Rutgers Scarlet Knights field hockey put on a show on their home turf Thursday afternoon. In an action packed battle “On the Banks”, No. 6 Rutgers edged No. 8 Maryland in a penalty shootout to move to 10-0 on the year and 2-0 in Big Ten play.
Despite this being Rutgers’ second home game of the season, the Scarlet Knights looked calm and cool throughout the match. With plenty of offensive action and great defensive saves the Scarlet Knights and Terps gave everyone a treat.
Winning mood. 😎 pic.twitter.com/fveo4PM73m
— Rutgers On BTN (@RutgersOnBTN) September 28, 2023
Scoring Recap
The Scarlet Knights weren’t the first to strike Thursday afternoon, instead the Terps took a 1-0 lead early into the game. After only being in the match for less than three minutes, Maryland got on the board off of a nice backhand finish through traffic in front of the net.
1Q | @LawnMargot wasting no time! 🔥
Terps take the early lead!#MadeForNow pic.twitter.com/LNy7OaLvPf
— Maryland Field Hockey (@TerpsFH) September 28, 2023
The Terps held the lead until halfway through the second quarter, when the Scarlet Knights netted the equalizer. The score was a lucky one for Rutgers as a pass into the middle found a Terps defender’s stick and ricocheted into the net. Julianne Kopec got credit for the score.
GOAL!
Julianne Kopec with the equalizing tally for #RUFH
RU and Maryland now tied, 1-1, in the 2nd quarter pic.twitter.com/vjR8rsQdw0
— Rutgers Field Hockey (@RUFieldHockey) September 28, 2023
With the game tied at 1-1 Rutgers continued to roll as they netted another to go up just after halftime. Guillermina Causarano had a nice finish for the Scarlet Knights when her team needed her most.
Unfortunately the lead didn’t last long for Rutgers as Maryland equalized the game in the 38th minute on a great individual effort.
3Q | Who else but @MaciBradford3?
Maci's breakaway goal ties us at 2!#MadeForNow pic.twitter.com/OgqJ2KS0z3
— Maryland Field Hockey (@TerpsFH) September 28, 2023
Tied 2-2, regulation wasn’t enough time for these teams. Both the Terps and Scarlet Knights battled it out through two overtime periods before the match came down to penalty strokes.
Rutgers started off the penalty shootout with Puck Winter leading the Scarlet Knights. Unfortunately Winter wasn’t able to find the back of the net despite two tries (error on first by Maryland goaltender). The Terps up to shoot, found the back of the net for the one stroke advantage.
Despite already being down, the Scarlet Knights weren’t ready to give up. Marique Dieudonne stepped up and buried it in the back of the net. I was up to Rutgers goaltender Sophia Howard to make a stop here to equalize the advantage. Just when her team needed her most, Howard delivered with a brilliant stop.
With the score evened out Iris Langejans had the chance to put her team up one, and Langejans did not disappoint. Langejans scorched the back of the net and had a screaming celebration to go with it.
A thrilling penalty shootout victory for #RUFH over No. 8 Maryland!
⚔️4th ranked win this season (1st top-10 win)
⚔️ 12th top-10 win since 2021
⚔️ 2-1 in last 3 vs. Maryland, both being top-10 wins
⚔️ 10-0 overall, 2-0 in Big TenRecap: https://t.co/YqDL3JEySa pic.twitter.com/jHsY5ahsAg
— Rutgers Field Hockey (@RUFieldHockey) September 28, 2023
With all the momentum swung the Scarlet Knights way, Howard made another great save to secure the one shot advantage. Paulina Niklaus went to the line to attempt to put the Scarlet Knights up two and she delivered. It was all up to Howard to seal the victory and with all the weight on her back and all the eyes on her she made another top notch stop.
Breaking it down
Although Rutgers got the win in a penalty shootout, the Scarlet Knights could have won the match much sooner if they would have capitalized on their opportunities. The Scarlet Knights had 10 corners, 18 shots and seven shots on goal. Opportunities like that don’t come easy against top ten competition so for next time Rutgers needs to tighten up the play.
As for defense, Howard was electric in net and made some really nice saves and stops. Langejans also had a really active day in the backfield, causing a ton of turnovers and making noise against the Terps.
If the Scarlet Knights can execute a bit better offensively and continue to dominate on the defensive end, this Rutgers team can go very far in the postseason. The Scarlet Knights get a full week to rest up and prepare for another top 20 matchup at home.
The Scarlet Knights will be hoping to stay undefeated against the 5-4 Michigan Wolverines.
Team Statistics
| RU | Maryland | |
| Goals | 2 | 2 |
| Shots | 18 | 11 |
| Shots on goal | 7 | 7 |
| Saves | 5 | 5 |
| Corners | 10 | 5 |
| Fouls | 0 | 0 |
Rutgers Game Leaders
- Guillermina Causarano: 6 shots (2 on goal), 1 goal
- Marique Dieudonne: 3 shots (1 on goal)
- Julianne Kopec: 1 shot (1 on goal) 1 goal
- Puck Winter: 3 shots
Rutgers Field Hockey Next Game
The Scarlet Knights have a bit of a break before facing another Big Ten foe at home. Rutgers will take on the #15 Michigan Wolverines.
- October 6th at 3:00 PM EST vs University of Michigan
- Location: Piscataway NJ - Rutgers
- Watch: B1G+
- For live stats click here
For full schedule click here
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