No. 23 Rutgers field hockey scores huge win over No. 3 Northwestern
The Rutgers field hockey team completed a season-defining upset at home yesterday, beating Northwestern 2-1. The No. 23 Scarlet Knights (7-6, 3-3) sealed the victory over the No. 3 Wildcats (10-3, 1-3) after celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX.
Rutgers came into this game with a three-game losing streak and ready to get a much-needed win on home turf. The victory became the Knights’ highest rank win of the season and the fourth win over Northwestern in the past five meetings.
Sophomore goalkeeper Sophia Howard started in net for Rutgers. Howard collected three saves in 60 minutes, allowing 1 lone goal by the Wildcats.
The Knights opened up scoring in the first quarter on a shot made by freshman midfielder Indy van Ek. The Deventer, Netherlands, native gave the program the early lead, scoring just 5 minutes into the first period for her 3rd goal of the season.
Toward the end of the first, Rutgers tacked on another goal to widen its lead. A penalty stroke was awarded to junior defensive back Iris Langejans, giving the Knights a 2-0 lead to close out the first quarter.
Northwestern got 1 goal back in the third on a penalty stroke goal by Peyton Halsey, but it was not enough for the Wildcats to get back on top. Rutgers ultimately took the match in a 2-1 final.
Northwestern has to be one of the highest regarded opponents this season with its high ranking and All-American Bente Baekers. This victory could not have come at a better time for the Knights, allowing them to prove themselves against a fierce competitor after struggling the last few games.
This win is not only a huge morale boost but also a defining moment for this team, proving that the program can keep up in both the Big Ten and in the national rankings.
This last stretch of games is a tough one for Rutgers. The program’s final four opponents of the regular season are all ranked nationally, with both conference opponents being ranked in the top five.
The Knights will be back in action next Sunday as they will be taking a trip to College Park, Maryland, to take on No. 2 Maryland. The game will start at 4 p.m. and will be broadcasted on the Big Ten Network.
“This team has been really building, game after game,” said head coach Meredith Civico. “We had a rough weekend last weekend and didn't perform to our capabilities. We took a look and learned from that and made some adjustments. We knew if we put together a complete performance today, we can do anything.”
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