in the game
as Erin Hench (Carlisle, PA) scored to make it a 2-0 game.

Once they had the two-goal lead, the Falcons continued to put the pressure
on TCNJ, but Lion keeper Jessica Clarke (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) made
several saves down the stretch to keep the difference at two. Clarke
finished the game with a season-high six saves.

Beckwith finished with five saves for the Falcons.

KEAN’S ROQUE & TCNJ’S KING NJAC FOOTBALL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

 

    Pitman, NJ—Kean University senior quarterback A.J. Roque (Matawan, NJ/Matawan) and The College of New Jersey's senior defensive lineman Joseph King (Mountainside, NJ/Governor Livingston) have been named the New Jersey Athletic Conference Offensive and Defensive Football Players of the Year respectively for the 2007 season.

    A two-time NJAC Offensive Player of the Year and a four-time all-conference selection (three times at quarterback, once at punter), Roque completed 175 of 316 pass attempts for school-records of 2,463 yards and 19 touchdowns. He currently leads the NJAC in passing yards per game (246.3), total offense per game (243.8), and passer efficiency rating (130.6). A Week 11 NJAC Offensive Player of the Week selection, he set all-time conference marks for career passing yards (8,448) and touchdown passes (65). Roque is Kean's all-time career leader in both passing yards and punting yardage (8,075).

    A three-time all-conference selection, King has posted TCNJ team-high totals in tackles (68), tackles for a loss (27.5), and sacks (14.0). A three-time NJAC Defensive Player of the Week selection, he currently leads the NJAC in both sacks and tackles for a loss. On his career, he has posted totals of 139 tackles, 33.5 sacks, and 55.5 tackles for a loss. King was instrumental in the Lions' school-record eight consecutive victories which led to a share of the 2007 NJAC Championship and the league's automatic bid to the 2007 NCAA Division III National Tournament.

    Western Connecticut State University freshman running back Wayne Neal (Poughkeepsie, NY/Poughkeepsie) was selected as the NJAC Offensive Rookie of the Year. The second consecutive Colonial to garner the league's Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, he rushed for 839 yards on 205 carries. A five-time NJAC Offensive Rookie of the Week selection, Neal currently ranks third in the NJAC in rushing with an average of 83.9 yards per game.

    Cortland State freshman linebacker Brian Haas (East Aurora, NY/St. Francis) was selected as the NJAC Defensive Rookie of the Year. A six-time NJAC Defensive Rookie of the Week selection, he recorded double-figure tackles in each of his last five games and six times overall during the season. Haas, who currently ranks second in the NJAC in tackles with an average of 9.5 per game, became the first Cortland player to reach 100 tackles since 1995 and the first Red Dragon freshman with 100 since the school started compiling full defensive stats in 1979.

    The College of New Jersey's head coach Eric Hamilton was selected as the NJAC Coach of the Year by his peers. Picked to finish seventh in the NJAC preseason coaches' poll, he guided the Lions to a school-record eight consecutive victories and a share of the NJAC Championship with a 6-1 league mark. After capturing the NJAC's automatic bid the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament, the Lions earned a 17-14 first round road win at Rensselaer. TCNJ, currently 9-2 overall, will travel to face two-time defending Division III National Champion Mount Union in a second round NCAA game on November 24. In 31 seasons at the helm of the Lions program, Hamilton has recorded an overall record of 188-117-6.

LIONS TRIUMPH 69-67 OVER KEYSTONE FOR HUNTER'S FIRST CAREER WIN

La Plume, PA.The College of New Jersey men's basketball team posted a
69-67 win over Keystone College on Tuesday night. The victory was the
first for interim head coach Matt Hunter's Lions on the young season as
they are now 1-2 and Keystone drops to 1-1.

TCNJ's sophomore Steve Feinberg (Middletown, NJ/Red Bank Catholic)
exploded for a career-high 17 points, while senior Corey Gilmore (South
Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) and senior Mark Aziz (Hackettstown,
NJ/West Morris Central) both added 15 points a piece for the Lions in the
road win.

TCNJ led 34-26 at the half after shooting an impressive 57.7% from the
floor (15-26) and finished with a 53.8% effort for the game, while holding
Keystone to just 32.4% from the floor in the first half.  Feinberg was a
blistering 7-7 from the floor for the game, while Aziz just missed a
double-double as he led the Lions with his nine rebounds, all defensive
caroms, and added four blocks on the night.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: TCNJ/MU Coaches Conference Call

The following are excerpts from the Tuesday morning, November 20
coaches' conference calls with Mount Union Head Coach Larry Kehres and
The College of New Jersey Head Coach Eric Hamilton.

MU Head Coach Larry Kehres
“TCNJ is a very strong defense, statistically, one of the best in
Division III. They are very strong up front. Their linebackers are very
active with good lateral movement and their secondary consists of good
cover men. It’s a formidable unit.”

“Statistically, Joe King (defensive lineman) has 14 sacks and 27.5
tackles-for-loss and with his ability to penetrate the offensive line to
rush the passer his statistics stand out, but he is supported by their
other very good linemen. They are led in tackles by linebacker Nick
Steffner, who looks outstanding on film.”

“They have some very good defensive schemes they throw at you. They get
up field and try to put pressure and confuse the offense with unique and
aggressive looks defensively. They really like to mix it up. I tip my
hat to their coaching staff for the approach they have defensively.”

“New Jersey plays in a great league in terms of the competition. We have
played Rowan and have seen TCNJ on tape. It is a good, strong athletic
league, and if you play tough teams week in and week out, then you need
to be talented.”

