COLUMBUS, OHIO - Rutgers women's soccer captured a 1-0 victory over Ohio State Sunday afternoon in the second round of Big Ten Regional Weekend. The Scarlet Knights advance to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals for the second straight season and fourth time overall since joining the conference. 

Junior goalkeeper Meagan McClelland recorded her sixth shutout of the season, as RU held OSU to a single shot on goal and five shots overall. 

"Today's defensive performance was unbelievable and it started with the forwards," said senior back Gabby Provenzano. "We had a game plan and stuck to it. We talk so much about how everyone defends and today you could really see that. Getting a shutout against them was an amazing feeling. Moving onto the semifinals means so much to us and I am so proud of everyone on this team." 

"I thought we played as a team today, you could tell from the start we were driven to win," said freshman midfielder Sara Brocious. "We did it as a team and it was a great win. We're growing together and learning from each other as the season goes on, which is so important because we're a young team and the experience were getting right now is immeasurable. This advancement means a lot to us. There has been so much adversity the past year for everyone in the sport so for us to come together and win to continue our season we truly are grateful."

THE MATCH
Rutgers and Ohio State traded shots across the first half, as the defenses held both sides to four shots each in the frame. The Scarlet Knights registered two attempts on goal that would be saved by the Buckeyes' goalkeeper, while McClelland notched a save to keep the score 0-0 heading into halftime.
 
The Scarlet Knights paced the second half with four shots, while holding the Buckeyes to just a single shot in the frame.
 
In the 79th minute, Rutgers earned its fourth corner kick of the day. Freshman Sam Kroeger sent the corner in to the box, as an OSU player sent in the goal in the shuffle to give RU a 1-0 lead. The Scarlet Knights held off the Buckeyes, allowing no shots for the remainder of the contest, advancing to the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.
 
UP NEXT
The semifinals are set for Thursday, April 15 and will be hosted at the campus of the highest remaining seed following Regional Weekend.
 
KNIGHT NOTES

• Rutgers advanced to the semifinals for the second consecutive season, reaching the semis for the fourth time since joining the league in 2014.
• The Scarlet Knights have held all opponents to single-digit shots on goal this season, holding four to just a single shot on goal including the Buckeyes. RU has held opponents to single shots overall in eight of 13 matches this season.
• McClelland recorded her sixth shutout of the season, extending her career total to 26 clean sheets. She ranks fourth on the Rutgers career charts.

 
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