PISCATAWAY, N.J. – An incredible start to the season for No. 8 Rutgers field hockey continued on Friday afternoon with a 3-2 double-overtime victory over No. 16 Syracuse. The win improved the Scarlet Knights' record to 4-0 on the season, giving them three wins over ranked opponents, with consecutive victories coming in a double-overtime session.

Gianna Mancini and Carly Snarski each scored in regulation for RU, putting the Scarlet Knights ahead 2-0 after three quarters. Syracuse answered with two goals in the fourth quarter to send the game to extra time. Then, Lucy Bannatyne lifted the team to victory in double-overtime, racing the length of the field to score the game-winner.

RU outshot Syracuse 18-9 on the day, including an 8-1 margin in the opening half alone. Penalty corners also favored the home team, 7-5. Gianna Glatz added three saves for RU, while Milena Redlingshoefer picked up an assist.

Just nine minutes into the game, RU struck first. After a corner, an initial shot was saved, but the rebound kicked out to Gianna Mancini. The senior put home her eighth career goal for an early 1-0 lead.

In the third quarter, the Scarlet Knights struck again. Milena Redlingshoefer shuffled the ball to the back post, and Carly Snarski directed it in for a 2-0 advantage.

Syracuse broke through in the fourth frame, scoring two goals just eight minutes apart to even the score and extend the game. The teams would play on into a second overtime session.

In the 73^rd minute of action, Bannatyne took matters into her own hands. The newcomer from Auckland, New Zealand entered off the bench, quickly stole the ball from an Orange player, and raced down the left side of the field. After passing the last defender, she fired the ball home to set off the celebration.

The Scarlet Knights put their unbeaten record on the line on Sunday in Philadelphia. The team will face off against another ranked foe, No. 17 St. Joe's, at 1 p.m.  



Postgame Notes

• The win gave RU three ranked wins this season and 22 ranked wins since Meredith Civico took over the program in 2012.
• It marked the team's first 4-0 start to a season since 2018.
• The Scarlet Knights claimed their first victory over Syracuse since 2003, and seventh win all-time in the 28 lifetime meetings.
• Bannatyne now holds the team lead with three goals this season.