Rutgers University
Monmouth N.J.
Rutgers falls at Monmouth, 3-2
Oct 12 | Field Hockey
West Long Branch, N.J. - Rutgers field hockey's bid to extend its winning streak to three games fell just short, as they took a 3-2 loss at Monmouth. Rachel Yaney (Bridgewater, N.J.) and Sophie Wright (Devizes, United Kingdom) were the goal scorers for the Scarlet Knights. The Scarlet Knights fall to 6-7, 1-4 Big Ten.
"The team fought hard today against a good Monmouth team," head coach Meredith Long said. "We just missed some opportunities. It was a good lesson to take as we aim to be more consistent and we prepare for our next game against Penn State."
Monmouth got out to an early lead, scoring on the game's first shot, as Amanda Schoenfield scored her seventh goal of the year to put the Hawks ahead 1-0 4:43 into the first. The Hawks added to their lead in the 25th minute, as Meg Donahue scored to increase the lead to 2-0.
Before halftime, Rutgers would tally to cut into the lead. Yaney was positioned at the far post, and tipped in a ball from Jasmine Cole (Montclair, N.J.) at 32:28. The goal was Yaney's second of the year and got the Scarlet Knights to within 2-1 at halftime.
In the second frame, Monmouth capitalized on a penalty corner, with Trish O'Dwyer scoring a crucial goal at the 52:40 mark to put the Hawks ahead 3-1.
Rutgers mounted a late fight, and pushed to get back into the game. With less than five minutes left in the game, they earned a penalty corner and executed well for their second goal of the day. Sofia Walia (Surrey, British Columbia) slid the ball over to Wright, who fired it into the back of the cage, cutting the deficit to 3-2. The Scarlet Knights continued to push at the net, but were unable to get the equalizing goal.
Monmouth held a 12-11 advantage in shots and 6-5 edge in corners. Shevaun Hayes (Melbourne, Australia) made five saves in net for Rutgers.
Game Notes:
- Wright's goal was her third of the year, fourth on the team (Champion - 8, Walia - 6, Imbriaco - 4).
- Cole recorded an assist for the second straight game.
- Walia's assist was her team-leading sixth of the year.
- Elyse Broderick (Manahawkin, N.J.) recorded her team-leading third defensive save of the year.
- With the one-goal margin of victory, Rutgers has played in six straight games decided by one goal. Ten of the team's 13 games this season have been one-goal games.
