TCNJ expects to contend for national championship

The history and tradition of The College of New Jersey field hockey program is legendary and every year the expecation is to compete for a national championship.

This year is no different.

The Lions open the 2017 season on Saturday when they face Catholic University in Washington at 2 p.m.

If there’s a difference in this TCNJ team, it’s that there are just two seniors and 11 freshmen on the squad.

“I see the players from this year’s team ready to step into new roles this season,” said Hall of Fame coach Sharon Pfluger. “A team doesn’t replace its graduating seniors, it refuels, and that is what we are doing.”

Pfluger will lean on Elizabeth Morrison and Christina Fabiano, the lone seniors, to provide leadership on and off the field.

“I cannot say enough wonderful things about how they have led our team thus far,” Pfluger said of the pair. “We also have a lot of potential with our junior and sophomore classes to fill spaces. Our freshmen class makes up half of the team and it is comprised of player that will contribute this season.”

The Lions were 16-4 last year, and with 11 national titles in the program’s history, you can expect them to be in the running for No. 12 this year.

After Catholic, the Lions stay on the road for trips to Stevens and then Juniata before the home opener against Drew on Sept. 12.

“Being on the road creates an atmosphere where camaraderie is developed,” said Pfluger. “We will spend a lot of time together and that is always a great thing for any team.”

Morrison leads the returning scorers with 12 goals and seven assists and Cayla Andrews chipped in with 12 and two.

With so few returning players, there will be plenty of others, including freshmen, finding time on the field.

“I have been extremely pleased with the freshmen in preseason,” said Pfluger. “They are feeling more and more at ease each day and I can see their strengths coming through. It’s a dynamic class. We are excited to see it come together throughout the year.”

The newcomers are Nora Strittmatter (Rancocas Valley), Amanda Celli (Pingry), Tori Tiefenthaler (Freehold Boro), Caroline Bickel (Haddonfield), Alyssa Gossett (West Essex), Jen Tolmayer (Rancocas Valley), Gabby Arancio (Freehold Boro), Issy Gilhooley (Ocean City), Samantha Reed (Carle Place, N.Y.), Kaitlyn Hunter (Shore) and Rachel Dultz (Belvidere).

“We always have incredible student-athletes that are competitive and hard working,” said Pfluger. “As a coaching staff, we are blessed to be a part of such a wonderful group if young women.”

While it might be one of the youngest TCNJ teams in recent memory, it’s one that will be in the national conversation all season.

“The key is always teamwork,” said Pfluger. “We are approaching things one day at a time as we teach and see our players grow each day. The new players are settling in and the chemistry is forming very nicely on and off the field. Everyone on this team is capable of helping us produce outstanding results.”