Rutgers women’s lacrosse hopes to end losing streak against No. 6 Stony Brook
The Rutgers women's lacrosse team will face off against Stony Brook at SHI Stadium on Busch campus tomorrow. The Scarlet Knights (4-7, 0-5) are looking to end their four-game losing streak by winning against the Seawolves (9-2, 4-0).
Rutgers is 0-4 all-time against No. 6 Stony Brook. The Knights fell to the Seawolves in the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2021 and 2022. In both matches, then-graduate student attacker Taralyn Naslonski and senior midfielder Cassidy Spilis combined for a total of 8 goals and five assists.
This year, Stony Brook is ranked first in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and is undefeated in conference play.
The Seawolves have only lost two games this season, with both teams being nationally ranked. Stony Brook fell to now-No. 2 Northwestern and No. 1 Syracuse by 5 goals.
The Seawolves are a strong team on offense, as they average a conference-leading 15 goals per game.
Ellie Masera leads the Seawolves and the CAA with 46 goals this season. Kailyn Hart is another dangerous player that Rutgers must look out for. She has scored 27 goals and provided 19 assists on the season.
Hailey Duchnowski will most likely start between the pipes for Stony Brook. She currently owns a .391 save percentage and allows 8.42 goals per game.
The Seawolves are good at taking care of the ball and average a conference-low 10.18 turnovers per game. Stony Brook is currently ranked second in NCAA Division I women's lacrosse for turnovers per game.
In order for the Knights to find success in the contest, the team must prevent the Seawolves from attempting shots on goal. Stony Brook is ranked first in its respective conference for shots on goal per game, averaging 25.64.
Rutgers will look to junior goalkeeper Sophia Cardello and senior defender Meghan Ball to lead the defense. Cardello is ranked second in the Big Ten in saves per game, and Ball leads the nation in caused turnovers per game.
Spilis and graduate student attacker Marin Hartshorn must continue their strong performances on offense against the Seawolves. The duo has combined for a total of 52 goals and 17 assists on the season.
The game between the Knights and Stony Brook will begin at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow and will be broadcasted on the Big Ten Network.
"We played Stony Brook the last two years, and I know my team is excited for another opportunity to play them at home," said head coach Melissa Lehman. "I think we have to prepare for their style, especially their defensive play."
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