Rutgers Women's Lacrosse Triumphs Over No. 21 Ohio State with a 12-8 Victory
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – In an exhilarating display of skill and teamwork, Rutgers women's lacrosse (8-4, 2-1) secured its second ranked victory of the season, triumphing over the No. 21 Ohio State Buckeyes (8-3, 1-3) with a score of 12-8 on Sunday afternoon in Piscataway. The Scarlet Knights showcased their determination and focus, never trailing in the match and effectively generating 18 turnovers against their opponents.
A Testament to Resilience
The Scarlet Knights are now riding a wave of momentum, winning three of their last four games, and this victory adds to their remarkable season that includes a nail-biting overtime win over then-No. 16 Stony Brook (12-11). The triumph over Ohio State marks the 18th ranked win for head coach Melissa Lehman since 2023, establishing a solid foundation for the future of Rutgers lacrosse.
Stellar Defensive Performance
Rutgers' defensive prowess was on full display against the Buckeyes, as they allowed just one goal in the first 30 minutes of play. Graduate goalkeeper Lexie Coldiron delivered an impressive performance with six saves, earning her eighth victory of the spring season. Defensive players such as junior Lily Dixon, graduate Lauren Messinese, and senior Alexa Corbin each contributed with multiple caused turnovers, while junior Katie Buck led the team with a game-high eight draw controls.
Leadership and Motivation
"It was such a team win today," shared senior captain Madison Karpe. Her leadership was crucial in rallying the team around a 60-minute defensive focus, a goal they successfully achieved.
Offensive Firepower
The Scarlet Knights featured a well-rounded offensive strategy, with seven different goal scorers contributing to the win. Sophomore Payton Tini shone brightly with a hat trick, while junior Ava Chiarella and rookies Delainey Sutley and Hilary Elsner also found the back of the net multiple times. Dixon continued to dominate, racking up six points—including five assists—while also contributing defensively with three caused turnovers and three ground balls.
A Fast Start and Strong Finish
Rutgers sprinted out of the gate with a 4-0 lead within the first 15 minutes. Quick assists from Dixon to Elsner and Tini highlighted the team's offensive synergy. Ohio State managed to score in the second quarter, but Rutgers quickly answered with three consecutive goals, including a buzzer-beater from Corbin, to take a commanding 7-1 lead by halftime.
However, the Buckeyes refused to be denied, mounting a fierce comeback in the second half. They outscored the Scarlet Knights 5-1, narrowing the gap to 8-7. Yet, Rutgers responded powerfully with a 4-0 run to close the game. With goals from multiple players, including a pivotal final assist from Dixon to Elsner, the Scarlet Knights sealed their victory at 12-8.
What Lies Ahead
Looking forward, Rutgers will face off against Penn State on Thursday, April 3, in University Park, Pennsylvania. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast nationally on the Big Ten Network.
As the Scarlet Knights continue their quest, they’re proving to be a formidable presence in women's lacrosse, poised for even greater accomplishments as the season unfolds. Fans can follow their journey and champion their efforts in the upcoming games!
