Rutgers women’s lacrosse upsets in-state rival, advances in NCAA Tournament

In one impressive showing, the Rutgers women’s lacrosse exacted revenge on a in-state rival while continuing an impressive streak in postseason play.

The Scarlet Knights defeated Princeton 12-11 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland. They were led by Caroline Ling, who scored a hat trick, and Hilary Elsner, who scored four goals.

The win snaps a five-game losing streak against the Tigers dating back to 2014 — including a 15-9 loss earlier this season — and marks three first round victories in as many trips to the NCAA Tournament under head coach Melissa Lehman.

Rutgers will now face third overall seed Maryland in the second round in College Park on Sunday. The Scarlet Knights fell to the Terrapins earlier this season.

Rutgers earned the win with a strong start and enough composure in a shaky finish.

Princeton struck first, with Rutgers responding with three straight goals. Princeton hit back with three goals of its own to take a 4-3 lead — the last it would hold for the rest of the game.

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BRIAN FONSECA

The Scarlet Knights took control of the game with a strong second quarter, scoring the final five goals of the first half to take an 8-4 lead into halftime.

While Princeton scored the first goal after the break, Rutgers hit back with two straight goals to take a game-high five-goal lead.

The Tigers clawed back with a late blitz, scoring six of the next eight goals to cut Rutgers’ lead to 12-11 with two minutes to go. But the Scarlet Knights managed to kill the clock and advance to the next round.

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