SALISBURY, Md. – After jumping to a 3-0 lead in the first half, the No. 2 Salisbury University field hockey team upended reigning national champion, No. 10 The College of New Jersey, 4-1, with the help of strong defensive play in the second half.

Salisbury (14-1) struck quickly in the first 35 minutes of play as sophomore midfielder Summer Washburn intercepted a TCNJ pass and dribbled the ball 70 yards before taking a shot that found that back of the cage.

The Sea Gulls would score two additional goals in the next 15 minutes. Junior forward Mallory Elliott found senior forward Erica Henderson, who one-timed the ball into the left corner for the 2-0 edge, before junior midfielder Emily Voshell scored off a rebound on a penalty corner opportunity.

Entering halftime, SU led in shots (12-2) and penalty corners (7-1) while the Lions' goalie Roisin Dougherty recorded seven saves.

TCNJ (13-4) came out roaring in the second half, totaling 10 shots in the half and taking six penalty corners in a span of two minutes at one point. However, the maroon and gold would take advantage of a penalty corner with under 21 minutes remaining in the game as Henderson took a pass from senior back Amber Holland for the 4-0 lead.

The Salisbury defense consisting of sophomore goalie Rachel Clewer, and backs Holland, junior Katie Hastings, and freshman Amanda Cooper held the Lions to one goal throughout its offensive push. Victoria Martin scored the Lions' lone goal at the 53:11 mark.

TCNJ ended the contest taking 14 penalty corners in the second half.

Clewer earned her 14th win in the cage making two saves while getting some help from Holland who made three defensive saves in the match.

Before the start of the contest, Salisbury's five seniors were recognized in their last regular season home game. The senior class consisting of Henderson, Holland, Kristina Fusco, Katie McMahon and Melissa Slocum has compiled a record of 68-4 and has outscored its opponents by a combined score of 318-55.

Salisbury will wrap up its regular season on the road against No. 18 Elizabethtown College on Friday, Oct. 26. The contest is set to begin at 4 p.m.