Sept. 4, 2015
Box Score
Highlights
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (September 4, 2015) -- Rutgers field hockey battled back-and-forth against a top-ten foe on Friday, taking No. 9 Virginia to the wire in a 5-4 loss. Four different players scored for Rutgers, with Nicole Imbriaco, Katie Champion, Devon Freshnock, and Sofia Walia tallying on the day.
"It's disappointing to lose a game where you go out and compete and fight so hard," head coach Meredith Civico said. "I'm really proud of the effort of our team and the way they played. I thought that they stuck to the game plan. We prepared very specifically for this game, and I'm really happy that they implemented a lot of that training today. That's huge as far as us getting better as a team and being able to win matches in the Big Ten."
The Scarlet Knights got the game off to an excellent start, scoring on their first possession. Alyssa Bull sent a pass across and Nicole Imbriaco finished for the game's first goal.
Virginia answered quickly however, with Tara Vittese converting a penalty stroke. UVA added two more to that lead, with goals by Caleigh Foust and Taylor Brown giving the Cavaliers a 3-1 lead going into halftime.
In the second half, the Scarlet Knights stormed back. Again RU tallied early in the half, scoring just over a minute into the frame. Katie Champion inserted a corner, and got to the front of the net to bat a deflected ball out of the air and into the back of the net.
Fifeteen minutes late, RU gained a series of penalty corners, and were able to capitalize for the equalizer. The Scarlet Knights executed the play perfectly, with Devon Freshnock sweeping the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.
However, Virginia again had an answer. Laura Schnatameier scored shortly after on a UVA corner to give the Cavaliers the lead back, and Greta Ell added an insurance tally.
The Scarlet Knights mounted a late charge. With less than two minutes left, RU earned a penalty stroke, which was converted by Sofia Walia. The team continued to push, but was unable to find another equalizer.
For the day Rutgers held an 18-17 edge in shots, outshooting the Cavaliers 10-6 in the second stanza. The team also had an 11-9 advantage in penalty corners.
The Scarlet Knights are back in action on Wednesday, when they will host in-state rival Monmouth at 4 p.m.
Game Notes
The goals by Champion and Walia were their first goals of the season. The pair was RU's two leading scorers last season.
Walia now has 30 points for her career.
Shevaun Hayes had a season-high nine saves.
Nicole Imbriaco had her first career assist.
Her three points set a new career-high.
Her goal was the 10th of her career.
RU had a season-high 11 corners.
Devon Freshnock now has a career-high two goals this season.
Ali Stever also had an assist in the game. That gives her three points on the season, setting a new career high.
Rutgers scored four goals for the second consecutive game.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics ) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/RUAthletics ) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers field hockey, follow the program on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RUFieldHockey ), Twitter (@RUFieldHockey ) and Instagram (@rutgersfieldhockey ). Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on both social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com .
