Union, N.J. – Stockton University (0-1) kicked off its shortened Spring 2021 slate with a 2-1 setback in a road game at Kean University (2-0). Senior back Hannah Wescoat (Upper Deerfield/Cumberland Regional) scored her first career goal for the Ospreys.
 
Freshman goalkeeper Kylie Mitchell (Shamong/Seneca) made an impressive college debut with 17 saves to keep the Ospreys close as they were outshot 29-6 on the night.
 
The game between fellow NJAC teams was Stockton's first since November 6, 2019 and was classified as a non-conference matchup. The teams will meet again in 11 days for a game that will count in the league standings.
 
Kean got on the board first as Morgan Stump scored 8:20 into the game. Stockton potted the equalizer on a penalty corner in the second period. Wescoat shot home her first college goal in her 38th career game in an Osprey uniform. Madison Dancisin (Little Egg Harbor/Pinelands) registered an assist with a quick pass to Wescoat.
 
After allowing 20 shots in the first half, the Stockton defense tightened in the third quarter and held the Cougars to just three shots. Mitchell stopped the only one that was on goal and the teams went to the fourth stanza tied 1-1.
 
Kean broke through for the deciding tally with 6:52 remaining as Ja'Carra Jackson scored on her own rebound after her initial shot was saved by Mitchell. The late goal proved to be the difference in the 2-1 defeat for Stockton.
 
In addition to Mitchell's 17 stops, Casey Cordonna (Barrington/Haddon Hts.) recorded two defensive saves and Isabella Ceraso (Marlton/Cherokee) added one defensive save for the Ospreys. Kean goalie Belly Reynoso earned the win with two saves for the Cougars.
 
Stockton will open NJAC play with a home game against William Paterson on March 20 at 1 p.m.