“Most teams in the playoffs are pretty good on defense. To be in the
playoffs and stay in the playoffs, you must be good on that side of the
ball. They (NJ) are solid on the other side of the ball as well. You
don’t win their league without having some playmakers on offense.”

“Their quarterback (Christopher James) is a real playmaker. He makes a
lot of great plays on the move. Quarterbacks like that are dangerous
because you have to try to contain him. His receivers stay alive in
their routes find ways to get open, and he usually finds them. ”

“You can’t stop everything when facing a good team. Our defensive
players wish we wouldn’t have given up so many passing yards against
Ithaca, but we were concerned with Ithaca’s ability to keep possession
of the ball and we concentrated on stopping the run - maybe too much and
not enough on the pass game. Ithaca played well offensively. They made a
lot of plays. Our defense played a good game, but not great. Some times
you have to give credit to the other teams for making plays – especially
at this time of year. All the teams that are playing in the playoffs are
talented and can execute.”

“Turnovers and penalties hurt. We shot ourselves in the foot last week
against Ithaca. Turnovers are key in games. We will need to handle the
pressure New Jersey brings and not turn the ball over.”

“I believe we were well-represented on this year’s All-Ohio Athletic
Conference Team. Our players have worked hard all year and individual
honors are nice. Although, we realize we have more important team goals
to try to achieve.”

“They (defense) are quick and when you are on the move, that quickness
creates mismatches. Most offensive linemen aren’t particularly quick and
defenders that are quick can make people miss.”

TCNJ Head Coach Eric Hamilton
“Not many people have been able to score against Mount Union. You need
to control the ball. You watch film and you wonder how you are going to
make that happen. Our mantra has been to make it a field position game
and then capitalize on key opportunities. This week isn’t any different,
but much tougher with the opponent we are facing.”

“Ithaca scored and that might give people hope, but you can also say it
just got the hornet’s nest stirred. Mount Union is extremely talented on
that side of the ball and they also don’t turn it over much. If you try
to shut one guy down, they just have three or four other guys who can
make plays. They have the best skilled players we’ll face all year. And
their offensive line is outstanding. You can see on film how talented
and well-coached this team is.”

“There isn’t a big difference between last season’s 4-6 team and this
years’ 9-2 team. The biggest change has been the fact that these guys
have believed in each other and the overall attitude is better. These
kids have each other’s back and we have some very good senior leadership:”

“We know what we are up against. We will be the underdogs, but let’s see
what we can do. It is a great barometer for us. It is a great experience
for us, for our kids and our school. Every team should get the chance to
play in this environment against their program. There is a lot to learn
there.”

“We are a multiple defensive team. We do wacky things. We take risks. We
have players that we have to move around a little bit. We put our guys
in the best position to make plays. Unfortunately you will get hurt from
time to time doing that, but that’s the only way we know how to play.”

“While we haven’t made big plays with scores, we have done a great job
with field position this season. We hope that the kicking game can come
through for us this Saturday.”

“We’re going to struggle at times. They have great size and quickness. I
watch them on film and we haven’t played a team like this, so it’ll be
interesting to see how we adjust. But our kids will compete. We are
going to do some whacky stuff and let it fly. That’s the way we play.”

“If you would have told me on August 16 that on November 16 we would be
playing Mount Union, I would tell you that you were crazy. Crazy is as
crazy does, and we look forward to this opportunity. Crazy is coming to
Ohio.”

TCNJ FIELD HOCKEY PLAYERS EARN ALL-AMERICAN HONORS*

*Ewing, NJ*… A pair of The College of New Jersey field hockey players
were named to the 2007 Longstreth/National Field Hockey Coaches
Association All-American teams with one player being tabbed first team
and another to third team.

Junior defender *Kelly Mitchell (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape)* was tabbed as a
First Team All-American, while classmate *Jenny Lubin (Moorestown,
NJ/Moorestown) *was selected as a Third Team All-American as a forward.

Mitchell anchored TCNJ’s defense that allowed only one goal per game
this season and recorded 11 shutouts. She was previously honored as the
2007 New Jersey Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year,
All-NJAC First Team and NFHCA South Atlantic Region First Team. Mitchell
also chipped in with one goal and assist.

Lubin was also a NFHCA South Atlantic Region and All-NJAC first team
honoree and was a major contributor at the offensive end of the field.
Lubin finished with 11 goals and three assists with a team-leading four
game-winning goals.

The Lions finished the season as the NJAC Champions sweeping their way
through conference play with a perfect 6-0 mark. TCNJ then advanced to
the NCAA Division III Regional Finals before seeing season come to a
close to finish the season with a 17-3 record.

-30-

FOUR TCNJ WRESTERS TAKE FIRST AT URSINUS COLLEGE FALL BRAWL

Collegeville, PA. The College of New Jersey wrestling team boasted four
champions at the Ursinus College Fall Brawl on Sunday with five other
grapplers take second in the non-team scored event.

TCNJ's first title came at 133 pounds as seventh-ranked senior Ray
Sarinelli (Rockaway, NJ/Morris Hills) won all four of his bouts including
a 5-2 decision over Steve Kingsland of Ursinus in the championship.
Sarinelli is now 10-0 on the season.

Two weight classes later,  sophomore Tyler Branham (Newton,
NJ/Kittantinny) won the 149-pound weight class with a convincing 11-0
major decision over Muhlenberg's Rob Kein in the finals. Branham, who is
ranked fourth nationally in his weight class, was 4-0 on the day and with
his second win in the tournament earned his 50th career victory.

The Lions won back-to-back weight classes at 165 and 174 pounds with
freshman Justin Bonitatis (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) winning at
165 and junior Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) at 174.

