Virginia Beach, Va.  – Playing for the first time in 477 days, Rutgers field hockey was back in action. The team dominated in the season opener, defeating Indiana 3-0. The game was played at the USA Field Hockey Regional Training Center as part of the Big Ten's opening weekend B1G at The Beach event.

Rutgers received goals from Liz Romano, Milena Redlingshoefer and freshman Bridy Molyneaux in the game. RU held a 20-3 advantage in shots and 10-0 in penalty corners. 

The Scarlet Knights scored two goals in the opening quarter and took control of the game from the outset. In the opening quarter, Rutgers put on early pressure with a series of penalty corners. On the third, RU broke through. Liz Romano scored the first goal of the season, assisted by Katie Larmour and Gracey Butsack. 

Another penalty corner led to another Rutgers goal. After the corner, Gracey Butsack sent the ball to Milena Redlingshoefer in space at the top of the circle. She launched in a hard shot to give the Scarlet Knights a 2-0 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.

Heading into half, the Scarlet Knights held a 3-0 lead after Bridy Molyneaux scored her first career goal. Tayla Parkes had that assists. RU controlled the action in the opening half, with an 7-0 advantage in penalty corners and 9-2 advantage in shots.

The Scarlet Knights continued to control possession in the second half. By limiting the Hoosiers opportunities, they were able to cruise to the victory.

The Scarlet Knights will remain in Virginia Beach for another game this weekend. On Sunday, Rutgers will face Ohio State. That game will begin at 10:30 a.m. on be streamed on BTN Plus.

Postgame Notes

• Rutgers has won seven of the past nine matchups against the Hoosiers, including four straight wins, and lead the series 8-2-1 overall.
• Bridy Molyneaux, Liz-Elaine Stange and Sophia Howard made their collegiate debut.
• Liz Romano made her Rutgers debut.
• Bridy Molyneaux made her first career start.
• Gracey Butsack had a career-high two assists. 
• Gianna Glatz made one save, en route to the 17^th shutout of her career.  

Postgame Quotes

"The coaching staff is pleased with how the team played today. It was great to be back on the pitch competing together!"

- Meredith Civico

"We came out from the first minute, composed, controlled the tempo of the play and put 3 goals away in the first half. Second half we showed the depth of our bench, creating chances and dominating in the front third."

- Kerrie Burns

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