No. 12 Rutgers field hockey prepares for 2-game week against Villanova, No. 15 Princeton
The Rutgers field hockey team is looking to extend its undefeated season this weekend on the road. The No. 12 Scarlet Knights (4-0, 0-0) will take on Villanova this Friday and will then face their second-ranked opponent of the season, No. 15 Princeton, on Sunday.
Rutgers had a great stretch in its second week with another two wins.
The Knights accomplished an impressive feat in their 2-1 shootout victory over then-No. 15 UConn, collecting their first-ranked win of the year.
Junior goalkeeper Sophia Howard has been showing off her dominance early this season. She has completed two shutouts and allowed only 2 goals so far.
Junior midfielder Guillermina Causarano has also been an explosive force for Rutgers. Causarano has already surpassed her total number of goals from her 2022 season, with 3 goals in 4 games in 2023.
Causarano has joined three other Knights on the NFHCA Collegiate Watch List. Sophomore midfielder Ava Cickavage joins the watch list for the first time, while sophomore back Puck Winter and senior back Iris Langejans are on the list for their second straight season.
Rutgers is looking to piggyback on its momentum this week. The Knights will take on the Wildcats (2-1, 0-0) in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, at 6 p.m. on Friday.
Villanova has experience with high-scoring games this season, while Rutgers has experienced the opposite.
Meghan Mitchell leads the Wildcats with 3 goals and three assists this season, with a 2-goal game in her last appearance against Longwood.
Emma Leppert has started in goal every game for Villanova, making 11 saves and allowing 10 goals.
The Knights will stay close to home when they travel to play Princeton at noon on Sunday. The Tigers (0-2, 0-0), despite their record, are a high-ranking team that has played nothing but close games this season. In the team's last game, they fell just short in an overtime loss off of a penalty stroke given to UNC.
Bridget Murphy and Talia Schenck lead the team with 1 goal each. Both have two points on the season.
Robyn Thompson will be in the net for Princeton and is sporting a 1.92 goals-against-average.
Rutgers has its work cut out for itself this week, facing two strong opponents while trying to keep its record perfect.
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