For the second consecutive season, the no. 21 Rutgers field hockey team defeated no. 6 Princeton, upsetting the Tigers on the road 2-1. It tied the highest ranked win in program history, equaling last season’s victory over their in-state rival.

Princeton took command of the game early as Hannah Davey scored just four minutes into the contest off of a corner. They almost scored again right before the end of the first quarter, but goaltender Gianna Glatz made a kick save to keep the game close.

Rutgers responded in the second quarter as redshirt junior Katie Larmour forced the action by attacking the net off the dribble. It led to Rachel Houston tying the game with her first goal of the season after finishing off of a service in front of the net from Larmour in the 27th minute of the second quarter.

The game remained tied until 8 minutes remaining in the contest. Junior Gracey Butsack deflected in a shot from sophomore Milena Redlingshoefer to net the winning score.

GOAL! #RUFH scores off a corner for a 2-1 fourth quarter lead at No. 6 Princeton pic.twitter.com/y96OFBxhnA — Rutgers Field Hockey (@RUFieldHockey) September 20, 2019

Here’s a look at the game-winning goal by Gracey Butsack to give #RUFH a 2-1 win at No. 6 Princeton: pic.twitter.com/6Stm7BrJX6 — Rutgers Field Hockey (@RUFieldHockey) September 20, 2019

The Rutgers defense held firm and goaltender Gianna Glatz finished with five saves on the night.

Overall, Princeton (3-2) held a 10-4 shot advantage and held a 5-1 edge with corners. However, the Scarlet Knights executed when opportunity presented itself and shocked Princeton once again.

After the victory, Head Coach Meredith Civico said “we had a game plan and we prepared really well this week. We stuck to that and we were able to convert on our opportunities. Rachel’s finish on the first goal was outstanding, and Gracie made an outstanding decision on the winning goal to get the touch on it and score. It was phenomenal execution from the team on what we have been working on. This gives our team a lot of confidence going forward.”

Rutgers (4-3) won its second ranked game of the season and 13th in program history. Highlighting the growth of the program the past few years under Coach Civico, ten wins over ranked opponents have occurred in just the past three seasons.

It was also the first time Rutgers won at Princeton since 1977 and the second consecutive road win after handing Monmouth its first loss at home in four years last weekend. The Scarlet Knights will next face no. 3 Maryland in the Big Ten opener next Saturday, September 28th at 1 p.m. ET in Piscataway.

After scoring the game-winning goal in the victory at No. 6 Princeton, Gracey Butsack talks about how it felt to get the win for #RUFH pic.twitter.com/dhs2eipE4r — Rutgers Field Hockey (@RUFieldHockey) September 21, 2019