Montclair, NJ (09/25/04) - Sophomore JEN SOSS (right) and freshman JENNIFER TANIS each scored a goal as fifth-ranked Montclair State held off a dominating second-half performance by No. 8 Rowan for a 2-0 victory in New Jersey Athletic Conference field hockey action at Sprague Field on Saturday afternoon.

Junior goalkeeper ROBYN APICELLI made 11 saves as the Red Hawks bounced back from their first loss of the season to improve to 8-1 overall, 2-0 in the NJAC.

The win was MSU's first against the Profs (2-3, 0-2 NJAC) since September 28, 1996 (a 3-2 OT win at home) - a span of 11 games.

Montclair State took the lead at the 19:37 mark converting a penalty corner. Following the insert by LISA SMICKLO and stick stop by KIM DEMKOWICZ, Soss blasted a shot past Stephanie Doherty on the right side into the cage.

The Red Hawks would extend their lead just over 13 minutes later as Alex Kelly took a shot the Doherty knocked away, however, Tanis was there for the rebound knocking it in for her team-leading sixth goal of the season and a 2-0 halftime lead for the Red Hawks.

Rowan would turn things around in the second half and dominated play outshooting Montclair State, 15-0, keeping the action on the offensive end. However, the Profs could not break through as Apicelli made nine stops.

Rowan's best opportunity came 10 minutes into the period as Angela Ruggierio took a shot that Apicelli deflected, but the ball rolled toward the goal line. However, defender Kat Fuller swept away the ball just before it went over to keep the Profs scoreless.

Doherty had three saves for Rowan, which outshot Montclair, 18-5 and held a 9-2 edge in penalty corners.