Rutgers field hockey hoping for bounce-back win against No. 7 Iowa
The Rutgers field hockey team is set to host Iowa on Friday afternoon at the Bauer Track & Field Complex on Livingston campus. The Scarlet Knights (3-4, 0-1) are coming off two 1-goal losses against ranked opponents last week.
Rutgers has already suffered four defeats this season, tying last year's number in just seven games.
The Knights had a difficult week, falling in their Big Ten opener against Maryland. Rutgers scored the 1st goal, but the Terrapins (5-2, 1-0) battled back, winning 3-2.
That same scoreline was seen against Princeton last Sunday. The Knights led in the second period, but 2 late goals in 2 minutes gave the Tigers (4-2, 1-0) the come-from-behind victory.
Rutgers desperately needs a bounce-back win, but it won't be easy against the Hawkeyes (4-2, 0-1), who are coming off a tough 5-0 loss to Northwestern that ended their three-game winning streak.
No. 7 Iowa is headlined by its defense, which has conceded just 7 goals this season. This is largely due to goalkeeper Mia Magnotta, who has a save percentage of 75.9, a goals-against average of 1.10 and boasts four shutouts.
The Hawkeyes are not known for their offense, scoring only 6 goals, the second-lowest in the Big Ten. Despite not scoring many goals, Iowa's defense can shut down its opponents and seek out wins.
This means that the Knights will need their offense to step up. Whether it's senior midfielder Guillermina Causarano, graduate student forward Kara Heck or freshman midfielder Anna Cogdell, the goals must come from someone.
With Big Ten play beginning to ramp up, Rutgers' schedule will not get any easier. It still has to play top-ranked teams like the Wildcats (8-0, 2-0), Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State.
The Knights will hope not to repeat last season's matchup against the Hawkeyes. On the final day of the regular season, Rutgers lost 7-2, its worst defeat since 2022.
Friday's game will begin at 1 p.m. and will be broadcast on Big Ten Plus.
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