By Otto Gomez
Staff Writer
The Lions continued their season on Wednesday, Sept. 30, in a road conference game against Stockton University. While the team started out very well in the beginning of the season, inter-conference play has not boded well for them.
While undefeated outside of conference, the 3-1 loss against the Stockton Ospreys brought the team down to 0-3 against NJAC competition. The Ospreys moved to 2-1 against conference teams after Wednesday’s win, reaching an 8-3 overall record.
The game was similar to the Lions’ last loss, a 4-1 upset against Kean University on Saturday, Sept. 26. Both losses came with an early score from the opposition, resulting in a loss of momentum. Stockton was able to net a goal in the 16th minute. It was not even 10 minutes later, however, that the Lions responded with a goal of their own. Junior captain and midfielder Nick Costelloe was able to head in a pass from senior defenseman Greg Kaye to tie the game.
“Personally, I think every player on our team knows their role this year, and everyone is contributing,” Costelloe said when asked about what individual players can do to stop the losing streak and bring back the momentum from earlier in the season. “I’m excited with this group and I just hope to continue to bring energy that got the team going and help grind out wins.”
As much as Costelloe can do offensively, it was not enough in the end as the Ospreys were able to score twice more in the second half to close the game decisively. While the Lions only let up four shots on goal, they committed 15 penalties overall, leading to Stockton’s successful offense.
It does not get easier for the Lions in the near future, for they face yet another conference opponent, Montclair State University, at home this Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Both teams have more time to rest and prepare for the anticipated matchup after the game was rescheduled due to heavy rain. Tenth-ranked Montclair will bring everything they have for this NJAC bout. The game will take place under the lights at Lions’ Stadium at 7:30 p.m.