Bonitatis needed five wins to claim his weight class as he clinched the
title with a pin of teammate Al Wonesh (Columbus, NJ/North Burlington) in
1:50. Those five wins puts Bonitatis at a near-perfect 13-1 in varsity
action this season.

Osgoodby won his second tournament of the season with an 18-1 technical
fall of Lycoming's Troy Hayre in the finals. It was Osgoodby's second win
of the tournament by technical fall, while adding a pin and a major
decision in his other two victories.

In addition to Wonesh's second-place finish, the Lions had four others
reach the finals. At 125, Kyle Kinchen (Jackson, NJ/Jackson) fell 6-4 in
overtime to York's Kyle Flickinger, who is ranked seventh nationally. TCNJ
dropped another close decision in the finals at 141 as freshman John
Barnett (Oakridge, NJ/Jefferson Twp.) fell 5-3 to Damian Rose of Thiel.

Sophomore Dan DiColo (Budd Lake, NJ/ Mount Olive) fell by a narrow 7-6
margin at 157 to seventh-ranked John Niedrich of York (PA) College, while
senior Steve Carbone (Cranford, NJ/Cranford) fell 3-0 to York's Luke
Panizzi in the finals at 285 in a battle of ranked opponents. Panizzi is
ranked ninth with Carbone one spot behind in 10th.

TCNJ also had three grapplers battle back to place third. Jon Biango
(Waldwick, NJ/Waldwick) was third at 157, Mike Denver (Bayville,
NJ/Central Regional) finished in that same spot at 174 and Shawn
Vanwingerden (Wantage, NJ/High Point) at 197.

The Lions will return to the mat on Wednesday, November 28 heading to
King's College for a dual meet with the Monarchs.
-30-

Mens College Hoops: Lycoming 58 TCNJ 56

Williamsport, PA.Lycoming's men's basketball team defeated The College of
New Jersey by a score of 58-56 in the consolation game of the Lycoming
Tip-Off Tournament on Saturday.

Warrior point guard Eric Anthony (Wheeling, WV) led the team with 14
points, and shared the team lead of three assists with fellow guard
Jemayne Nowlin (Gaithersburg, MD).

Nowlin knocked in seven points on the
day, including Lycoming's only three-pointer of the first half.
Anthony had nine of his points in the first period, while sophomore Ricky
Varnell (Patterson, NY) claimed eight of his ten points before the break.
But TCNJ's Lions wouldn't go away and the score at halftime was knotted at
31.

The Warriors grew a lead in the second half, eventually holding a
ten-point differential of 57-47 with 6:58 remaining. But then Lycoming
went cold, and nearly scoreless, for the remainder of the contest. They
gradually allowed TCNJ back in the game, until Warrior Greg Sye
(Chantilly, VA) sank a key foul shot with five seconds left on the clock.
The shot followed a crucial blocked shot by sophomore James Oberlies
(Philadelphia, PA). TCNJ's sophomore Steve Feinberg (Middletown, NJ/Red
Bank Catholic) drove free to the basket looking to give his team the lead,
when out of nowhere, Oberlies leapt through the air and swept the ball off
the backboard.

The game-saving play, as well as Oberlies' eight points on
the day, earned him a spot on the All-Tournament team.
Fellow All-Tournament members were King's Vince Scalzo, who was also the

Tip-Off Tournament's Most Valuable Player, TCNJ's junior guard Jeff
Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley), PSU-Altoona's Quintin Dziabo
and King's Jamie Cousart.
Molinelli led the Lions on the day with 17 points, while senior Mark Aziz
(Hackettstown, NJ/West Morris Central) added 11 points with six rebounds.

In the tourney's championship game, a talented King's squad narrowly
defeated a scrappy, well-coached PSU-Altoona team by a score of 61-59.
Senior forward Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) and senior Corey
Gilmore (South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield) both chipped in nine
points as well.

TCNJ WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM TO PLAY FOR TOURNEY TITLE

Arlington, VA. The College of New Jersey women's basketball team moved
into the championship game of the Marymount Tip-Off Classic as the Lions
won their second straight game of the tournament on Saturday beating
Denison University, 66-53.

The Lions were once again paced by junior center Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch
Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) as she finished with 22 points and eight
rebounds. Klimowicz connected on 8-for-14 shooting from the floor.

TCNJ also had plenty of support as freshman Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough,
NJ/Hillsborough) had her second straight double-figure performance
finishing with 16 points and added seven rebounds. Sophomore Alex Gregorek
(Mahwah, NJ/Academy of Holy Angels) came off of the bench netted a career
best 14 points and pulled down seven rebounds.

Junior Lisa Koch (Oakridge, NJ/Jefferson Twp.) once again was the catalyst
for the Lion attack dishing out a game-high six assists.

The Lion will play for the tournament title on Sunday, November 18 taking
on either the host institution or Gwynedd-Mercy College.

TCNJ ADVANCES IN NCAA'S WITH 17-14 WIN OVER RPI ON DALESSIO'S FIELD GOAL

 

Troy, NY (11/17/07) - The College of New Jersey's senior kicker Matt
Dalessio (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) added a 27-yard field goal with 0:13 left
to play to propel the Lions in the NCAA Division III Football Championship
past the host Engineers of Rensselaar 17-14 on Saturday afternoon at '86
Field before a crowd of 419.  With the win, TCNJ improves to 9-2 on the
year, while RPI's season comes to an end at 8-2.

TCNJ will now travel to
Mount Union College (Alliance, OH) for the second round of the tournament
for a noon contest with the Raiders on Saturday, November 24. Mount Union
advanced after posting a 42-18 win over Ithaca also in the first round.

RPI struck first on their possession driving 61 yards to cap a nine-play
drive and held a 7-0 lead after freshman running back Nick Costa (Yonkers,
NY/Iona Prep) at 11:38.

