The 2025 season is underway, and New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) field hockey teams wasted no time stepping into the spotlight. With preseason favorites tested by nationally ranked opponents, newcomers making immediate impacts, and several programs delivering statement wins, opening weekend offered a glimpse of the balance and competitiveness that define the conference. From ranked battles to breakout performances, here’s how each NJAC team began its campaign.
Rowan (#14 NFHCA)
The Profs opened like a team comfortable with the target on their backs. In a top-20 matchup, No. 14 Rowan earned a 2–0 win over No. 18 Ursinus on Friday. Alexa Ronning’s first-quarter strike gave Rowan the lead, and Paige Gray secured the result late in the fourth. Goalkeeper Julia Juiliano tallied nine saves for her 17th career shutout as Rowan finished with narrow advantages in shots (15–12) and corners (8–4). It was a balanced, confident start for the top preseason pick and the four-straight NJAC champs.
Montclair State
Montclair pieced together a weekend of mixed results but encouraging signs. On Friday, the Red Hawks bested No. 12 Cortland 1-0 in their home opener. Breaking through five minutes into the fourth when Bella Heiser drove the attack, Darby Von Berg set the final pass, and Natalie Surma scored the winner. Goalkeeper Sydney White made five saves, including a key stop on a late penalty corner. Two days later, Montclair fell 1–0 to No. 19 MIT on a second-quarter penalty stroke. White was outstanding again with eight saves, and the Red Hawks held a 13–7 edge in corners but couldn’t find the equalizer. The split highlights both Montclair’s defensive strength and its ability to compete with ranked programs.
Kean
Kean opened its season away with a 3–0 loss to No. 20 Ithaca. The Cougars generated scoring opportunities—particularly in the third quarter—but Ithaca capitalized on timely goals just before halftime and early in the third. Shots were nearly even (Ithaca 9–8), and Kean showed periods of control in possession, but finishing and circle defense will be focal points moving forward.
Stockton
The Ospreys displayed both attacking firepower and resilience in their opening weekend split. On Friday, they rolled past Arcadia 6–1, highlighted by a hat trick from freshman Maura Somers and a 5–0 halftime advantage. Sunday brought a challenge against No. 3 Salisbury, where Stockton narrowed the deficit to 3–2 late in the third quarter before the Sea Gulls pulled away for a 5–2 final. The Ospreys finished with 12 shots and six corners against one of the nation’s top programs, showing an ability to generate offense against elite competition.
William Paterson
The Pioneers began their season with a 9–1 loss at Vassar. Despite facing an early deficit, William Paterson found a positive in the second half when Kylah McKenna scored in the 53rd minute. Goalkeeper Gina Manno made nine saves as the Pioneers look to build on their response in the later stages of the game heading into the home opener.
TCNJ (#23 NFHCA)
Ranked No. 23 nationally, the Lions delivered a controlled 2–0 win over Catholic on Saturday. Gabrielle Simmons opened the scoring in the second quarter, and Olivia Jordan doubled the lead in the fourth. TCNJ limited Catholic to just two shots on goal while generating steady offensive pressure, outshooting their opponent 15–6 and earning nine corners. It was a disciplined, wire-to-wire performance that underscored the Lions’ high ceiling this fall.
Ramapo
The Roadrunners enjoyed a standout debut under new head coach Rachel McHale, defeating Manhattanville 6–0 on Saturday. Abigail DeYoung scored twice, Victoria Chavez added two goals including a converted penalty stroke, and Ana Plaia contributed a goal and three assists. Ramapo controlled play throughout, earning a 13–8 advantage in corners while combining for a clean sheet in goal. The performance set a strong foundation as the Roadrunners begin their season.
