Ewing, NJ...The impressive start by The College of New Jersey has propelled the softball team into the top 10 of the latest National Fastpitch Coaches Association as the Lions are ranked eighth in the poll.

Last week proved to be a big boost for the Lions (13-3) as they reeled off three straight victories against high-ranked opponents. TCNJ earned a doubleheader split against defending champion and then fourth-ranked Messiah College as the teams traded 2-1 wins. The Lions then took a pair from sixth-ranked SUNY Cortland, winning the opener 1-0 and then claimed the second game, 3-1. That also marked the first time in two years the Red Dragons had been swept in a doubleheader.

This marks the first time since the 2005 season that the Lions have secured a spot in the NFCA Division III poll.

The Lions begin New Jersey Athletic Conference play on Friday, April 2 hosting Montclair State University for a doubleheader at Lions' Park. The opening game is set for a 2 p.m. start.