Rutgers Olympic Sports: just about over but the shouting....and Women’s Soccer

Field Hockey - Big Ten Tournament

It’s never easy returning to face a team that just topped you, especially when that team is No. 3 in the country and the top-seed in the tournament. And they’re playing on their home field. And it wasn’t for Rutgers in the first round of the Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament.

The Knights finished the season at 9-9 following a 3-1 loss to No. 1 Maryland in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. Rutgers scored its goal off of a penalty corner. Devon Freshnock took the initial shot, and Alyssa Bull deflected it home for a Rutgers goal.

"Credit to Maryland, they are a top-three team in the country," head coach Meredith Civico said. "I think they caught us on our heels with two early goals, but we fought really hard to battle back after that. I'm really proud of this team, I'm proud of how they fought, and I'm proud of this senior class for all their leadership."

Rutgers redshirt senior Alyssa Bull was recognized by the conference Wednesday as she was named Second Team All-Big Ten. Senior back Devon Freshnock was also recognized as the team’s sportsmanship honoree.

Women’s Soccer - Big Ten Tournament

After topping No. 17 Northwestern, the women lost to host Minnesota, 2-1, in the conference finals. We covered the story here.

Men’s Soccer - Big Ten Tournament

The very long season for the men’s soccer team ended as it started, with a close loss. Back on August 26 it was a 2-1 loss to then-No. 7 Creighton (now No. 24) and on Saturday it was another 2-1 loss, this time to Michigan. A month ago, RU tied the Wolverines in Piscataway, 1-1.

Dante Perez tied the score in the 56th minute. Jason Wright kicked into the box where Perez’s header from the right post found the back of the net.

RU finished a very disappointing season at 1-14-2, 0-6-2 B1G.

Women’s Swimming & Diving

The Knights went 2-1 in a weekend quad meet at the Werblin Aquatic Center, scoring ten event victories over the two-day event. As a team, RU defeated the Georgetown (233-119) and Seton Hall (269-77), while falling short against the Wildcats, 183.50-168.50.

Rutgers swept the diving portion of the meet. Rutgers finished one-two-three in the 1-meter dive with senior Alyssa Black placing first with a score of 314, followed by junior Addison Walkowiak at 312.80, and sophomore Rachel Byrne third with a mark of 294.50. On Friday, RU also swept the 3-meter diving event, as Walkowiak collected top honors in the event.

Senior Rachel Stoddard recorded top times in the 100 breaststroke (1:04.27) and 200 breaststroke (2:18.70), bringing her win total to three on the weekend after she won the 200 IM on Friday. Sophomore Francesca Stoppa hit the wall first in both the 100 butterfly (56.01) and the 200 butterfly (2:01.84).

Stoddard and Stoppa will represent the Scarlet Knights Nov. 12-13 at the B1G versus USA National Team College Classic in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Women’s Volleyball 4-23, 0-14 B1G

Iowa and No. 1 Nebraska visited the College Avenue over the weekend and were anything but gracious guests. Rutgers dropped matches to both squads by 3-0 counts.

Against the Hawkeyes, Rutgers led in blocks, 8-6, marking the 14th match the Scarlet Knights have led their opponent in the category. Jasmine Stackhouse has posted four or more blocks in four consecutive matches. Brooke Enners recorded her first career blocks with three in the contest, along with two kills and two digs.

Senior right side Lauren Cloyd led RU with five kills and three blocks against the Huskers. Fifth-year senior middle blocker Mikaela Matthews also added three blocks, along with three kills in the match.

Women’s Rowing

RU hosted the Rutgers Classic on the Raritan on Sunday. No results were available.

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