Sophomore quarterback Chris James (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) found
classmate Cameron Richardson (Burlington, NJ/Burlington Township) from 35
yards out to put the Lions on the scoreboard at 1:24 and a point after by
senior kicker Matt Dalessio (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) tied the score at 7-7.
The score was the sixth of the fall for Richardson.

Sophomore running back Chase Misiura (Holmdel, NJ/Holmdel) carried the
ball four times on the drive, including a 31-yarder play to put the Lions
on RPI's side of the field.

Costa would add to the Engineers' scoring output on the day adding his
second score on a three-yard rush to cap a 78-yard drive with 5:22 left in
the first half of play.

Dalessio would attempt a 44-yard field goal with 1:08 left before the half
and would miss as the ball fell short and to the right.

Misiura came up with a big play after TCNJ was forced to punt on their
first possession and on a fumble came up with the recovery to start the
Lions' drive on the RPI 19.  The Lions would have to settle for a 31-yard
field goal attempt which was partially blocked by sophomore defensive back
Joe Albano (Dalton, MA) at 11:30 in the third leaving the score at RPI
14-7.

Senior back Andrew Larkin (Hamilton Square, NJ/Notre Dame) picked off
RPI's junior quarterback Jimmy Robertson (Yonkers, NY/Iona Prep) in the
end zone in the third quarter for his seventh interception of the year and
halted an Engineer drive.

On the next drive TCNJ was able to gain the back when on the punt return
Nick Steffner (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater) forced a fumble and Joe Spahn
(Burlington, NJ/Florence) came up with the recovery to start the drive for
TCNJ on the RPI 43 yards line at 13:11 in the fourth quarter.

Unfortunately the Lions could not make the most of the opportunity as
James was sacked on third and 23 by junior lineman Nick Casale (Waterford,
NY) and TCNJ was forced to punt. The sack was the third of the day for
Casale.

Robertson would add an 83 yard pass play to senior receiver Brendan
McGowan (Mesa, AZ) in the Engineers' next drive and put RPI deep in the
Lions' territory. Robertson would surpass the 300 plus passing yards on
the game on the play. Despite the great field position for the Engineers,
TCNJ's defense held on and got the ball on downs with no points allowed on
the play.

TCNJ would get into the RPI red zone on a key 22-yard pass to Zach Rinaldi
(Burlington, NJ/Florence) and on the next play Chase Misiura would rush in
from three yards our for his second score of the game and the made point
after by Dalessio tied the score at 14-14 with 3:14 left to play. The
drive was a 12-play, 90 yard drive that brought TCNJ back into the game in
the final minutes of the contest.

 On the kickoff, RPI's Tom Montano would fumble the ball and Michael Yetka
(Holmdel, NJ/Holmdel) recovered to give the Lions the ball in RPI
territory (RPI 44 yard line).

Dalessio would attempt a 47-yard field goal with 2:11 left to play and the
ball would fall short of the goal post give the Engineers the ball again
with two minutes remaining in regulation.

Senior defensive lineman Joe King (Mountainside, NJ/Governor Livingston)
would sack Robinson on RPI's first play of the drive for a loss of 15
putting RPI at their own 15 yard line with 1:59 left to play.

RPI forced to punt relinquished the ball after a bad punt with 1:38 left
as TCNJ would start the drive on the RPI 45.
After an offensive holding call on the Lions, James would find Yetka for a
20 pass play and a first down. With a 3-7 play on the line James found
Chris Opdyke (Lambertville, NJ/Hunterdon Central) from 22 yards out to the
far side yard line and gave the Lions a first and goal from the 10 yard
line. The Lions would send in Dalessio to attempt a 27 yard field goal
with 12.8 seconds left and give TCNJ their first lead of the game 17-14
lead.

In the final seconds of the game, senior Dennis Morrone (Medford Lakes,
NJ/Lenape Regional) would intercept Robinson to end the game and propel
TCNJ to the next round.

For the game, James would complete 24-of-46 pass attempts for 238 yards
with a touchdown. RPI's Robertson was 20-34 with two interceptions and 324
yards passing on the day, including six passes to McGowan for 155 yards
and four passes to junior Eren Savasli (Brooklyn, NY) for 101 yards.

Misiura had 10 carries for 53 yards, while helping TCNJ to combine for 366
yards of total offense while yielding 321 on the day. The 14 points
allowed by the Lions marked the ninth time in 11 games TCNJ held an
opponent to 15 or fewer points this fall.

On defense, TCNJ's was led by junior Marc Fabiano (Scotch Plains,
NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) as he had five tackles, while Spahn and King
each netted five stops on the day. King added two more sacks to his
growing career resume that now includes 33.5 career sacks for -299 yards.
RPI entered the game having just given away 11 turnovers all season before
TCNJ's unit forced five in the contest en route to the win.

TCNJ is now 4-4 lifetime in the NCAA's since first appearing in 1990.

RPI's senior linebacker Anthony Casale (Troy, NY/Troy) led the Engineer's
with his game-high 18 stops, while Nick Casale added 10 stops.

TCNJ travels to Mount Union College (Alliance, OH) for the second round of
the 2007 NCAA Division III Championships as Mount Union beat Ithaca
College 42-18 in another first round contest on Saturday. Mount Union, the
defending NCAA Division III Champions and winners of nine previous NCAA
titles, brings an 11-0 record into the game, while also riding a 34-game
win streak. Kickoff is set for noon on November 24 at Mount Union Stadium.

