Rutgers Field Hockey Defeats Indiana in Extra Period
Aug 30 | Field Hockey
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers overcame a two goal deficit to post a 3-2 sudden victory win over Indiana on Friday evening at RU Turf Field. The contest was the season opener for both teams.
Senior Amy Lewis (Hainesport, N.J.) had a pair of goals and an assist in the win. Classmate Karen Brewster (Chico, Calif.) added a goal and an assist.
| Amy Lewis is congratulated after tallying her second goal. (Jim O'Connor/NJ Sport Pics) |
The Hooisers (0-1) went on the board first in the 15th minute of play. IU drew a penalty corner and Alina Valenti sent the ball into play just outside the striking circle line. After a shot by Brenna Moeljadi was blocked by Rutgers freshman goalkeeper Lyndsey Caliendo, Valenti found the rebound and knocked it in the cage for the early lead.
IU pushed ahead 2-0 on a fast break opportunity ten minutes later. Hooisers junior Haley Funk got away from the pack and drove up the right side pushing the ball ahead to teammate Jaclyn Zamudio. She stretched out, diving to tap the ball in from the far side of the cage and furthering the visitors lead.
Trailing 2-0 at the half, Rutgers scored two unanswered goals in the second stanza to force the extra play. The Scarlet Knights earned a penalty corner just over seven minutes into the half. Lewis saw her shot halted as the deflection found the stick of senior Brewster for RU's first score of the season.
With 18:16 to play, Rutgers knotted the score at 2-2. Off another corner set by Jenna Bull, Lewis delivered a high shot from the left side towards the cage. The ball bounced off a defenders stick and into the cage.
The teams had equal opportunities to score in the last ten minutes. RU's best shot came with six minutes remaining in regulation when Lewis erupted on a fast break, only to see her shot attempt just go wide. Indiana's attempt at the win came with a penalty corner drawn in the final five seconds. Moeljadi's shot was blocked by Brewster to force more action.
The game-winner came when Brewster was able to swipe the ball and move up the right side, past her defender. As IU goalkeeper Alex Mann came out slightly, Brewster flashed the ball over to Lewis who one-timed the shot in from 15 yards out.
The teams had a similar statistical numbers with Rutgers posting 10 shots to Indiana's nine. RU had six corners while Indiana drew four.
RU goalkeeper Caliendo had three saves in her first collegiate game.
Rutgers travels to West Chester on Sunday, August 31 for a 12:00 matchup.
