Galloway, N.J. – Stockton University (6-4, 0-1 NJAC) returned to action after a one-week layoff by opening conference play with a 6-1 setback to unbeaten Rowan University (11-0, 2-0 NJAC), which is ranked second in the nation by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.
 
Kirsten Bailey (Burlington/Burlington Twp.) scored her third goal of the season by knocking the ball home at the left post to move into a three-way tie for the team lead. Makenna LeHenaff (Burlington/Burlington Twp.) assisted on the tally, which came in the third quarter.
 
Kristiina Castagnola led Rowan with a hat trick. The Profs scored twice in the first eight minutes, twice more in a span of 29 seconds during the second quarter and sandwiched a pair of goals around Bailey's tally in the third period. Stockton converted on its first penalty corner and first shot of the game to avert the shutout.
 
Stockton goalkeeper Kylie Mitchell (Shamong/Seneca) made seven saves on the night. Backs LeHenaff, Ameera Bilgrami (Voorhees/Eastern) and Rhian Freire (Mays Landing/Cedar Creek) were very active on defense against the high-powered Rowan attack throughout the game.
 
Stockton will play its second of six straight conference games on Saturday when the Ospreys visit Montclair State for a 1 p.m. contest.