#3 TCNJ WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAMS BLANKS #10 WASHINGTON (MO)

Lynchburg, VA. The College of New Jersey women's soccer team netted a 1-0
victory over Washington University (MO) to advance to the quarterfinals of
the 2007 NCAA Division III Championships on Saturday.

Senior Dana DiBruno (Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill East) scored the game's
only goal with 8:52 remaining in regulation for her 14th marker of the
season. It was also her team-leading sixth game0winning goal of the
season. The play originated off of a corner kick taken by senior Kristen
Cubicciotti (North Haledon, NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy).

Sophomore keeper Jessica Clarke (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) picked up her
11th shutout of the season making three saves as the Lions have shutout
each of their three opponents in the tournament.

The win put the third-ranked Lions at 20-0-1 on the season giving them
their second 20-win season in the last three years. The loss ended season
for the 10th-ranked Bears at 17-4.

TCNJ will play in the sectional final on Sunday, November 18 at 1 p.m.
against either Emory (GA) University or host Lynchburg College.

TCNJ’s MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM FALLS 79-55 IN SEASON OPENER

November 16

Williamsport, PA…The College of New Jersey men’s basketball team opened the new season on Friday night facing King’s College in the first round of Lycoming College’s Tip-Off Tournament. Unfortunately, the Lions were not able to deliver a win for interim Head Coach Matt Hunter in his coaching debut as the Lions fell 79-55 to the Monarchs. TCNJ trailed 40-20 at the half and dropped to the consolation game and will face the host Warriors of Lycoming College on Saturday at 2 p.m.

A year ago, the Lions went 12-14, while Kings finished the season with a 19-9 mark after earning a spot in the 2007 NCAA Division III Championships.

Senior forward Jeff Warner (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) added 14 for the Lions while junior guard Jeff Molinelli (Pennington, NJ/Hopewell Valley) chipped in 10 points.

King’s College’s senior guard Jamie Cousart (Holland, PA) and senior forward Ryan Nenstiel (Zion Grove, PA) both added 16 points in the win as they helped their team mount a 40-20 halftime lead and never look back.

TCNJ WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM BEATS KING'S IN SEASON OPENER

Arlington, VA. The College of New Jersey women's basketball team tipped
off the new season on a winning note as the Lions beat King's College
69-60 on the first day of the 20th Annual Marymount Tip-Off Classic on
Friday.

Junior center Hillary Klimowicz (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood)
scored eight of the first 11 points of the game for the Lions and finished
with a career-high 23 points. Klimowicz shot 9-for-14 from the floor and
added 13 rebounds for the double-double. Those 13 rebounds tied a
career-high set a year ago.

Guard Alyssa Michella (Washington Twp., NJ/Immaculate Heart Academy)
boasted two career highs of her own as the junior poured in 16 points and
grabbed nine rebounds. Freshman Kelsey Kutch (Hillsborough,
NJ/Hillsborough) added to the victory of for the Lions with 12 points.

Adding to the win for TCNJ was junior Lisa Koch (Oakridge, NJ/Jefferson
Twp.) as she had nine rebounds and a game-high six assists.

The Lion remain in the inner's bracket and will face the winner of the
Denison University and Salisbury University game on Saturdday, November 17
at 3 p.m.

College Wrestling: #8 TCNJ WRESTLERS HANDLE #30 HUNTER COLLEGE, 30-9*

*Ewing, NJ*… The College of New Jersey wrestling team won eight of 10
weight classes as they Lions beat visiting Hunter College by the score
of 30-9 on Wednesday at Packer Hall.

The Lions (2-0) are ranked eighth in the latest National Wrestling
Coaches Association Division III poll, while the Hawks (0-1) entered the
match in the 30^th spot. TCNJ has also now won 15 straight dual meets
dating back to last season.

TCNJ opened the dual meet with a victory as freshman *Kyle Kinchen
(Jackson, NJ/Jackson)* posted a 10-5 decision at 125 pounds. The Hawks
then tied the score at 3-3 as *Adam Coleman (Miller Place, NY/Miller
Place) *won in the final seconds at 133 by the score of 8-7.

The Lions pulled back in front at 141 pounds as freshman *John Barnett
(Oak Ridge, NJ/Jefferson Township*) recorded an 8-4 victory and
sophomore *Tyler Branham (Newton, NJ/Kittantinny)* followed with a 10-1
major decision at 149. Branham entered the match ranked fourth
nationally at 149.in his weight class.

*Dan DiColo (Budd Lake, NJ/Mt. Olive)* made it consecutive wins by major
decision for the Lions as at 157 pounds as the sophomore won by the
score of 18-6. That win was followed by third major decision as *Al
Wonesh (Columbus, NJ/Northern Burlington)* put TCNJ in front 18-3 with a
12-3 victory at 165 pounds.

The Lions added to the lead as junior *Greg Osgoodby (Waldwick,
NJ/Waldwick)* won by forfeit at 174, but Hunter’s *Joey Scott (Walden,
NY/Valley Central)* snapped TCNJ’s streak of four straight wins with a
pin at 184 pounds in 55 seconds. Scott entered the match ranked seventh.

The hosts closed out the dual meet with two more victories as S*hawn
Vanwingerden (Wantage, NJ/High Point)* won 11-5 at 197 and heavyweight
*Steve Carbone (Cranford, NJ/Cranford)* ended the dual meet with a 6-0
triumph.

TCNJ will compete again on Sunday, November 18 taking part in the annual
Ursinus College Fall Brawl.

