Sept. 2, 2016
Box Score
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va - Rutgers field hockey battled a top-five foe to the wire on the road Friday evening, ultimately falling 3-2 in overtime against No. 5 Virginia. The Scarlet Knights, who got goals from senior Sarah Regn and freshman Nikki Santore, fall to 1-2 on the season.
"Today we played a good game against a very solid UVA team," head coach Meredith Civico said. "We were disciplined on defense and took advantage of our opportunities on attack. Unfortunately, we fell short in overtime. To compete against an ACC opponent is always a fantastic opportunity as we prepare for Big Ten play. We must play with heart and soul, with quality, and we must continue the process."
Shevaun Hayes stood tall early in the game in goal, making five saves in the opening 30 minutes. UVA broke through at 31:56, with Riley Tata tapping in a long pass from Lucy Hyams.
However, the Cavaliers lead wouldn't stand for long. Just under two minutes later, Sarah Regn put home a rebound to tie the game at 1-1.
Late in the second half, Tata scored her second goal of the game to put UVA ahead 2-1. Much like the first half, that lead would not last long. Freshman Nikki Santore responded with her first career goal, tying the game at 2-2 with 11 minutes remaining in the second half.
The game remained tied through 70 minutes, with the game heading into an extra frame. The Cavaliers got the game-winning goal 1:29 into overtime, with Tara Vittese putting a shot into the left corner.
Virginia outshot Rutgers 29-7 in the game, as the Scarlet Knights got 12 saves from senior goalkeeper Shevaun Hayes. UVA also held a 4-2 edge in corners.
The Scarlet Knights conclude the road trip at William and Mary Sunday. That game starts at 1 p.m.
Notes
Senior Sarah Regn made her first career start.
Regn's goal was the fourth of her career.
Freshman Nikki Santore scored her first collegiate goal
Shevaun Hayes made 12 saves, marking the 5th time in her career she's recorded double digit saves.
Virginia now leads the all-time series 4-0. Two of the past three games have gone into overtime.
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