PISCATAWAY, N.J. - No. 5 Rutgers women's soccer defeated Bucknell, 2-0, in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday afternoon at Yurcak Field. The Scarlet Knights, a No. 1 seed in their 10th straight NCAA Tournament appearance, saw goals from senior Frankie Tagliaferri and freshman Riley Tiernan for RU's 18th win of the year. In net, senior Meagan McClelland notched six saves for the team's 12th shutout of the year. 
 

𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗‼️#RUWS captures a 2-0 victory over Bucknell to advance in the NCAA Tournament! Frankie Tagliaferri and Riley Tiernan record goals for RU's 18th win of the year! Meagan McClelland registers 6 saves for the 12th shutout this season! pic.twitter.com/uHXiBgJh7x

— RUWS | BIG TEN CHAMPIONS (@RUWSoccer) November 14, 2021

Tagliaferri recorded her 13^th goal of the season, marking the 40th goal and 112th point of her career. Tiernan added her fifth goal of the year to go with her team-best 11 assists. McClelland has notched 57 saves in net, posting her 39th career clean sheet.

Rutgers and Bucknell traded shots to open the match, as McClelland notched a total of five saves to keep it a scoreless match. The Scarlet Knight offense in turn kept the pressure on. A shot from sophomore forward Allison Lowrey, though saved, set up a Tagliaferri shot off the rebound which was also saved.

Tagliaferri never let up as she used two more shots in the series to find the back of the net. The goal would put RU in front 1-0 in the 29th minute of the match.

 

Don't give up, don't ever give up‼️ #RUWS LEADS!

Following a shot from Allison Lowrey, Frankie Tagliaferri keeps the pressure on, finding the back of the net for a 1-0 #RUWS lead here in the first half! pic.twitter.com/mSdjSQAzVS

— RUWS | BIG TEN CHAMPIONS (@RUWSoccer) November 14, 2021

Entering the second half, McClelland notched in sixth save of the day. Rutgers countered with the next six shots of the game, three of which were on target but saved by Bucknell's keeper.

In the 61st minute, senior forward Amirah Ali sent a pass to Tiernan 18-yards out. Tiernan took on a few Bucknell defenders as she dribbled across the top of the box, using a perfectly targeted shot to score RU's second of the game.

🎯Riley. Tiernan!!

The birthday girl extends the #RUWS lead 2-0 with this 😍beautiful goal! pic.twitter.com/TyvlWdFBKD

— RUWS | BIG TEN CHAMPIONS (@RUWSoccer) November 14, 2021

Rutgers remained on the attack, following the score with four straight shots on goal. The Scarlet Knights would go on to outshoot the Bison, 32-10, overall in the match. Defensively, RU has held all opponents to single-digit shots on goal this season.

The Scarlet Knights advance to their second straight Second Round appearance. Rutgers will host Saint Louis for a Second Round matchup on Friday, Nov. 19. Start time is to be announced. 

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