*Weight by weight summary*

*#8 TCNJ 30, #30 Hunter
9                                                                                                            
TCNJ  -  Hunter*
125: Kyle Kinchen (TCNJ) dec. Evan Velez (HC) 10-5          
                                                          3 -
0                                                   
133: Adam Coleman (HC) dec. Jack Casey (TCNJ) 8-7         
                                                         3 - 3
141: John Barnett (TCNJ) dec. Kyle Cammorodo (HC)
8-4                                                           6 -
3            
149: Tyler Branham (TCNJ) major dec. Vitaly Simkin (HC)
10-1                                            10 - 3
157: Dan DiColo (TCNJ) major dec. Joe Speigel (HC)
18-6                                                           14 - 3
165: Al Wonesh (TCNJ) major dec. Bill Calvacca (HC)
12-3                                                       18 - 3
174: Greg Osgoodby (TCNJ) by
forfeit                                                                                     
        24 - 3
184: Joey Scott (HC) pinned Jim Tomczuk (TCNJ)
:55                                                                   24 - 9
197: Shawn Vanwingerden (TCNJ) dec. Ben Bonaventura (HC)
11-5                                    27 - 9
285: Steve Carbone (TCNJ) dec. Brian Scher (HC)
6-0                                                                  30 - 9

COLLEGE FOOTBALL: TCNJ Face Rensselaer in First Round of Playoffs

Link to complete tournament bracket

http://www.ncaasports.com/football/mens/brackets/straight32_dyn/2007/DIII

Ewing, NJ (11/11/07) – With the release of the field for the 2007 NCAA Division III Football Championships, The College of New Jersey football team has drawn in Rensselaer (8-1) first round contest on Saturday, November 17 in a Noon start. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. The Lions will take to the road and face the Engineers at ’86 field in Troy, NY.

The winner of the game between RPI and TCNJ faces either top-seeded Mount Union (10-0), the top-ranked team in the nation, or Ithaca (8-2) on November 24. On the other side of the bracket, St. John Fisher (9-1), the second seed, hosts fifth-seeded Hobart (8-2) and Curry (11-0), the third seed, hosts seventh-seeded Hartwick (8-2). The winners of those two games face one another.

The 2007 Lions earned the bid after winning the New Jersey Athletic Conference after going 6-1 in the league. The 2007 NCAA Tournament appearance for the Lions marks the fifth time the Lions have earned a spot in the tournament as they bring a lifetime record of 3-4 into the 2007 action.

TCNJ first appeared in the NCAA’s in 1990 and opened the tournament with a 24-14 win over Ithaca College before falling to Hofstra University 38-3 in the Eastern Regional Championship game. TCNJ next appeared in 1996 and opened play with a 17-16 win over the U.S. Coast Guard Academy before falling to Rowan University 7-3 in the Eastern Regional Championship game. TCNJ returned the next year compete and opened with a 34-30 win over SUNY Cortland in the first round, only to fall to Rowan University in the NCAA Eastern Regional Championship game, 13-7. In 1998, TCNJ fell to Rowan University 26-2 in the first round of the tournament.

The most successful head football coach in school history, Eric Hamilton is in his 31st season as the head coach for his alma mater. The coach of seven NJAC championship teams, he is now in his third decade in the league. Five times cited as the NJAC Coach of the Year, he has also guided the Lions to six postseason appearances as well.

Hamilton now owns a 187-117-6 career record. His 187 wins ranks fourth all-time in Division III entering the campaign amongst active Division III coaches. His 187 victories also ranks 19th all-time amongst all active coaches in every division.

His accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as he has twice been selected Coach of the Year by the New Jersey College Football Writers Association (1980 & ’81) and as NJAC Coach of the Year by the conference coaches in 1983, 1990, 1994, 1996 and 1998. To date, Hamilton has produced 20 All-American performers, 63 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) All-Star selections, and 130 All-NJAC first team performers.

Hamilton now owns an NJAC career record of 114-59-4 after a 6-1 mark in 2007 in the NJAC. TCNJ has captured to the NJAC crown now seven times (1980, 1983, 1988, 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2007). TCNJ has gone unbeaten in the NJAC only two times under Hamilton (1980: 6-0, and 1996: 5-0).

TCNJ brings an 8-2 record having averaged 334.7 yards per game of total offense, while allowing only 240.0 yards per game from their opponents. Sophomore quarterback Chris James (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) leads the Lions this fall and now has 160.5 yards per game passing, while completing 122 of 252 passes with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also leads the Lions with his 195.1 yards per game of total offense.

A frequent target for James has been sophomore wide receiver Cameron Richardson (Burlington, NJ/Burlington Township) who now has 30 catches for 577 yards with five TD’s.

On the ground, TCNJ’s senior co-captain Dan Dornacker (Jersey City, NJ/Brick Memorial) is enjoying a career-best campaign having rushed for 618 yards on 140 carries with four touchdowns, while James has four rushing scores as well this fall.

Defensively, the Lions have found several leaders as well. Senior lineman Joe King (Mountainside, NJ/Governor Livingston) now has a team-high 63 tackles with 25.5 tackles for a loss (-153 yards), while adding 12 sacks for -106 yards. On his career, King now has now has 31.5 career sacks for -280 yards, while adding 134 career tackles. On his career, he has made 53.5 tackles for a loss (-318 yards). As of November 5, he was ranked third in Division III in sacks per game (1.4), while ranking third as well in tackles for a loss (2.8).

Senior co-captain Andrew Larkin (Hamilton Square, NJ/Notre Dame) continues to add to the big play book this fall. Larkin returned an interception against Buffalo State in the third quarter 91 yards for a TD. That marks his second interception return for a touchdown this fall. The 91 yard return for a score was just eight yards shy of tying TCNJ’s school record for an interception return for a TD, which stands at 99 yards and was set in 1975 by Don Covin against Glassboro State. On the year, Larkin now has 55 tackles with a team-leading six interception for 179 yards with six pass breakups. He leads the NJAC with his six interceptions (0.67) and is ranked third in the league with his 12 passes defended. He ranked 24th in Div. 3 with 0.6 interceptions per game as of October 29.

