No. 10 Rutgers field hockey beats No. 3 Northwestern 2-1

Friday’s Big Ten opener for No. 10 Rutgers field hockey was historic for multiple reasons. They earned the highest ranked win in modern program history in defeating No. 3 Northwestern (8-2; 0-1). They did so in come from behind fashion by the final score of 2-1. It topped two wins over Northwestern last season when they were ranked No. 4. In addition, the Scarlet Knights earned their sixth ranked win of the season for the most in program history. At 7-1 on the season, RU is off to its best start since 2008.

The host Wildcats scored with just over one minute remaining before halftime to take a 1-0 lead into the break. Kayla Blas scored her second goal of the season off of a rebound.

Despite trailing at the half, Rutgers held a 9-5 shot advantage and a 5-2 edge with corners. The Scarlet Knights did not let the score deter them and they continued to attack to battle back in the second half.

It wasn’t until just over two minutes left in the third quarter that RU tied the game. Iris Langejans found Gianna Mancini across the field at the back post, where she quickly scored tie the game at 1-1.

After almost ten minutes of play with the score even, Milena Redlingshoefer delivered the game winner with just over six minutes remaining in the game. Coming off of a corner, Liz Romano found Redlingshoefer at top of the circle and she came through in a big way.

Redlingshoefer is now tied with Lucy Bannatyne for the team lead with four goals. She also leads the team with 14 points.

It was great performance by Rutgers, who held a 14-10 advantage in shots and 8-3 margin in corners. All-American goalkeeper Gianna Glatz made two saves in the win.

The Scarlet Knights return home to face No. 17 Princeton on Sunday at noon. They are in the middle of a stretch of playing nine of ten games against ranked foes. They are 6-1 in those contests so far.