Box Score

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The Rutgers field hockey squad battled another ranked foe on the road, but came up just short, falling 2-1 to the No.14 Michigan Wolverines.

"We played really good hockey this weekend," head coach Meredith Long said. "We executed our game plan from a defensive standpoint really well. We realize that we can compete with some of the top teams in the conference. We need to focus on scoring more goals and trying to establish momentum early in the game."

Michigan got on the scoreboard first, tallying an early goal 6:03 into the game. After an initial save, the Wolverine's Carly Bennett knocked home a rebound to give Michigan the lead.

Rutgers would answer 12 minutes later. Putting heavy pressure on the Wolverines net, the Scarlet Knights earned three consecutive penalty corners. They would capitalize on the third corner, as Rachel Yaney (Bridgewater, N.J) scored her first goal of the season by deflecting in a shot from senior captain Sophie Wright (Devizes, United Kingdom).

Michigan went back on top 13 minutes into the second half. The Wolverines had a 2-on-1 chance in front of the net and Eliza Stein scored to put the Maize and Blue ahead 2-1.

The Scarlet Knights pressed late in the game to try and equalize the score, but were unable to find the tying goal. Their best chance in the second half came off a penalty corner with just two minutes left, but the shot from senior captain Jenn Staab (Marmora, N.J.) sailed just high.

Michigan held the advantage with seven shots on goal to Rutgers' five, while penalty corners were even at 7-7. Shevaun Hayes (Melbourne, Australia) made five saves but fell to 4-5 on the year.

Rutgers returns home next weekend for two home games. The Scarlet Knights will host Big Ten Conference foe Michigan State at 3 p.m. Friday before welcoming New Hampshire at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Game Notes
- Yaney's goal snapped a 215:27 scoreless streak for RU stretching back to when Sofia Walia (Surrey, British Columbia) scored at Virginia.
- Hayes made at least five saves for the seventh time this season. She currently holds a 2.54 goals against average and .707 save percentage.