Nina Branchizio and Arianna McCleod, the only two seniors on The College of New Jersey women’s basketball team, are taking their captain roles pretty seriously. Just three games into the season the two are the Lions (1-2, 0-0 NJAC) top-two scorers, and McCleod is the top rebounder. “They are our captains,’’ said TCNJ coach Chessie Jackson. “They have both shown great leadership qualities.’’ The College of New Jersey was selected as the preseason favorite in the New Jersey Athletic Conference, and although it’s still a young team, it’s a group with a lot of experience. The Lions return Branchizio, McCleod, Katie Fricker, Grace Kowalski and Myah Hourigan-Hutton, who all saw plenty of court time. “We feel great about the players that are returning,’’ said Jackson. “We have to make sure we can defend in the paint.’’ The Lions added some size in a pair of grad students: Catholic transfer Molly Aromando, who played at Trenton Catholic, and Franklin & Marshall transfer Jaclyn Feit. Both are currently sidelined. The Lions are coming off a loss in the Morin Memorial Tournament at Willams and will look to get back on track Saturday when they travel to Stevens (1-2) for a 7 p.m. tipoff. Branchizio became just the second player in program history to surpass 200 career 3-point goals. Jen Hutchinson (1996-00) leads with 268. Branchizio leads the Lions with 17 points per game, and she has made 15 shots from beyond the arc. McCleod is averaging 15.7 points per game and a team-high 6.3 rebounds per game. Katie Fricker averages 14.7 points per game and Grace Kowalski chimes in with 12.3 points per game and 15 assists. “Katie Fricker has been working really hard,’’ said Jackson. “She is a hard-nosed player and we really need her to step up.’’ The schedule makers have the conference season starting next week when TCNJ heads to William Paterson (2-2). The Pioneers were selected fifth in the preseason poll. Following the Lions in the preseason poll were New Jersey City, Rowan, Kean, Paterson, Stockton. Montclair State, Ramapo, Rutgers-Camden and Rutgers-Newark. The Lions will have five conference games before the holiday break. It’ll be more than a break for Jackson — it’ll be a homecoming as the Lions head to California to face Chapman (12/18) and California Lutheran (12/20) before heading home. “We are excited for that trip,’’ stated Jackson. “The team loves travelling, and it’s always good for team bonding. We are in Los Angeles and then up to Santa Barbara, where I grew up.’’ There are four new faces calling The College of New Jersey home in freshmen Cassidy Brown, Amanda Baylock, Maddie Bernhardt and Conwell-Egan’s Brooke McFadden. “Amanda Baylock is a nice guard and it’s really good that she has Nina (Branchizio) playing with her,’’ said Jackson. “They have all been impressive, but with all freshmen the toughest part is making the transition from high school, especially on defense.’’ While Baylock has been sidelined, the other three have earned some quality minutes and have been contributing. It’s a talented team, and if it can stay healthy, it could be a productive season.