Galloway, N.J. – Stockton University (13-4, 3-2 NJAC) played its second straight nationally-ranked opponent and was edged 1-0 by #13 Kean University (10-4, 3-2 NJAC) in a hard-fought conference finale. The setback snapped Stockton's four-game winning streak.
 
Stockton goaltender Hannah Ayari-Dias (North Caldwell/West Essex) tied her career-high with eight saves and Allie Palumbo (Mantua/Clearview) tallied a team-high six shots including five on goal.
 
Kean had the territorial advantage and outshot the Ospreys 10-5 during the scoreless first half, but Stockton successfully defended five penalty corners by the Cougars and Ayari-Dias made five saves before the break.
 
Palumbo had the best chance for the Ospreys in the first quarter but was denied by a blocker save from Jenna Flemings. Carlee Thompson (Gibbsboro/Eastern Regional) also was denied Flemings on a point-blank chance in the second quarter.
 
Kean's Jorja Hibschman found an opening and scored the game's only goal with 2:09 remaining in the third quarter. Over the last 17 minutes, Palumbo fired three shots on goal and freshman Riley DeMarco (Hammonton/Cedar Creek) added one shot on goal, but the Ospreys could not get one past Flemings and they fell 1-0.
 
Flemings matched Ayari-Dias with eight saves and Stockton was blanked for just the second time in 17 games this season. Despite the outcome, the Ospreys have clinched an NJAC Tournament berth, most likely as the No. 4 seed.
 
Stockton will be right back on the field tomorrow for a home game against SUNY Oneonta at 11:00 a.m.