Rutgers Defeats No. 18 Denver 10-9 in Overtime
Mar 28 | Women's Lacrosse
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Rutgers women's lacrosse team defeated No. 18 Denver 10-9 in overtime at the neutral site of College Park, Md., Friday evening, marking the first win over a ranked opponent since an 8-7 victory over then No. 6 Notre Dame on April 21, 2007. The Scarlet Knights (4-6) received a career-high six goals from sophomore Brooke Cantwell (Moorestown, N.J.), including the game winner. The loss snapped a four-game winning streak for Denver (6-4).
"It was a total team effort," said head coach Laura Brand. "We played really well in every position. Even when things did not go our way, the girls did not give up and they continued to play with 100 percent heart and effort. That's why we got the win."
Cantwell's scoring total marks the highest offensive output from a Rutgers player this season and the most goals for an individual in a game since Nina Frankoski (Maplewood, N.J.) scored seven in a 14-10 win over Temple on March 30, 2007. Cantwell also tallied two assists, giving her a career-high eight points.
Junior Michelle Poole (Long Valley, N.J.) finished with a goal and two assists, while Frankoski added a goal and an assist. Freshman Jennifer Schmitt (Perry Hall, Md.) and sophomore Mary Cryan (Newtown Square, Pa.) each recorded a goal. Goalie Sandra Abel (Monrovia, Md.) stopped 10 shots, giving her 104 saves on the season. RU's defense has come together in the last four games, giving up an average of 8.6 goals per game. The team is 2-2 in that stretch.
The Pioneers were led by Karen Morton, who scored three goals. They dropped to 0-3 away from the friendly confines of Denver, Colo.
The Scarlet Knights will return home after four consecutive road games when they face St. Joseph's at Yurcak Field on Wednesday, April 2, at 4:00 p.m.
