Box Score

Season Stats

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - In the first postseason action for Rutgers field hockey since 2010, the Scarlet Knights came out strong, but ultimately fell to No. 2 seed Michigan 3-0 in the Big Ten Tournament Quarterfinals. Three second half goals were the difference in a game that was closely contested throughout.

"Ultimately we are disappointed with the result, but the team played really hard," head coach Meredith Long explained. "It was very tight in the first half. Even when we went down, the team did not stop fighting."

The first half was very even, as both teams exchanged chances before taking a scoreless draw into the locker rooms. Michigan earned three early corners, but the Scarlet Knights were able to fend off the Wolverines. Rutgers garnered three corners in the half, but was unable to find the net.

Michigan put the pressure back on Rutgers out of halftime, earning three corners in the first five minutes of the stanza. The RU defense held, with goalkeeper Shevaun Hayes (Melbourne, Australia) turning two shots aside and watching another sail wide.

With Rutgers down a player for five minutes after a yellow card, Michigan capitalized for two goals in a four minutes span.

Michigan was able to break through for the game's first goal after a penalty corner 12 minutes into the second half. The Wolverines set up the play for Leslie Smith, who scored on a hard shot from the top of the circle.

Right after the goal, Rutgers came back down the field and had two good chances on goal. RU earned a corner, but shots from Sofia Walia (Surrey, British Columbia) and Katie Champion (Egg Harbor, N.J.) were saved.

On the other end of the field, Michigan was awarded a penalty stroke. Smith stepped to the dot and took the stroke, scoring to put the Wolverines in front 2-0.

Michigan got its third goal with just over 10 minutes left in the game. Courtney Enge intercepted a pass in the midfield and scored on the ensuing breakaway.

Michigan held a 15-8 advantage in shots and a 10-7 edge in penalty corners. Hayes made six saves for Rutgers.

The Scarlet Knights won nine straight games for the third consecutive season, including two Big Ten Conference wins in RU's first season in the league.

"This was a first experience and a huge experience for us," Coach Long said. "To be where we are at, with such a young group, and be legitimately competing at the Big Ten Tournament is exciting and a great sign for the future."

Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers Field Hockey, follow the program on Twitter (@RUFieldHockey) and like the program on Facebook (RU Field Hockey). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.