Morrison anchoring No. 3 TCNJ’s push for another NJAC title
Lacrosse is like every other sport in that what seems to stand out the most on the scoresheet are goals, assists and goaltender saves.
What actually wins the games, though, are draw controls, ground balls and caused turnovers and maybe the best in Division III women’s lacrosse at dominating all three of those categories is The College of New Jersey’s Elizabeth Morrison.
A three-time NJAC Defensive Player of the Year, the senior is four ground balls away from becoming the Lions’ all-time leader, is already a three-time AllAmerica performer, was named the National Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and this season leads TCNJ in ground balls (56), caused turnovers (49) and draw controls (58).
Morrison, who hails from Stonington, Conn., was also All-America in field hockey and this year’s NJAC Offensive Player of the Year.
“I was definitely not expecting anything like this,” said Morrison, of her amazing career. “All of my success as an individual player has come from the success of the team itself.”
Morrison and the Lions have a big New Jersey Athletic Conference test Tuesday night when Rowan visits Lions Stadium for a 7 p.m. start.
The No. 23 Profs (101, 3-0 NJAC) bring a ninegame winning streak with them to face the No. 3 Lions (10-2, 3-0 NJAC) in a battle for the top spot in the conference.
TCNJ has controlled the series wining seven straight regular season meetings and two in the NJAC tournament. During the sevengame regular season winning streak, TCNJ has outscored Rowan, 104-23.
“Rowan and Montclair State are always very tough rivals,” said Morrison. “We had a good win against Montclair State earlier this year and we know Rowan is going to be an interesting game. They know what to expect from us and we know what to expect from them.”
While Morrison is the heart and soul, the Lions have a pretty impressive attack as well.
Alex Fitzpatrick (Northern Burlington) leads in goals with 30, Olivia Cleale (Notre Dame) leads the league in points with 54 anis first in assists with 33. Kathleen Jaeger has 33 points and Allie Gorman has 25 goals.
Miranda Chrone has been solid in the cage with a 3.94 goals against average.
The Profs are led by Maddie Bray with 50 points and an NJAC-best 47 goals. Liz Kramer is solid all-around with 35 points and 21 caused turnovers.
Rowan can find the back of the cage and will be a challenge for the Lions’ defense. Draw controls and possession is going to be important.
Since the NJAC started awarding a conference championship in women’s lacrosse in 2009, the Lions have won 8-of-9 championships. The only time it came in second was in 2010 when Rowan won the league and it is also the last time the Profs defeated TCNJ, 12-11.
“NJAC games are always interesting and we know we have to be on top of our game every day,” said Morrison. “If not, any team can beat us. Everyone is always going to play their best against us.”
The Lions history of being a perennial national championship contender makes them the biggest game on most teams’ schedule.
Morrison, who is a biology major with an eye toward coaching, certainly has one of the most remarkable resume’s in women’s lacrosse and the one missing piece has been a national championship.
“That would be the best way to end it,” admitted Morrison. “We know we have a lot of things go take care of first and they we have a long way to go, but it would be the best ending of a career.”