PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers field hockey started its 2018 season with a 3-0 triumph over Richmond Sunday at the Bauer Track & Field Complex. It was the first shutout victory for the Scarlet Knights in a season opener since 2004.
 
After a scoreless first half out-shooting the Spiders (0-2) by the count of 11-1, RU (1-0) found the back of the net 10 minutes into the second period when sophomore Daphne Groothuis converted a penalty stroke. Groothuis, who led the team with 22 points as a rookie, then added an assist off a corner 10 minutes later by feeding sophomore Kerrie Burns, who scored from point-blank range.
 
The Scarlet Knights padded their lead shortly after on a put-back by sophomore Kassidy Shetler. It was her third career goal.
 
In goal, sophomore Gianna Glatz recorded her fourth career shutout with two saves. Rutgers led statistically both in shots (25-3) and penalty corners (10-1) for the game.

"We had an extra bit of energy coming out in the second half," Burns explained. "That added up and we were able to get a few goals on the board."

"We came out at half at 0-0, knowing that there was an extra sense of urgency," Shetler said. "We started to pick it up from there, we started to fix our mistakes, and we really came together as a team to do the job."
 
RU improved to 4-1 all-time versus Richmond. Emily Braunewell registered 15 saves for the visitors.
 


The Scarlet Knights will next host Hofstra Friday at 1 p.m. as part of a five-game homestand to start the season.

Postgame Notes
- Rutgers had six newcomers make their collegiate debut. Milena Redlingshoefer and Abby Regn each made their first career starts, while Noelle Bessette, Tayla Parkes, Devon Colquhoun and Olivia Drea also saw action. 
- RU is now 25-15-5 all-time in season openers after winning on opening day for the second consecutive year. 
- It was Groothuis' third career game with at least one goal and one assist. 
- Glatz lowered her career goals-against-average to 2.11. 
- The Scarlet Knights are now 4-1 all-time against Richmond. 
 
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding Rutgers field hockey, follow the program on Twitter (@RUFieldHockey) and Facebook. Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com. For additional updates, please download the Gameday App.