Junior linebacker Marc Fabiano (Scotch Plains, NJ/Scotch Plains-Fanwood) now has 57 tackles. He currently has 25 solo stops with 32 assisted tackles and is averaging 6.1 tackles per game which is 19th best in the NJAC.

Senior linebacker Nick Steffner (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater) as added nine tackles in the win over Buffalo State and now has 58 tackles with three sacks, four pass breakup and 9.5 tackles for loss (-34 yards). Both Fabiano and Steffner were tapped for the 2007 ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District College Division team last week for their accomplishments on and off the playing field.

Senior kicker Matt Dalessio (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) has three-game winning performances to his credit this fall. The leading scorer this year, he has 82 career points as a Lion. Dalessio is ranked second in the NJAC with his 1.11 FG per game, while ranking third in the league in kick scoring leaders.

TCNJ FIELD HOCKEY PLAYERS EARN ALL-REGION HONORS

*Ewing, NJ*… Another successful season on the field landed a handful of
players from The College of New Jersey field hockey team post-season
honors from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association. Three Lions
were named to the NFHCA South Atlantic Region First Team with two more
players earning second-team honors.

A trio of juniors were named to the South Atlantic Region First Team as
forward *Jenny Lubin (Moorestown, NJ/Moorestown), *defender *Kelly
Mitchell (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape)* and midfielder *Katie Reuther (Toms
River, NJ/Toms River North)* each were selected.

Mitchell anchored TCNJ’s defense that allowed only one goal per game
this season and recorded 11 shutouts. She was previously honored as the
2007 New Jersey Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and was
tabbed All-NJAC First Team. Mitchell also chipped in with one goal and
assist.

Lubin and Reuther were also All-NJAC First Team honorees and were major
contributors at the offensive end of the field. Lubin finished with 11
goals and three assists with a team-leading four game-winning goals.
Reuther was second on the team in scoring with 35 points on 13 goals and
nine assists.

Senior *Sheri Grondski (Mercerville, NJ/Nottingham)* and freshman *Leigh
Mitchell (Mt. Laurel, NJ/Lenape)* were also honored as they were
selected to the South Atlantic Region Second Team.

Grondski helped the Lions rank among the best defense teams in the
nation and was a key contributor on offense as well. She is tied for the
lead in the NJAC with 13 assists and added four goals for 21 points. She
is a three-time All-NJAC First Team honoree and also added a pair of
defensive saves.

Kelly Mitchell was named the 2007 NJAC Rookie of the Year and during the
course of the season was selected as the conference’s rookie of the week
on four occasions. She led the Lions in scoring with 16 goals and 36
points with three of those goals being game winners.

The Lions finished the season as the NJAC Champions sweeping their way
through conference play with a perfect 6-0 mark. TCNJ then advanced to
the NCAA Division III Regional Finals before seeing season come to a
close to finish the season with a 17-3 record.

-30-

TCNJ Men’s Swim Team Beat F&M College 116-81

11/4/2007 4:30:55 PM

Link to complete results

Source Media Release

Ewing, NJ…The College of New Jersey's men's swimming team hosted Franklin & Marshall College on Sunday afternoon. TCNJ's men's team tallied a 116-81 win to improve to 2-0, while F & M's men fall to 0-2.

Leading the way for the Lion men on Sunday was freshman Tom Medvecky (Piscataway, NJ/Piscataway) as he won the 1000 freestyle in 9:57.95, beating a returning All-American and also winning the 200 butterfly (1:59.04).

TCNJ took first place in the 400 medley relay team that recorded a time of 3:37.04 behind the work of senior Kevin Oliver (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North), sophomore Myles O'Connor (Santa Monica, CA), senior Josh Forsman (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) and senior Liam Gallagher (Bridgewater, NJ/Bridgewater-Raritan). The Lions also won the 400 freestyle relay to close the meet with their time of 3:17.00 behind the efforts of Forsman, freshman Shawn Kircher (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North), junior Mike Molloy (Toms River, NJ/Toms River East), and O'Connor.

Molloy added a first in the 200 freestyle in 1:46.27, just ahead of Forsman who took second in the race in 1:49.38. Kircher won the 100 freestyle in 48.63 and took second in the 50 freestyle in 22.26. Gallagher was the winner for the Lions in the 200 individual medley in 2:00.43, while junior Thomas Nawrot (East Brunswick, NJ/East Brunswick) took first in the 50 freestyle with his time of 22.24.

Junior Mike Heaney (Voorhees, NJ/Bishop Eustace) added a first in the 200 backstroke with his time of 1:59.62, while junior Ted Yoa (Ocean City, NJ/St. Augustine) won the 200 breaststroke for the Lions in 2:14.50.

TCNJ returns to action on November 10 hosting Division II Southern Connecticut State University at 2 p.m..

TCNJ Gridiron Squad Travels to Buffalo State Nov. 3

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TCNJ earns shutout over Rowan

 

Thursday, October 25, 2007      Source www.nj.com

 

The College of New Jersey women's soccer team downed Rowan, 2-0, in the final New Jersey Athletic Conference game of the regular season for both teams on Wednesday, clinching the top seed in the upcoming conference tournament.

TCNJ, ranked third in the nation, improved to 15-0-1 overall. Rowan dropped to 14-3 overall, but has the No. 2 seed in the NJAC Tournament and a first-round bye.

Midfielders Dana DiBruno and Gina Colati scored a goal apiece for TCNJ. Kristen Cubicciotti had an assist.

