Sept. 23, 2016
Box Score
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Rutgers field hockey dropped a tightly contested battle at Indiana in Friday's Big Ten Conference opener, falling 3-2 at Indiana. The loss snaps Rutgers' (5-3, 0-1) four-game winning streak.
In the first half, Indiana scored the lone tally of the frame just before the break. Taylor Pearson knocked in a rebound with 1:11 remaining on the first half clock. Freshman goalkeeper Amanda Lamb made five saves in the opening half.
In the second half, Rutgers kept the pressure on the Hoosiers, outshooting them 11-4 and holding a 6-0 advantage in penalty corners in the stanza.
On the first corner of the second half, Rutgers broke through to tie the game. Devon Freshnock shot it in from the top, and redshirt senior captain Alyssa Bull deflected it in for a 1-1 game.
However, Indiana answered right back. Just 1:48 later Pearson scored on a backhand to put the Hoosiers ahead 2-1.
Rutgers had a prime chance to tie the game, as Linde van Schaik launched a backhanded shot towards the corner of the net. However, IU goalkeeper Noelle Rother got the tip of her stick on it to steer it aside.
At the other end of the field, the Hoosiers were granted a penalty stroke. Kate Barber converted and put Indiana ahead 3-1.
The Scarlet Knights made a furious push at goal in the final 10 minutes of the game. With 3:44 left in the game, RU cut the lead to 3-2. van Schaik sent the ball across and freshman Nikki Santore deflected it home.
RU continued to pressure for a late goal with two later penalty corners. However, they were unable to find an equalizer.
RU continues the road trip at Iowa on Sunday at 1 p.m. The game will be live streamed on BTN Plus.
Postgame Notes
Alyssa Bull's goal was her first of the year and 12th of her career.
Nikki Santore scored her team-leading seventh goal of the season. She also leads the team with 18 points.
Amanda Lamb made her second career start and had a career-high six saves.
Devon Freshnock's assist was her fourth of the year, a new career high.
Linde van Schaik had her second assist of the year.
