MONTCLAIR, N.J. -- Fredonia dropped its 2016 season opener Saturday, 8-3, to The College of New Jersey.

The Blue Devils were shut out in the second half after leading 3-1 at halftime.

Fredonia used a combination of patient offense and good defense to take a 3-1 halftime lead. A goal by freshman midfielder Jade Williams (Tully, N.Y./Lafayette) opened the scoring, followed by goals by freshman midfielder Monica Van Donsel (Cortland, N.Y./Cortland) and sophomore midfielder Kristie Kleine (Cazenovia, N.Y./Cazenovia).

The Blue Devils ran through their patterns to set up their scoring chances. They also played solid defense to keep TCNJ from getting good scoring chances. The lone TCNJ goal came on a free-position shot.

That changed after intermission. TCNJ got closer looks while outscoring the Blue Devils 7-0 in the second half. In addition, the Blue Devils were outshot 18-2 in the second half and 29-9 in the game.

Fredonia goalkeeper Nicole Burrows (Baldwinsville, N.Y./C.W. Baker) was credited with 10 saves. Mirando Crone had four saves for TCNJ. Mia Blackman had three goals and Cortney Natalicchio scored twice for the winners.

Both teams entered the game ranked in the IWLCA Coaches' Pre-Season poll, TCNJ at No. 5 and Fredonia at No. 15.

The Blue Devils will look to rebound Sunday afternoon when they face Montclair State at 3 p.m.