PISCATAWAY, N.J. – “Just find a way.”
That was the message that Rutgers field hockey head coach Meredith Civico preached to her team, as they battled with the number seven ranked team in the nation on Friday afternoon. The Scarlet Knights went toe-to-toe with No. 7 Iowa past regulation, playing eighty minutes of field hockey, and ultimately persevering in a penalty shootout. The Scarlet Knights came away with a crucial 3-2 victory over the Hawkeyes in front of a national TV audience on Big Ten Network.
The Scarlet Knights were led offensively by Paulina Niklaus, as the team captain had the first multi-goal game of her collegiate career with two scores for RU. Another team captain, Sophia Howard had six saves between the pipes, a season-high total for her. Captain Guillermina Causarano assisted on both of Niklaus’ goals, while Vicky Jure and Lucy Bannatyne had one helper apiece. Overall, Rutgers’ attack blistered the Iowa back line, putting up 18 shots on the day and recording nine penalty corners. With the win, Rutgers improves to 4-4 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play.
“I was really proud with how the team fought,” Civico said. “Our players did an incredible job of doing what was asked of them. They stayed focused and they rallied. No matter the situation, they did whatever was needed to get this done.”
The Scarlet Knights came out of the gates putting on heavy pressure on the Iowa defense. RU earned five corners in the first eight minutes of the game and had a 7-1 advantage in shots in the opening frame. RU couldn’t break through in the opening 15 minutes as Iowa continued its streak of…
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