PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The Rutgers women’s lacrosse team is heading west for its Big Ten Conference opener against Oregon this Sunday. This marks a big milestone as it’s the team’s first-ever trip to the West Coast. The game is set for 3 p.m. at Papé Field and will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.
Recently, Rutgers faced No. 12 Princeton and lost 20-8. Princeton got off to a strong start with a 7-0 scoring run and dominated with 41 shots on goal. Junior Ava Chiarella stood out for Rutgers, scoring three goals. Sophomore Alex Popham also added two goals, while senior Alexa Corbin and newcomers Caroline Ling and Delainey Sutley each scored one goal. Junior Lily Dixon contributed with an assist and two ground balls.
On the defensive side, junior Katie Buck controlled the pace with a game-high seven draw controls. Freshman Bianca Chiarella caused two turnovers and grabbed two ground balls. Graduate student goalkeeper Lexie Coldiron made an impressive 21 saves, a career high, against a tough Princeton offense.
Despite the loss, Rutgers made it into the USA Lacrosse Magazine Top 20, coming in at No. 19. This is their first ranking this season and highlights the growing strength of the program. In their last four games, the Scarlet Knights have faced challenging opposition, including No. 4 Yale and No. 16 Stony Brook.
Coldiron is currently one of the best goalkeepers in the nation, leading the Big Ten with 98 saves and a save percentage of .557. Meanwhile, Buck is making her mark too, averaging nearly eight draw controls per game, ranking her third in the conference.
Looking ahead to the matchup against Oregon, the Ducks suffered a heavy 20-6 loss to No. 20 Ohio State in their first Big Ten game. Anna Simmons is the star for Oregon this season, leading the team with 26 points, demonstrating her strength at home.
When Rutgers faced Oregon last season, they secured a 15-7 win, with Victoria Goldrick and Payton Tini each contributing four points.
After their trip to Oregon, Rutgers will return home to play Temple on Thursday. With their strong lineup and growing momentum, Rutgers looks to continue their competitive edge as the season progresses.
In recent stats, lacrosse has seen a notable increase in viewership and engagement, especially among college teams. The push for more televised games and streaming options reflects a growing interest in women’s sports, which is vital for gaining support and recognition at all levels. The rise of social media highlights this trend, showcasing athletes’ journeys and engaging fans in new ways.
Each game presents an opportunity for Rutgers to showcase its talent and build on this growing momentum in women’s lacrosse.
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