Rutgers Edged at Villanova 2-1
Sep 22 | Field Hockey
VILLANOVA, PA - The Rutgers field hockey team (3-7) dropped a BIG EAST contest to Villanova (7-3), 2-1, on Sept. 22.
Head coach Liz Tchou felt, despite the outcome of the game, this game served as a defining moment for the Scarlet Knights.
"I think this is the turning point for us this season" Tchou said. "I honestly think this is the first time we have had an entire week of practice where the kids were taking ownership of the program, taking pride in themselves and the team, in order to get themselves ready for this game. The coaching staff is so encouraged by their effort today."
Villanova struck first, taking a 1-0 with less than three minutes to go in the first half as Megan Foster deflected a shot from Jenn Nazarethian.
Following the break, Rutgers tied the game when Sarah Dunn (Eaton, N.Y.) scored on an assist from Carrie Grainger (Island Heights, N.J.) in the 48th minute.
After playing a hard-fought defense-dominated half, the Scarlet Knights and the Wildcats seemed to be headed for overtime. With just 1:47 remaining in the game, Villanova got a corner, and an opportunity to put the game away.
With a crowd gathered in front of the box, Catherine Somits slapped it past Rutgers' goalie Rosalyn Wentko (Dallas, Pa.) to win the game for Villanova. In goal, Wentko posted seven saves in the game.
Despite the outcome, co-captain Corrine Bach (Moorestown, N.J.) was happy with the team's performance and hopeful about the Scarlet Knights' potential in games to come.
"It was a fantastic game for us," she said. "BIG EAST games really bring out our aggressiveness. We really pulled together as a team and played well as a unit. It was an unfortunate ending, but we dominated the pace and controlled the game which was great for us."
Tchou was especially pleased with the play of the Rutgers' defense against the talented Villanova squad.
"We put two halves together for the first time in a while," she said. "The energy was high and it was just great to see them get together and fight against a really good team in Villanova, especially on their turf. Our backfield played incredibly well today. Catherine Badoloto (Berlin, N.J.), Misty Bowman (Ronks, Pa.), Caitlin Browne (Middletown, N.J.), and Bach had a really great game."
The Scarlet Knights will return to the Stadium Complex on Sunday, Sept. 24, when they host Penn at 1:00 p.m.
Villanova 2, Rutgers 1
Field Hockey BIG EAST Game
Friday, Sept. 22; Villanova, Pa.
Delaware 1 1 2
Rutgers 0 1 1
Shots: VU 16, RU 9. Saves: VU 4 (Alex Whalen 4), RU 7 (Rosalyn Wentko 7). Penalty Corners: VU 9, RU 4. Cards: UD none.
Time Team Goal Assist
32:51 Villanova Jenn Nazarethian Megan Foster
47:42 Rutgers Sarah Dunn Carrie Grainger
68:13 Villanova Catherine Somits Lauren Campanelli
