Rutgers Field Hockey Edged By Villanova, 2-1
Sep 21 | Field Hockey
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - The Rutgers field hockey team fell 2-1 to Villanova on Friday evening at RU Stadium Complex. The Scarlet Knights (5-4, 0-2 BIG EAST) could not sustain an early lead and saw their three-game home win streak come to a half. The Wildcats (5-2, 2-0 BIG EAST) extended their win streak to three games.
"We shied away from our game plan," head coach Liz Tchou said after the game. "How do you get over the hump of knowing you can win and being able to finish. We did not have a collective effort tonight."
The first score of the game was a well-orchestrated one as freshman Jenna Bull streaked down the far side of the field in the 17th minute. The Oakville, Ontario product maneuvered her way past traffic to force VU goalkeeper Maura McCormick to come out a few yards on the right side. Bull passed to sophomore Carrie Grainger (Island Heights, N.J.), positioned in front of the cage making McCormick play her. Grainger slid the ball over to classmate Brittany Bybel (Millville, N.J.), who had slipped in silently on the left side to find the virtual empty-cager.
Combined the two teams had just five first half shots (RU 3, VU 2) and a one penalty corner each.
With the Scarlet Knights clinging to a 1-0 lead, Villanova tied the contest in the 41st minute of play. A Wildcats player sent a hard high shot into the circle which bounced off the shins of Rutgers goalkeeper Rosalyn Wentko. VU freshman Meg Ryan put in the rebound to knot the contest at 1-1 with just underf 30 minutes remaining in the game.
The winning tally was set up as the RU backline played up and with numbers on the offensive end of the field. Villanova freshman Lauren Wuzzardo was able to slip past her defender and grab the loose ball. She brokeaway from her defender and when Wentko came out to play her, Wuzzardo fired a hard shot into the far left corner for the game-winner at the 44:14 mark.
Rutgers fought to tie the contest as the VU defense thwarted every effort. A shot by Bull with 5:59 to play earned Sam Coveleski a defensive save. A minute later, junior Karen Brewster attempted a hard shot from straightaway two yards out which was blocked by McCormick.
The Scarlet Knights forced a penalty corner with 30 seconds remaining but midfielder Amy Lewis' shot was deflected.
"We wanted to control the tempo of the game and in the second half we failed to do so," Tchou added. "Vermont is a great team and we will have to get focused after this loss to play on Sunday."
Rutgers entertains the Catamonts on Sunday, September 23 at 12:00 at RU Turf Field.
