On the Lookout: Fall 2014

Players, teams and games you won’t want to miss this season.

Words by TCNJ's editorial staff

WOMEN’S SOCCER AND FIELD HOCKEY>  It’s Red Hawk rivalry week Oct. 4–11. First up: women’s soccer welcomes Montclair State University to Lions Stadium on Oct. 4. The teams’ last matchup was one for the ages: After 110 minutes of scoreless soccer, the Lions defeated the Red Hawks on penalty kicks to capture the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) championship. On Oct. 11, TCNJ’s field hockey team welcomes the Red Hawks to Lions Stadium. This time, it’s the Lions looking to avenge a 1–0 loss to the Red Hawks in last year’s NJAC championship game.

MEN’S SOCCER>  During George Nazario’s 20 years as head coach, the Lions have competed in four NCAA Division III Championship tournaments, winning it all in 1996. Nazario entered the 2014 campaign just eight wins shy of his 200th career victory. The Lions are scheduled to play five matches on campus in October—perhaps the perfect opportunity for Nazario to get his milestone win on his home turf.

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY>  Seniors Tara Nealon, Megan Stack, Jillian Manzo and Liz Johnson plan to steer the Lions to a second consecutive appearance at the NCAA Division III Cross Country National Championships in November. Last year’s squad received an at-large bid after finishing third at the Atlantic regionals.

MEN’S BASKETBALL >  All eyes will be on Bobby Brackett when the team takes the court against Montclair State in the Lions’ NJAC home opener on Nov. 22. Last year, Brackett averaged 16.4 points per game, while leading the conference in rebounds per game (13.1) and minutes per game (36.0). Those numbers were good enough to earn him NJAC first team and Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) second team honors.