PISCATAWAY, N.J.  – No. 22 Rutgers field hockey will look to continue its momentum, bringing a 4-0 record on the road this weekend to matchups against local foes in No. 12 Princeton and St. Joe's. The Scarlet Knights open with an in-state matchup at 4 p.m. Friday against the Tigers (0-2) before facing St. Joe's (3-1) in Philadelphia Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Scarlet Knights are off to a blazing start, winning its first four games and in doing so are outscoring opponents 19-2. The team also entered the NFHCA national rankings this week at number 22, its first appearance since the 2008 season.  

Freshman midfielder Daphne Groothuis is leading the way for RU. The native of the Netherlands has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week twice this season, and currently paces the league with six goals and 15 points. Her goal and point totals are second in the nation, behind just two-time National Player of the Year Tara Vittese. Along with multiple tallies from Austyn Cuneo, Gracey Butsack, Gianna Mancini, and a goal from Kassidy Shetler, newcomers have scored 14 of the 19 goals thus far.

"The team has been incredibly focused on each day, whether it's training, the weight room or a match," head coach Meredith Civico said. "There is no question that we want to achieve something this season, however we know that it is a process. It will be the culmination of all the little details and all of the hard work we put in day to day. So right now we are going to continue to work." 
 
Princeton has opened the season with two losses, both coming to top-three teams in No. 1 North Carolina and No. 3 Delaware. The Tigers reached the NCAA Final Four last season. Julianna Tornetta, who leads the team with two goals and four points, was the Ivy League Rookie of the Week. Princeton leads the all-time series 21-3-1, although the teams have not met since 2006. Rutgers' last win over PU was a 2-1 overtime victory on September 26, 1995. The last win at Princeton was a 1-0 win on November 2, 1977. The game will be live streamed by the Ivy League Digital Network.
 
St. Joe's has opened the year 3-1, with wins over Temple, Villanova and Drexel, alogng with a 2-1 loss to No. 6 Marylad. They will travel to No. 15 James Madison first for a game Friday. Quinn Maguire was named the A-10 Player and Rookie of the Week after scoring three goals. Last season, the two squads played a thrilling overtime contest. The lone goal of the game came from Rutgers senior Alyssa Bull, who gave the Scarlet Knights the 1-0 win. Rutgers leads the all-time series against St. Joe's 18-7. The 18 wins are the most for the program against any one opponent.

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers field hockey, follow the program on Twitter (@RUFieldHockey) and Facebook. Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.