No. 4 Rutgers field hockey earns road conference wins against No. 9 Ohio State, Michigan State
The Rutgers field hockey team has stretched its undefeated season another week by defeating Ohio State and Michigan State. The Scarlet Knights (14-0, 5-0) are now tied with Northwestern for first place in the Big Ten.
Prior to its games, No. 4 Rutgers received an honor for its incredible offense. Junior midfielder Guillermina Causarano was named the National Offensive Player of the Week. Causarano had a spectacular week prior to this weekend, netting two goals, with one being a game-winner in overtime against then-no. 15 Michigan.
The Knights opened up another week of play against the Buckeyes (12-5, 4-4) on Friday.
No. 9 Ohio State came out strong, immediately outshooting Rutgers 5-2 in the first quarter. Despite their aggressive start, the Knights managed to hold off the Buckeyes.
In the second quarter, momentum shifted in Rutgers' favor, but still, both teams stood scoreless at the end of the half.
The second half looked much like the first, a lot of shooting, but still no goals.
Ohio State stayed aggressive, but redshirt junior goaltender Sophia Howard stood tall for the Knights, shutting out her opponents in regulation and making five total saves on the day.
With no goals scored from either side, the match was sent into two overtimes, both of which ended scoreless.
A penalty shootout would have to decide the winner. Rutgers came out victorious in the penalty shootout once again as sophomore midfielder Ava Cickavage notched the game-clinching penalty score.
The Knights traveled again for a Sunday afternoon matchup against another conference foe, Michigan State.
Senior forward Bridy Molyneaux struck first, scoring in the opening quarter and giving Rutgers an early 1-0 lead.
Causarano scored her 11th goal of the season in the second period, doubling the Knights' advantage going into the second half.
Celina Riccardo scored midway through the third period to get the Spartans (3-10, 1-6) on the board.
Despite Michigan State's efforts to get back in the game, Molyneaux scored her second goal of the match in the final minutes to secure the 3-1 win for the Knights.
With two wins this week, Rutgers continues to sport a perfect record with an eye-opening 10 road wins. This team has made a historic run and continues to climb the ranks every week.
The Knights will be back on the Banks next weekend, hosting Indiana and their biggest challenge yet in No. 1 Northwestern.
For more updates on the Rutgers football team, follow @TargumSports on X.
To view more of Allison Girardi's work, follow @allisongirardii on X.
