2025 NJAC Field Hockey Championship Central | Bracket
Follow Us On: Instagram | Facebook | X
EWING, NJ --- Isabel Maher scored with less than two minutes remaining to lift second-seeded TCNJ to a 2-1 victory over third-seeded Stockton in the NJAC Field Hockey Championship semifinal on November 5, 2025, at the TCNJ Field Hockey/Lacrosse Complex.
With the game tied 1-1 and time running out, Maher redirected a hard shot from a penalty corner in front of the goal at 58:11, assisted by Rachael Tetzlaff, to give the Lions (14-5) the dramatic victory and a berth in Saturday's championship game.
Julia Neff had given TCNJ an early lead, scoring just over eight minutes into the first quarter on a rebound in front of the goal for her third tally of the season. The Lions controlled much of the first half, outshooting Stockton 8-0 through the first two quarters and earning a 4-0 advantage in penalty corners.
Stockton (11-10) turned the momentum in the second half, creating numerous scoring opportunities. The Ospreys' persistence paid off in the third quarter when Carlee Thompson equalized with a hard backhand shot at 53:10 for her 12th goal of the season.
The Lions regained control in the final quarter, ultimately setting up Maher's game-winner off the penalty corner insertion. Tetzlaff, who recorded two defensive saves in addition to her assist, was instrumental throughout the match.
TCNJ dominated the shot chart, outshooting Stockton 16-7 and holding an 11-5 advantage in shots on goal. The Lions' offensive pressure was led by Neff and Jadyn Huff, who combined for 10 shots with seven on target. Huff finished with five shots and four on goal, while Neff added five shots and three on target to go along with her first-quarter goal.
Stockton goalkeeper Erika Roura kept her team in the match with an outstanding performance, making nine saves. TCNJ's Brigitte Racey made four saves, including two crucial stops in the fourth quarter to preserve the lead.
Both teams earned six penalty corners in the evenly matched contest. Stockton generated all of their corners in the second half, with four coming in the third quarter and two in the fourth.
With the victory, TCNJ advances to face top-seeded Rowan in the championship game on Saturday, November 8, in Glassboro.