Rutgers Field Hockey’s Gianna Glatz, Daphne Groothuis, & Linde van Schaik Named All-Big Ten

The Rutgers field hockey team continues to accomplish things for the first time this season. After earning the highest ranking in school history and knocking off the highest ranked opponent as well during the regular season, the program saw more players honored by the Big Ten on Wednesday than ever before. Sophomore’s Daphne Groothuis, a midfielder, and Gianna Glatz, goalkeeper, were named First Team All-Big Ten. It’s the first time that Rutgers has had any player named to the First Team, while three players honored overall is also a program best. Senior midfielder and co-captain Linde van Schaik was named Second Team All-Big Ten. Also honored was senior co-captain and midfielder, Nikki Profita, who won the sportsmanship award given to one player on each conference team.

“These awards are a great reflection of the hard work and dedication of the team this season,” head coach Meredith Civico said. “Daphne, Gianna and Linde have worked tirelessly day-in and day-out, and they have pushed us to new levels. It’s awesome that they have been recognized by the Big Ten for their on-field efforts. I’m also delighted for Nikki Profita. She is a great teammate and there is no one more deserving of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.”

Groothuis led Rutgers with 12 goals, 13 assists, and 37 total points, leading the Big Ten with a 2.06 points per game average. Her assist total was also notable, as she tied for the conference lead and was tied for fourth in the nation as well.

Glatz was the only goalkeeper named to the All-Big Ten First Team and tied for the national lead with nine shutouts this season. She held a 1.05 goals against average and produced a save percentage of .811, which was tops in the Big Ten and second in the country. Behind Glatz in net, who started all 18 games, Rutgers allowed the fifth least amount of goals nationally at just 18 all season.

van Schaik was named to the Second Team for a second consecutive season after producing a career high 20 points, including 7 goals and 6 assists. She is currently ranked 7th all-time in Rutgers history for goals (24) and points (65), while ranking 11th all-time with assists (17).

Profita had a strong senior season as well, producing a career high 8 goals, 3 assists, and 19 total points.

The wait continues for Rutgers field hockey to see if its season continues, as they were eliminated from the Big Ten Quarterfinals in a double overtime loss to Ohio State last Sunday. After a 13-5 regular season and current RPI ranking of 9th and coaches poll ranking of 11th, the Scarlet Knights won’t find out until Sunday if they will receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. Their resume includes four wins over teams ranked in the RPI top 15, including two in the top 10 (#4 Princeton & #8 Iowa), while all five losses have come against teams ranked in the RPI top 20. Rutgers hasn’t advanced to the NCAA Tournament since 1986, but hopefully they have done enough to break the three decades plus drought. The NCAA Tournament field will be announced this Sunday at 10 p.m. and we will take a closer look at their chances of earning one of eight at-large bids closer to Sunday night’s announcement.