EWING, N.J. (September 1, 2010) – Despite a strong game between the pipes for senior goalkeeper Ellyn Griggs, the No. 18 Stevens Institute of Technology field hockey team dropped its 2010 season opener to No. 18 The College of New Jersey in Ewing, N.J. on Wednesday night. Griggs made seven saves to keep the Ducks close but Lion junior Leigh Mitchell (Mt. Laurel, N.J.) was able to score the game-winner with 8:39 to play.

Mitchell, who missed the entire 2009 season due to injury, scored with 8:29 remaining in the game as she dove to the turf to knock in a loose ball for the lone score of the contest.

TCNJ (1-0) goalie Shannon Syciarz (Garwood, N.J.) benefitted from a solid defensive effort as she did not face a shot to secure the shutout.

Stevens was outshot ,11-2, and outcornered, 9-2.

Both teams will return to the action in Hoboken, N.J. at the Stevens Field Hockey Tournament this weekend. The Ducks (0-1) will play 16th-ranked Juniata College on Saturday and King's College on Sunday. TCNJ will face King's and then Juniata.