The College of New Jersey regrouped, however, to grab a 30-22 advantage by halftime. In the second period, the host team was able to extend its lead to 19 points, 55-36, with 10 minutes remaining on the clock.
"At that point we knew what we had to do to get back in the game since we had played them before," said Hunter senior center Tania Blanco. "We never wanted to let down, so we played together until the last second."
The Hawks clamped down on defense to render the College of New Jersey scoreless for the next eight minutes. A furious comeback by Hunter cut the deficit to 55-50 at the two minute mark. Clutch free throw shooting down the stretch would allow the College of New Jersey to hold on for the win.
This was the Hawks third consecutive trip to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. "We make progress every year, getting closer and closer," said sophomore point guard Jen Chico Ithier. "We need to get over the hump."
Senior forward Jen Agosto led Hunter with 13 points and five assists in her final game with the Hawks. She finishes her stellar career with 1345 points, fourth in school history, and 271 three-pointers, eighth in NCAA Division III history.
Blanco, who recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds in the game, surpassed the 1000 point mark for her career with two free throws late in the contest. She ends her four years on the court with 1002 points and 1041 rebounds.
Sophomore forward Jessica Proscia was also solid with 12 points and six rebounds while Ithier contributed seven points and six assists for the Hawks (18-11). Senior forward Liz Martin scored a game-high 14 points, senior center Adrienne Warner added 13 points with 10 rebounds, and sophomore guard Tiara Simpkins contributed 11 points for the College of New Jersey (19-8).
The College of New Jersey, playing in its ninth NCAA Division III Championship Tournament, advances to a second round meeting with McDaniel College on Saturday. The Lions will travel to Westminster, Maryland, for that contest.