Stockton University Athletics

Union, NJ – Stockton University (10-4, 4-1 NJAC) jumped out to a three-goal lead but had to hold on late for a close 3-2 victory over Kean University (7-5, 2-2 NJAC) on Wednesday night. Jenna Gregula (Egg Harbor Twp./EHT) led the offense with a goal and assist on the night. With their 10th win of the season, it is the fourth consecutive season with 10 wins or more for the Ospreys.
 
After a scoreless first period, Stockton broke through with the first marker of the game. Freshman Stella Devlin (Millville/St. Joseph's Academy) scored her 12th goal of the season on a rebound from Jessica Bruther (Manahawkin/Southern Regional) for the 1-0 advantage.
 
The Ospreys looked to put the game away in the third frame when Gregula potted her sixth goal of the season just 3:12 into the quarter. Just over two minutes later, Riley DeMarco (Hammonton/Cedar Creek) took a pass from Gregula after a penalty corner and deposited her eighth tally of the season for a 3-0 margin.
 
But the Cougars were not done. In a span of four minutes, the home team fired five shots, including a defensive save by Abby D'Arcangelo (Egg Harbor Twp./Holy Spirit), and four by Delfina Vanelli (Galloway/Cedar Creek) before Ali Stoner finally found the net to slice the lead to 3-1 after three periods. The teams combined for 16 shots in the third quarter.
 
Kean kept up the pressure to begin the final frame, with Stoner hitting the net again in the 57th minute to make it 3-2, but that was as close as the Cougars would come and Stockton held on for the one-goal victory and their third straight win.
 
Vanelli made four saves in earning her 10th win of the season.
 
Danielle Maresca kicked out nine attempts by Stockton.
 
The Ospreys will return home to face William Paterson University on Saturday for their next game. The contest is scheduled for 1 pm in Galloway.