SWARTHMORE, Pa.—No. 14 Swarthmore College Women's Soccer certainly didn't schedule a cupcake opponent for its first foray into the 2019 season; the Garnet hosted the perennial power No. 8 ranked TCNJ Lions on Friday night to kick off the new year. Both teams made it to the NCAA's Sweet Sixteen last year. The Lions struck in the first half Friday and took the contest from the Garnet 1-0.

Swarthmore, sporting a starting lineup of all upperclasswomen in the field and a deep bench of players eager to prove themselves early on, went toe-to-toe with the Lions all night. The Garnet played 16 players from the reserves and twice subbed out nine players at a time during the second half.

Chantal Reyes got the start in net and picked up a save in the first half. In the second half, freshman Nora Greer posted a clean sheet and notched three saves. TCNJ rattled off 19 total shots, with six of them on frame. Swarthmore countered with eight attempts and five on target.

A goal seven minutes into the contest by TCNJ's Nikki Butler proved to be the game's only tally. Swarthmore created several strong scoring opportunities, including a chance to tie it after a corner kick in the 86th minute. However, Sydney Covitz's attempt was parried away on a diving save.

Swarthmore (0-1) is back in action at home on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. against Eastern Connecticut State.