September 1, 2004

TCNJ PICKED AS FIELD HOCKEY FAVORITE
IN POLL OF LEAGUE'S HEAD COACHES

LIONS SEEKING THEIR 19TH NJAC CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE 1982

The College of New Jersey has been selected as the favorite to win the 2004 New Jersey Athletic Conference Field Hockey Championship in a poll of the league’s head coaches. The Lions, who advanced to the 2003 NCAA Tournament Semifinals, posted a 17-3 overall record last season.

Under the direction of 20th-year head coach Sharon Pfluger, TCNJ has posted an overall record of 345-37-5. In the history of the NJAC field hockey championship dating back to its inception in 1982, TCNJ has captured 18 of a possible 22 titles. The Lions return two all-conference players, including the 2003 NJAC Rookie of the Year in sophomore midfielder Meg Hess. TCNJ also returns a senior all-conference attacker in Colleen Stamler.

Rowan University, the two-time defending NJAC Champions, finished second in the poll and received a league-best four first-place votes among the seven ballots cast. The Profs posted a 14-4 overall record in 2003 while advancing to the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals. Under the direction of seventh-year head coach Penny Kempf, Rowan has posted an overall record of 101-17. The 2002 NCAA National Champions return one all-conference player in senior midfielder Rhonda Bennett.

Montclair State University placed third in the poll. The Red Hawks posted a school-best 15-5 overall record in 2003 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Under the direction of third-year head coach Beth Gottung, Montclair has posted a 27-11 overall record.

After finishing the 2003 season with an overall record of 15-5, Kean University was selected to finish fourth by the league’s coaches. Following a berth in the ECAC Tournament in 2003, the Cougars were also tapped as the conference dark horse. Under the direction of fourth-year head coach Dipi Bhaya, Kean has posted an overall record of 37-20.

William Paterson was selected to finish fifth in the poll. First-year head coach Lindsay Bard takes over the helm of the Pioneer program after serving as a former player and assistant coach for the 2003 NCAA Champions, Salisbury University.

Second-year league member Richard Stockton was tapped for sixth place in the poll. In 2003, the Ospreys will be led by first-year head coach Aimee Seward. Seward previously served as the head coach at Elizabethtown College.

Conference newcomer Ramapo College was selected to finish seventh. Roadrunner head coach Leslie LaFronz will lead Ramapo in only its second varsity season and first year of competition in the NJAC.

With seven conference field hockey members, for the first time in league history, the NCAA has granted the NJAC an automatic qualification to the NCAA Division III National Tournament. Since the NJAC does not sponsor a conference field hockey tournament, the NJAC champion will be the team that finishes with the best regular season record in conference play. In addition to being named NJAC champion, the first place finisher will also receive the NJAC’s NCAA Tournament automatic bid.