Rutgers Women's Lacrosse Hits the Road for Showdown with No. 25 Ohio State
Rutgers women's lacrosse team is gearing up for a crucial stretch, kicking off a four-game road trip against No. 25 Ohio State. The Scarlet Knights, currently holding a 5-4 record, are set to face the Buckeyes in Columbus, with the game airing nationally on Big Ten Network.
Facing the fourth-hardest schedule in the nation and boasting a No. 12 RPI, Rutgers is in the midst of a challenging run, with seven of their final ten regular-season games against ranked opponents. Ohio State marks the third ranked team Rutgers will face in as many games, and the fifth this spring.
Recent Battles and Standout Performances
Rutgers is coming off a tough 15-12 loss to No. 8 Johns Hopkins.
Despite leading in the third quarter, the Scarlet Knights couldn't hold off a late surge from the Blue Jays. Notably, Rutgers outshot Johns Hopkins 30-28 and dominated the draw controls 19-10, thanks to senior Katie Buck's record-setting 15 draw controls.
Senior Lily Dixon made history by becoming the first Rutgers player to reach 100 career assists, adding four more to her tally against Johns Hopkins. Meanwhile, rookie Kate Theofield shined with a career-high six goals and an assist, and sophomore Caroline Ling matched her with seven points.
Facing Ranked Opponents
The Scarlet Knights are no strangers to tough competition. By the end of April, they'll have faced nine ranked teams, including powerhouses like No.
3 Maryland and No. 6 Michigan.
This rigorous schedule is a testament to their resilience and determination to compete at the highest level.
Theofield and Buck Leading the Charge
Kate Theofield's impressive performances earned her the Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor. Her highlight-reel behind-the-back goal against Johns Hopkins even landed her on SportsCenter's Top 10 for the third time this season.
Katie Buck continues to be a force in the draw circle, leading the Big Ten with an average of 10 draw controls per game. Her dominance in this area is a key component of Rutgers' strategy.
Offensive Firepower from Underclassmen
Rutgers' underclassmen have been pivotal, contributing 77% of the team's goals and 69% of the points this season. With players like Caroline Ling, who ranks among the top scorers nationally, the Scarlet Knights boast a dynamic and youthful offense.
Ohio State's Momentum
The Buckeyes, riding a four-game winning streak, recently climbed into the IWLCA Coaches Poll after a thrilling 16-15 victory over then-No. 4 Northwestern. Ohio State's efficient offense ranks fifth nationally in shot percentage and 13th in scoring.
Head-to-Head History
Rutgers holds an 11-5 advantage in the all-time series against Ohio State, including victories in their last seven encounters. Last season, the Scarlet Knights secured a 12-8 win, forcing 18 turnovers to keep the Buckeyes at bay.
With a challenging road ahead, Rutgers aims to leverage their past success against Ohio State and continue their push through a demanding schedule.