Box Score

LEWISBURG, PA. - Rutgers field hockey opened the 2016 season on the road, falling 2-0 to Bucknell. The Scarlet Knights held a 7-5 advantage in shots and 6-4 edge in penalty corners, but dropped the contest to the Bison.

"We did not play to our standard today," head coach Meredith Civico said. "We did not make the necessary adjustments we needed to going into the second half. The team knows we have better hockey to play and we are looking forward to getting back on our home pitch together against VCU tomorrow."

Bucknell capitalized on its lone shot of the first frame. After a penalty corner, Bison freshman Brittany Willwerth deflected in a shot for a 1-0 lead. RU held a 3-1 advantage in first half shots, but the Bison had the lone goal of a frame played mostly in the midfield.

Twelve minutes into the second half, Bucknell added to their ledger. Marisa Morakis found an opening at the back post and sent in a shot that gave Bucknell a 2-0 lead.

Rutgers had a penalty corner with seven minutes left, and another two inside of the final two minutes, but could not get a quality chance on net.

The Scarlet Knights return to action on Saturday for the home opener, hosting VCU at 3 p.m. The game will be Breast Cancer Awareness Day, with the team to honor alumnus Jennifer Noon as the gameday honorary captain.

Postgame Notes

Rutgers starters were: GK Shevaun Hayes, B Sofia Walia, B Devon Freshnock, B Alanna Gollotto, M Haley Meade, M Linde van Schaik, M Elyse Broderick, M Katie Larmour, F Rachel Yaney, F Alyssa Bull and F Nikki Santore

Gollotto, Larmour and Santore all made their first career start.

Six players made their Rutgers debut: Freshmen Gollotto, Larmour, Santore, Amanda Lamb, Carlina Sacco and redshirt freshman Megan Cunningham.

The game was the third straight season that RU opened against Bucknell. RU has won seven of the nine lifetime matchups.

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