PRINCETON, N.J. – On Friday night, No. 21 Rutgers field hockey matched its highest ranked win in program history, as for the second straight season the Scarlet Knights defeated No. 6 Princeton. Behind goals from Rachel Houston and Gracey Butsack, Rutgers (4-3) earned a 2-1 win over the Tigers (3-2). After Princeton scored four minutes into the game, Houston tallied to tie the game, then Butsack tallied in the waning minutes of the final quarter for the game-winner.

 

HOW IT HAPPENED

In the first quarter, Princeton struck first. The Tigers capitalized on a penalty corner to score four minutes into the contest. Right before the buzzer sounded to end the first, Rutgers goalkeeper Gianna Glatz made a big save, extending her leg to kick away a PU scoring chance.

Late in the second quarter, the Scarlet Knights struck back. Katie Larmour carried the ball in, and sent a pass in front. Rachel Houston positioned herself in front of the goal and slammed it in to tie the game.

In the second half, it would be Rutgers capitalizing on a penalty corner for the game-winning goal with eight minutes remaining. Butsack deflected the ball in to give RU the lead, and the defense held on to preserve the win.

 

NOTABLE

 

• The Scarlet Knights defeated No.6 Princeton last year 1-0 for the highest ranked win in program history. They equaled the feat with today's win.
• It marked the second ranked win for the team this season, seventh ranked win in the last two seasons. Of the program's 13 lifetime ranked wins, 10 of them have come over the last three seasons.
• This is the fifth win all-time for Rutgers against Princeton, and the first time taking consecutive matchups with Princeton since 1977 and 1978.
• This is the program's first win over the Tigers at Princeton since November 2, 1977.
• Rachel Houston's goal was the freshman's first career tally.
• Larmour's assist was her first of the season. 
• This was the fifth win for Rutgers against the Tigers in 25 tries.  
• The game-winning goals was Gracey Butsack's first goal of the season.
• Milena Redlingshoefer had the assist on the game-winning goal, her first career point. 

   

QUOTABLE

"We had a game plan and we prepared really well this week. We stuck to that and we were able to convert on our opportunities. Rachel's finish on the first goal was outstanding, and Gracie made an outstanding decision on the winning goal to get the touch on it and score. It was phenomenal execution from the team on what we have been working on. This gives our team a lot of confidence going forward."

• Head Coach Meredith Civico

 

KEY STATS

• Princeton held a 10-4 advantage in shots and 5-1 marker in corners.
• Gianna Glatz made five saves.

 

UP NEXT

Rutgers has a single game next weekend, hosting No. 3 Maryland at 1 p.m. as part of Alumnae Weekend.

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