TCNJ outshot Rowan, 18-3, and Lions keeper Jessica Clarke made two saves for her eighth shutout of the year. Profs keeper Sarah Volkomer saved eight shots in the loss.

WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

Rowan tops Immaculata

The Rowan women's volleyball team defeated Immaculata, 3-0, in a non-conference match.

Rowan was led by outside hitter Siobahn Young (Clearview Regional High School) with 16 kills, six digs, and four service aces. Alexis Louie (Washington Township) followed with 12 kills and three digs.

CROSS COUNTRY

The Gloucester County College cross country teams returned from the St. Joseph's College Invitational with several awards.

The men's team placed second overall with every runner placing in the top 50. Freshman Mike Fiore (Paul IV) finished second overall in the 8K with a time of 28:55. Eric Haslem (Paulsboro), Jon Warren (Eastern), John Lloyd (Paulsboro), AJ Melora (Hammonton) and Kyle Perry (Schalick) were the other top finishers for GCC.

Heather DiCrescenzo (Triton) and Denise Belz (Gateway) placed third and fourth, respectively, for the women's team. Rosina Licciardello (Paulsboro) and Kayte Kirchner (Glassboro) were the other top finishers for the women.

 

TCNJ & Cortland State to meet in Battle of Unbeatens

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Dalessio lifts Lions past LaSalle, 13-12

Philadelphia, PA (9/21/07) – For the second straight year, TCNJ’s senior kicker Matt Dalessio (photo) (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) provided the winning play as the Lions of The College of New Jersey tallied a win over LaSalle University on Friday at McCarthy Stadium. TCNJ has now won four straight over the Explorers and leads the series history 4-1. Dalessio hit a 28-yard field goal with 42 seconds left to play to give TCNJ 13-12 win on the road on Friday. TCNJ is now 2-1 overall, while LaSalle drops to 0-3 on the 2007 campaign. TCNJ struck first as senior kicker Matt Dalessio collected a 43-yard field goal at 0:20 in the first quarter to cap a 10 play, 29 yard drive. The 43 yard field goal was a career best for the senior.

The Lions struck again in the second quarter as TCNJ’s sophomore quarterback Chris James (Brick, NJ/Brick Memorial) found sophomore Lee Jones (Galloway, NJ/Absegami) from 39 yards out to give TCNJ a 10-0 lead in the waning moments of the first quarter at 1:32.

LaSalle answered back with a touchdown of their own at 1:08 as junior quarterback Chris Hansen (Southampton, PA/Archbishop Wood) found sophomore wide receiver Gabe Guerrerri (Ventnor, NJ/Holy Spirit) for a 32 yard touchdown pass only to have the point after try by junior Anthony Perlozzo (Ocean City, MD/Stephen Decatur) blocked. The Lions took a 10-6 halftime lead into the locker room.

LaSalle had their first lead of the game as Hansen hit senior John McEvy (Langhorne, PA/Notre Dame) from five yards out with 1:34 left in the third quarter on a nine-play drive that lasted 4:29 and gave the Explorers a 12-10 lead as Perlozzo’s PAT failed. TCNJ was called for two pass interference penalties on the drive.

Senior Dan Dornacker (Jersey City, NJ/Brick) posted his second straight 100 yard rushing performance after adding 119 yards on the night on 17 carries. He racked up 62 rushing yards in the first half with a long of 44 yards as TCNJ had 168 first half yards of total offense, while the Lions defense held LaSalle to 25 first half yards on the ground and a net of 120 yards of total offense in the first stanza while also holding the home team to an 0-6 effort on third down conversions.

Jones added 68 receiving yards in the victory on six catches. He had 67 first half receiving yards on five catches including a long of 39 yards. James ended the evening having completed 12 –of-22 passes for 143 yards with a touchdown, an interception. He added four carries for 12 yards rushing as the Lions finished the night with 337 net yards on 63 plays, while LaSalle added 196 yards on the night on 63 plays despite holding an advantage in time of possession (31:25 to 28:35).

Hansen ended the night having made 14 of 24 pass attempts for 125 yards and a pair of touchdowns having been sacked by TCNJ twice. Guerrerri had three catches for 45 yards with a score, while McVey added five catches for 38 yards and a touchdown. Freshman runningback Deric Dudinski (Sterling, VA/Park View) led the Explorers on the ground with 15 carries for 58 yards.

A year ago, Dalessio hit a 29-yard field goal in the fourth quarter with only 6:21 left to play to break a 21-21 tie and give TCNJ a 24-21 win.

Senior lineman Joe King (Mountainside, NJ/Gov. Livingston) led the Lions with his two sacks for -21 yards while adding eight tackles and a pass break up. Senior defensive back Andrew Larkin (Hamilton Square, NJ/Notre Dame) added eight tackles as well for the Lions with a pass breakup on the night.

TCNJ returns to action next Friday with home contest against the Red Hawks of Montclair State University. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Lions’ Stadium.

TCNJ football in action at LaSalle - Watch it Live!

Videostreaming available for tonight's contest with TCNJ 

Philadelphia, PA - The La Salle Explorers (0-2) return to action tonight with a 7:30 PM kick-off scheduled against The College of New Jersey (1-1) tonight at McCarthy Stadium.

Tonight's action will be videostreamed live on GoExplorers.com. CSTV All-Access subscribers will be able to watch all of the action - non-members can register by clicking on the All-Access logo or the "Gameday Central" link on the GoExplorers.com home page. The cost will be $7. 

Fans can also follow the game free of charge with live audio streaming which can be accessed from a number of places including here: LISTEN LIVE. Live stats are also available through gametracker.

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