Rutgers women’s lacrosse comes from behind to defeat Temple 13-11

The Rutgers women’s lacrosse team trailed Temple on the road 11-8 with over 12 minutes to play on Wednesday afternoon. The Scarlet Knights had lost the previous five meetings against the Owls and seemed to be headed to a six straight defeat before finishing the game on a 5-0 run. RU has now started 2-0 for the first time since 2014.

After Rutgers started the game with a 4-0 lead and 6-4 advantage at the half, Temple opened the second half with five goals in the first seven minutes. However, the Scarlet Knights were able to recover and it took a total team effort to complete the dramatic comeback.

Freshman Cassidy Spilis led RU with 4 goals, while Taralyn Naslonski scored 3 goals, including the game winner, as well as 2 assists. Samantha Budd and Dakota Pastore, both senior captains, came through in the clutch with three of the final five goals and finished with 2 goals apiece. Freshman Jenna Byrne had a goal and 2 assists, while junior Julie Lytle added a goal.

Freshman Alonna Gliksman made 12 saves in the net, including 8 in the second half.

Rutgers (2-0) was able to force Temple (1-1) into 20 turnovers in the game.

It was a great statement win and a sign of progress under first year head coach Melissa Lehman. The Scarlet Knights return home to host Delaware (0-0) this Saturday, February 15 at SHI Stadium with a start time of noon.