Glenside, PA – Stockton University (1-0) used a stifling defense during the first half but had to hold on for a slim 2-1 victory over Arcadia University (0-1) on Friday night.  Victoria Caiazzo (Manahawkin/Southern Regional) and Jennelle Long (Matawan/Matawan) tallied the goals for the Ospreys with Long scoring the eventual game winner in the season opener for both teams.
 
Stockton used the strength of the team during the first half as they held the Knights without a shot during the first 35 minutes of play. Caiazzo broke the scoreless affair at 6:12 when she potted her first goal of the season, after a corner stroke by Britney Stein (Ocean City/Ocean City).
 
3:21 later, Long scored her first of the season on a rebound goal. Stein again passed a corner stroke to Kassidy Wentzell (Hammonton/St. Joseph's), whose shot was blocked. Long was there to pick up the rebound and make it 2-0. The score would remain that way until the break as Stockton's defense was stout during the first half.
 
Arcadia came out in the second half a different team as they squeezed off four quick shots in the first five minutes of play. Lauren Dougherty broke through the Osprey defense at 40:03 for a goal to slice the margin in half at 2-1. Both squads stiffened on defense until the final play of the match.
 
Arcadia had a corner and shot that was blocked at the 70-minute mark. The Knights were awarded another corner stroke but could not muster a shot as the game ended at 2-1 in favor of Stockton.
 
Emily Gilligan (West Deptford/West Deptford) earned the victory in net for the Ospreys, facing six shots but did not have to make a save. Her counterpart, Allison Nikolaus made one save out of seven shots she faced.
 
Stockton will return home for their next contest as they will face Albright in the home opener on Sunday afternoon. Game time is 12 noon.