Game Notes

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PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Rutgers field hockey has opened the season with four wins in its first six games. The Scarlet Knights have won three straight games, downing William and Mary, Ohio and Cornell in an eight-day span. RU is undefeated at home this season (3-0). Rutgers has one nonconference game this Sunday against Siena, leading into the first weekend of Big Ten play directly after.

Last week was a breakout weekend for RU freshman Nikki Santore. The Voorhees, N.J. native scored three goals and had two assists in the 7-4 win over Ohio and added another goal Sunday to ice the game against Cornell. Her hat trick was RU's first since 2012, and the eight points were the most by a Rutgers player in a game since 2008. She was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, Big Ten Freshman of the Week, and NFHCA National Honorable Mention. Her 13 points places her second in the NCAA among all freshmen.

Along with Santore, senior back Devon Freshnock and sophomore midfielder Linde van Schaik are also boosting the offense. Freshnock has four goals and two assists for 10 points, while van Schaik is third on the team with three goals. Rutgers has outscored opponents 20-12, outshot them 54-44, and has 41 penalty corners compared to 29 surrendered.

Rutgers will be playing Siena for the second time ever. The first matchup was September 14, 2013, a 4-1 road win notable for Sofia Walia's first career goal and the second career tally for Rachel Yaney.

Siena enters the weekend at 1-3, with a win at Colgate, and losses at Holy Cross, Lock Haven and Saint Francis. They play at UMass Lowell on Friday. Fariyah Omarsha leads the team with three goals and Mary Crumlish has a 2.77 goals-against-average in net.