The College of New Jersey women's lacrosse team won its first national championship since 2000 with a 9-7 victory over previously No. 1-ranked Salisbury. The game was played on the Lions' home turf May 22.

The College of New Jersey's senior midfielder Lauren Gossner struck first four minutes into play, and the goal stood until nearly 19 minutes later when the Sea Gulls' Amanda Tack connected. The Lions answered with two quick goals, both from junior Bridget Bigley, to put them up, 3-1. With about 11 minutes left in the half, Salisbury attacker Lynsey Bateman reduced the lead to one with an unassisted goal, but Gossner quickly answered to restore the two-goal lead with a free-position goal. Bateman scored again in the final minute to reduce the margin to 4-3.

The College of New Jersey came out strong in the second half, scoring three unanswered goals -- two from Gossner and one from Lauren Dougher -- putting the Lions up, 7-3.

Bateman scored her third goal of the game with about 15 minutes to play, but Gossner was having a career-best performance, scoring again for a 9-5 Lions lead at the 10-minute mark.

Salisbury's Linda Ackermann completed a hat trick of her own with back-to-back goals, pulling the Sea Gulls to within two, but neither team scored in the remaining 6:43 of the game. The Lions monopolized the ball for more than five minutes down the stretch before turning it over with just 12 seconds left to play, but Salisbury couldn't capitalize.

The College of New Jersey head coach Sharon Pfluger said she was proud of her team, which started the season with two early losses, including one to Salisbury.

"I'm so happy for them; we've worked so hard this year. We've never started a season with two losses early on," she said. "These girls fought really hard to get what they earned today."

Gossner led the Lions with a career-best five goals and six points. Bigley had three goals, while goalkeeper Megan Marquardt recorded nine saves. Salisbury was led by Bateman and Ackermann with three goals apiece, while Sea Gulls goalie Ali Goetz had 10 saves.

The Lions have won 11 titles, 10 under Pfluger's tutelage. The national championship appearance was a first for the Sea Gulls, who finished the season 17-1, including earlier victories over The College of New Jersey and then-No. 1-ranked Middlebury.

Semifinals

Salisbury scoring: Kate Scott 4, Erin McCarthy 4, Mary Bateman 2, Linda Ackermann 1, Lynsey Bateman 1, Amanda Tack 1, Liz Funk 1, Jessica Wirth 1.

Colorado Col. scoring: Cassie Abel 4, Helen Sneath 2, Robin Harvey 2, Lizzie Franke 1, Kate Fitzberald 1, Jen Alpern 1.

Shots: Salisbury 36, Colorado Col. 27. Goalkeeper saves: Salisbury (Ali Goetz) 11, Colorado Col. (Alana Dalton) 11.

TCNJ scoring: Karen Doane 5, Bridget Bigley 4, Lauren Dougher 3, Lauren Gossner 3.

Middlebury scoring: Elizabeth Renehan 4, Kim Walker 2, Schuyler Winstead 2, Channing Weymouth 2, Liza Humes 1, Alison Perencevich 1, Michele Bergofsky 1, Caitlin McCormick 1.

Shots: TCNJ 31, Middlebury 25. Goalkeeper saves: TCNJ (Megan Marquardt) 14, Middlebury (Johanna Rosenfield) 15.

Championship game

TCNJ scoring: Lauren Gossner 5, Bridget Bigley 3, Lauren Dougher 1.

Salisbury scoring: Linda Ackermann 3, Lynsey Bateman 3, Amanda Tack 1.

Shots: TCNJ 34, Salisbury 20. Goalkeeper saves: TCNJ (Megan Marquardt) 9, Salisbury (Ali Goetz) 10.