Rutgers women's, men's lacrosse teams announce captains for 2024 season
The Rutgers women's and men's lacrosse teams have announced their captains for the 2024 season. The Scarlet Knights will see a variety of players who have brought success and commitment to their program provide leadership in the upcoming season.
Women's lacrosse
Graduate student defender Jessica Beneducci, graduate student midfielder Cassidy Spilis, senior goalkeeper Sophia Cardello and junior midfielder Emalie Clothier will be team captains. Spilis and Cardello have previously been captains for Rutgers, while Beneducci and Clothier will take on the role for the first time.
Beneducci has played in 63 games for the Knights in her career and started every game last season. With former defender Meghan Ball transferring to Maryland, Beneducci will continue to lead the backline in every game this season.
Spilis has been chosen as a team captain for the third consecutive season. Spilis has scored a program-leading 192 goals during her time on the Banks and was the 2022 Big Ten Midfielder of the Year. Last season, Spilis netted 47 goals in 17 games.
Cardello had a solid 2023 season, as she owned a save percentage of 45.8 and had the second-most saves per game in the Big Ten. Cardello has registered 402 saves in three seasons.
Clothier started 13 games last season and had 3 goals, one assist and 18 ground balls.
Rutgers struggled last season, as it only earned one conference win and finished second-to-last in the Big Ten. The Knights will look to their team captains to lead the team and bring success.
Rutgers will open its season against Manhattan on February 10 at SHI Stadium on Busch campus.
Men's lacrosse
Graduate student attacker Ross Scott and senior midfielder Shane Knobloch will serve as team captains for the 2024 season. Scott previously served as captain last season, while Knobloch will be captain for the first time.
Scott and Knobloch were both named Preseason All-Americans by USA Lacrosse Magazine. Knobloch was named a First Team Preseason All-American and Scott was named an Honorable Mention.
In Inside Lacrosse's preseason player rankings, Scott is ranked No. 26 in the country, while Knobloch is ranked No. 33 for the upcoming campaign.
In 46 games over his collegiate career, Knobloch, the 2021 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, has netted 69 goals and provided 38 assists for a total of 107 points.
The Knights currently hold a preseason ranking of No. 15 and will look to build off their run to the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament. Rutgers will kick off the 2024 season at home on February 3 against Lehigh.
For more updates on the Rutgers women's and men's lacrosse teams, follow @TargumSports on X.
