PISCATAWAY, N.J. (September 8, 2015) - Two more home contests are on the docket this week for Rutgers field hockey, as the Scarlet Knights will welcome in-state foe Monmouth on Wednesday and Villanova on Friday.

Rutgers stands at 2-1 on the young season, capturing a pair of wins against Bucknell and Ball State on opening weekend before taking a toughly-contested 5-4 loss to No. 9 Virginia last Friday. Against the Cavaliers, RU tallied in the first minute, and then came back from a 3-1 deficit to tie the game at 3-3, but saw their late charge fall just short.

The Scarlet Knights have seen two players begin breakthrough campaigns to lead the team statistically. Senior forward Nicole Imbriaco had her first career multi-point game against the Cavaliers, has scored in each of the team's games thus far, and leads the team with seven points. Junior defender Devon Freshnock has added an offensive component to her game, already setting new career-highs in goals (two) and points (five). Senior captain Ali Stever has also set a new career-best in offensive contributions with three points (one goal, one assist) on the season.

The team's roster depth has been on display early, with 19 players seeing action in all three games. RU has 11 goals and nine assists on the season coming from 12 different players, including three freshmen recording their first collegiate point. The Scarlet Knights have averaged 3.67 goals-per-game thus far, the best mark among Big Ten teams.

Monmouth enters Wednesday's contest at 2-1, with wins over Lehigh and Villanova and a loss at Bucknell. Teresa Warner leads the team with two goals and an assist, while Casey Hanna, who's sister is RU freshman Kelly Hanna has two goals and is the reigning MAAC Defensive Player of the Year.

The Hawks hold a 4-3 edge in the all-time series against RU, including a 3-2 victory at Monmouth last season. Rachel Yaney scored in last year's contest and also scored two goals in a 4-3 OT victory against the Hawks as a freshman.

Villanova has started the season at 1-3, with the lone win a 6-1 victory over Ball State. Francesca Bello paces the squad with two goals and two assists.

The Wildcats hold a 19-14-1 edge in the all-time series, although the Scarlet Knights won the last matchup, 3-2, in 2013. Sofia Walia scored the tying goal with 5:11 left in regulation in that contest against the former BIG EAST rival.

"The team is fired up to get back out there and do it again," head coach Meredith Civico said. "We're really looking forward to having Monmouth here this year. It's always a good game. For us, the next game is the most important game. We're just looking forward to that opportunity to come out and get better."

Friday's game against Villanova will be Military Appreciation Day. The giveaway will be a Red, White, and Blue Block R T-Shirt.