No. 15 Rutgers field hockey lost a close match to No. 11 Iowa in overtime on Sunday at the Bauer Track and Field Hockey Complex in Piscataway, New Jersey. The game drew 918 fans, including more than 30 alumni returning for Letterwinners Day and Senior Day celebrations.
The event was part of R NIL Homecoming Weekend, with alumni participating in pregame tailgates, high-five tunnels, anthem walk-outs, and being recognized at halftime.
Rutgers started strong when Sophie Kuiper scored just over a minute into the game after receiving a pass from Ashley Arnold. Later in the first quarter, Paulina Niklaus converted a penalty corner to give Rutgers a 2-0 lead within the first 12 minutes.
Iowa responded with two goals by Dionne van Aalsum, who had previously scored 56 goals in her collegiate career. Van Aalsum’s first goal came before halftime off an assist from Fredeique van Cleef, narrowing the gap to one. She tied the game midway through the third quarter with a shot from the top of the circle during a penalty corner.
In the fourth quarter, Olivia Fraticelli redirected a shot from Niklaus during another penalty corner to put Rutgers ahead 3-2 with ten minutes left. Iowa then pulled its goalkeeper for an extra attacker and quickly tied the game when Gia Whalen scored from close range.
This sent Rutgers into overtime for their fourth extra session this season. Four minutes into overtime, Iowa won a penalty corner and Milly Short scored to secure their 4-3 victory.
With this result, Iowa improved its record to 9-4 overall and 2-3 in Big Ten Conference play. Rutgers now holds an 8-7 overall record and is even at 3-3 in conference games. Two matches remain on Rutgers’ schedule: hosting No. 10 Maryland on Friday and visiting Penn State next weekend.
During the match, Iowa outshot Rutgers 16-10 and held an advantage in penalty corners at 8-5. Emily Nicholls made seven saves for Rutgers.
After the game, Senior Day ceremonies honored seven Scarlet Knights: Natalie Arnold, Dani Gindville, Puck Winter, Ashley Arnold, Erica Babitts, Vicky Jure and Paulina Niklaus.
“Great to see so many of our #RUFH alumns and their families back today for Letterwinners Day!” shared Rutgers Field Hockey on social media October 19.
“What a welcome on Letterwinners Day! Thanks to all our alumns who came out today to support #RUFH as we host Iowa!” stated another post from Rutgers Field Hockey that day.
