Rutgers University
Ohio State
B1G Win: Field Hockey downs OSU
Oct 10 | Field Hockey
Box Score 
PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers field hockey earned a historic victory on Friday afternoon, defeating Ohio State by a 3-2 final score to earn the program's first ever Big Ten Conference win.
With the victory, the Scarlet Knights leveled their season record to 6-6 (1-4 Big Ten) with the team's second consecutive victory. The Buckeyes fell to 4-8 (0-4 Big Ten).
"It's really exciting," head coach Meredith Long said. "I thought we played really well and it was a well-deserved win. The team worked extremely hard in training this week and they really brought that work out here today. We executed the game plan really well, and I'm really happy for the players."
Rutgers accomplished one of its focus points by getting on the board early and seizing the momentum. The Scarlet Knights earned a corner in the 13th minute and executed it perfectly, setting up Sofia Walia (Surrey, British Columbia) for a clear shot at the top of the circle. Walia cracked a shot into the back of the cage, putting RU up 1-0.
Walia had another good chance in the first half, but her shot rang off the post. The Buckeyes were then able to even the score, tallying 16 minutes after the RU goal to tie the score. Maddy Humphrey's ninth goal of the year evened the score at 1-1 heading into halftime.
Six minutes into the second half, captain Alyssa Bull (Oakville, Ontario) helped Rutgers retake the lead, which they would not relinquish. Rachel Yaney (Bridgewater, N.J) slid the ball across the goal line, and Bull finished it off to put Rutgers back in front, 2-1.
Just under five minutes later, Katie Champion (Egg Harbor, N.J.) increased her team-leading total to eight goals this season. She scored the team's third goal of the day to provide valuable insurance for RU. Ohio State was able to get a late goal to cut the RU lead to 3-2, but the defense held strong and the Scarlet Knights prevailed.
Rutgers held the possession for much of the game, claiming the advantage over Ohio State in shots 14-9 and penalty corners 10-2. Rutgers goalkeeper Shevaun Hayes (Melbourne, Australia) made three saves to boost her record on the year in net to 6-6.
"We're ecstatic," Hayes said. "It's a good feeling right now and hopefully we'll be getting some more wins in the next few weeks."
Next up for the Scarlet Knights is a trip to West Long Branch, N.J. to face Monmouth. Game time Sunday is 1 p.m.
Game Notes
- Walia's goal was her sixth of the year for the sophomore defender, the second highest total on the team behind Champion's eight.
- Bull's goal was her second tally of the year and her first game-winning goal of the year.
- Hayes increased her save total to 69, and now holds a 2.41 GAA and .697 save percentage.
- Jasmine Cole (Montclair, N.J.) assisted on Katie Champion's goal for her first assist as a Scarlet Knight.
- With the one-goal victory, Rutgers has played in five straight games decided by one goal. Nine of the team's 12 games this season have been one-goal games.
