In an exciting clash at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium, Rutgers women's lacrosse team put up a valiant fight against No.
12 Stony Brook, ultimately falling 11-8. The Scarlet Knights, now 5-3, showcased their mettle by leading at halftime and staying neck-and-neck in the fourth quarter before the Seawolves pulled away.
As Rutgers embarks on a challenging stretch facing six ranked opponents in their final 10 games, they started strong, outpacing Stony Brook in the first half with a 5-2 lead. Their defense was relentless, forcing the Seawolves into seven first-half turnovers. However, Stony Brook's 3-0 run in the fourth quarter and a defensive lockdown in the final 11 minutes sealed the win for the home team.
Sophomore Stella Quilty, earning her first career start in goal, was a standout performer with a career-high 13 saves, seven of which came in the first half. Senior Katie Buck dominated the center circle, securing eight draw controls and leading the team with three caused turnovers, alongside Kimberly Greenblatt.
Offensively, sophomore Hilary Elsner was a force, racking up four points with three goals and an assist. Caroline Ling added two goals and a helper, while freshman Kate Theofield came off the bench to score twice. Senior Lily Dixon and junior Payton Tini each contributed two points.
The game began as a defensive showdown, with Theofield's unassisted goal breaking the deadlock late in the first quarter. Quilty's five saves in the opening period were crucial in maintaining Rutgers' early momentum.
The Scarlet Knights closed the second quarter with a 3-0 run, highlighted by goals from Elsner, Ling, and Tini, with Ling's goal off a Dixon assist pushing the lead to 5-2 at halftime. Rutgers' defense was formidable, forcing turnovers and controlling the draw.
Stony Brook mounted a comeback in the second half, with a 4-1 run giving them their first lead at 7-6 late in the third quarter. Elsner's third goal of the night, courtesy of a Dixon assist, tied the game heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter saw one more tie, thanks to a free position goal from Theofield, leveling the score at 8-8. However, Stony Brook's three-goal burst and strong defense in the closing minutes secured their victory.
Looking ahead, Rutgers is set to host No. 8 Johns Hopkins on Sunday at SHI Stadium. Fans can catch the action live on Big Ten Plus, with the first draw scheduled for 1 p.m.