PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Graduate student Taralyn Naslonski collected the 200th point of her career as No. 14 Rutgers women's lacrosse (5-0) delivered a 19-8 victory over Monmouth (2-1) on Wednesday night in Piscataway. The win provided the Scarlet Knights with their second 5-0 start to a season in program history and the first since the 2010 campaign.

Naslonski and junior Cassidy Spilis. each netted five goals to lead nine different goal scorers against the Hawks. Graduate student Stephanie Kelly dished out three assists, while senior Marin Hartshorn and Ashley Campo netted two goals apiece.

With her goal at the end of the third quarter, Naslonski became the fourth student-athlete in program history to hit the 200-point milestone, joining Denise Reed (232; 1987-90), Katie Batiuk (216; 2004-07) and Heather Jones (206; 1991-94).

"Rutgers is such a big part of my life," Naslonski said. "Having both of my parents and uncle go here, it's an honor to reach this milestone. But I couldn't have done it without the help of my teammates."

RU matched its best start in program history with a total team effort, as it outshot Monmouth, 39-23, doubled the visitor's output on the draw by a 20-10 margin and forced the Hawks into 19 turnovers. Spilis caused a game-high three turnovers to help the defensive cause, while classmate Meghan Ball secured a game-high eight draw controls.

"I think we came out ready to play tonight," said head coach Melissa Lehman. "We did a great job on the draw control in the first half to give us all of those possessions, and then we shot the ball well."

Rutgers never trailed against the Hawks, as Naslonski and Spilis opened the game with back-to-back goals in the first five minutes. Monmouth responded with a score, but RU countered with a 4-0 scoring run with goals from Kelly, junior Jenna Byrne, sophomore Mikayla Dever and rookie Emalie Clothier. A goal from Spilis at the end of the quarter provided the Scarlet Knights with a 7-2 lead after the first 15 minutes.

Spilis added to her offensive ledger with two goals in the second quarter, as her fourth of the night provided RU with a 10-4 advantage at halftime. All of Ball's eight draw controls came in the first half to help Rutgers to a 12-4 advantage in that category.

A 3-0 scoring run out of the locker room all but secured the out-of-conference win for Rutgers. Naslonski added three goals and an assist in the third quarter, which included a highlight roll dodge to secure the 200th point of her career. The goal capped a seven-goal third quarter for the Scarlet Knights, as RU closed the win with two goals in the fourth for the 19-8 final.

Up Next
Rutgers continues its home stand against Villanova on Saturday at SHI Stadium. First draw is set for 1 p.m. ET.