PISCATAWAY, N.J. – It was a tightly contested game throughout on Sunday as No. 18 Rutgers (6-7, 2-2 Big Ten) hosted No. 14 Michigan (7-5, 3-1 Big Ten) on Senior Day and Alumni Day in front of 3,023 fans on Sunday afternoon. Ultimately, it was the visitors coming out on top, with Michigan grabbing an 8-6 win.

On Senior Day, RU celebrated an 11-member senior class in a pregame ceremony. The Scarlet Knights also welcomed program alumni back to campus for Alumni Appreciation Day. RU honored the 1955, 1975 and 1990 teams at halftime. RU also honored the memory of recently passed alumns Bob Andrews, Steve Kielb and Jack Orizzi with custom nameplates on the jerseys.

Colin Kurdyla led RU with three goals on the day, while Colin Zeller, Justin Lawler and Logan Peters also found the score sheet. Goalkeeper Cardin Stoller had 14 saves and allowed just eight goals, a save percentage of 63.6%. Matthew Paolatto was 13-of-18 (72%) facing off. Rutgers starting defense combined for 10 ground balls on the day.

However, RU was undone by making a season-high 25 turnovers and an 0-of-5 mark on extra-man offense. Despite the possession advantage with the home squad winning on ground balls, 39-22, shots were even at 37-37.

"These seniors have meant so much to this program," senior Matthew Paolatto said. "A lot of guys have put their blood, sweat and tears into this program to leave a special legacy. It's upsetting that we couldn't get the win today but we'll learn from our mistakes and look to bounce back next week."

Rutgers scored the first two goals of the game, blanking Michigan across the first 10 minutes. The Wolverines bounced back with a 3-0 run, then RU scored in the final minutes of the opening period for a 3-3 score after one quarter. There would be no goals scored in the second quarter.

Coming out of halftime, RU went back in front, 5-4, after two goals from Colin Kurdyla. However, RU experienced another Wolverines run, with the visitors going back in front by a 7-5 score early in the fourth quarter. Kurdyla finished his hat trick to bring RU within one at 7-6 with 12 minutes to play. Michigan scored the games final goal with nine minutes left, finishing off the 8-6 final score.

Rutgers is back in action next week. The Scarlet Knights play at No. 8 Penn State next Friday at 6 p.m. on Big Ten Network. With a win, RU would finish tied for second place in the league. Next weekend's results will determine the seeding for the Big Ten Tournament the following weekend.

Pending next weekend's results, RU could be seeded anywhere between No. 3 and No. 5 for the Big Ten Tournament. If Rutgers wins on Friday, or if Rutgers loses AND Maryland loses, Rutgers will get a home game in the Big Ten Quarterfinals. If Rutgers loses and Maryland wins, Rutgers will be on the road for the Quarterfinals.