Rutgers field hockey falls to No. 5 Michigan for 3rd straight Big Ten defeat
The Rutgers field hockey team fell in another road game this weekend. The Scarlet Knights (4-7, 1-4) got shut out by fellow Big Ten opponent Michigan on Friday.
Rutgers and the Wolverines (9-1, 3-0) faced off at 4 p.m. in Ann Arbor. The opening period was played mostly away from the net. Only one shot was recorded in the first with the Knights putting it on goal.
Despite getting the first shot, Rutgers did not get on the board, and the score would stay locked at 0-0 after the opening 15 minutes.
No. 5 Michigan struck first in the second frame. Cami Wiseman scored in the 25th minute, sneaking one past Knights redshirt senior goaltender Sophia Howard. Rutgers turned away another two shots in the period to keep the deficit small going into halftime.
The Wolverines came back from the break stronger, able to ignite their offense against their visitors. Abby Tamer netted her 9th goal of the season in the third period, giving Michigan a 2-0 advantage. The Knights totaled another two shots but were unable to find the back of the cage.
In the final frame, the Wolverines would continue to inflict damage on Rutgers. Esmee de Willigen scored the 3rd goal for Michigan on a penalty corner awarded to her team in the opening seconds of the period.
Approximately two minutes later, the Wolverines knocked in their last tally on another penalty corner. Juliette Manzur was credited with the goal, her third of the year.
Time ticked down and the Knights stayed unable to generate any offense, getting blanked by Michigan goalkeeper Hala Silverstein. The final score rested at 4-0 in favor of the hosts.
With the lackluster offense from Rutgers, Silverstein had to make a save on only one shot on goal.
This loss is the third that the Knights have suffered in a row, all in the conference. It also marks the fifth ranked defeat that the team has managed this year, a stark turnaround from the season Rutgers had in 2023.
The Knights will return to the Bauer Track & Field complex for next week’s slate to host two more Big Ten opponents. Rutgers will face Michigan State on Friday at 1 p.m. and then will take on No. 4 Ohio State on Sunday at home.
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