Box Score

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - In its national television debut on the Big Ten Network, Rutgers fought hard against No. 5 Penn State, but ultimately fell short by a 3-0 score. Rutgers fell to 6-8, 1-5 Big Ten, while Penn State improved to 12-3, 3-2 Big Ten.

"We started out strong today from the first whistle," head coach Meredith Long said. "After Penn State scored on us, we lost momentum. It's unfortunate that we lost the game in this way. We recognize that as a team and need to make those adjustments going into the game against Maryland on Sunday. The team knows and has identified that, and now just need to recognize that in the moment and make those adjustments on the field."

Penn State got the first goal of the game, when Jenna Chrismer shot the ball in to give the Nittany Lions a 1-0 lead. Penn State added to their lead soon after, as Natalie Buttinger sent home an open chance at the 11:34 mark. The Scarlet Knights held strong defensively, with the 2-0 score holding into halftime.

Rutgers had a prime chance 10 minutes into the second stanza. Katie Champion (Egg Harbor, N.J.) intercepted a pass directly in front of the net, with only the goalkeeper to beat. However, PSU goaltender Kylie Licata reached out with her stick and steered Champion's chance aside.

Penn State added to their lead with 12 minutes remaining. Shevaun Hayes (Melbourne, Australia) made an initial save but Taylor Herold, who is second in the conference in goals, knocked in the rebound for a 3-0 PSU lead.

Rutgers recorded two defensive saves in the game, one in the first half by Jenn Staab (Marmora, N.J.) and another in the second half by Sofia Walia (Surrey, British Columbia). Rutgers upped their total to nine defensive saves on the year, and is now tied with Indiana for the most in the Big Ten.

Penn State held a 18-9 advantage in shots and a 6-4 edge in corners. Champion had five of the shots for Rutgers. Hayes made six saves but fell to 6-8 on the year.

Rutgers' road trip continues on Sunday at No. 2 Maryland. Game time is 1 p.m., and it will be streamed live by BTN Plus.