PISCATAWAY, NJ – Despite a goal by sophomore Heather Graver (Vincetown, NJ), the Rutgers field hockey team fell to 3-1 to Rider in preseason action on Monday night.

The Broncs took a 2-0 halftime lead, but Rutgers quickly got back into the contest when Graver scored off a rebound with 23:15 to play in regulation. Rider added an insurance goal 11 minutes later for the final 3-1 margin.

“Overall, I was pleased with how we played,” said first-year head coach Liz Tchou. “There are things we need to do better, but I like the fact that this gave us a chance to gel as a team and understand how to play with one another. The only way to develop chemistry is by putting ourselves in game situations, and that’s what this game was all about.”

Rutgers opens its regular season when it takes part in the Blue Hen Classic in Newark, DE Aug. 30-31. The Scarlet Knights face West Chester on Aug. 30 at 11:30 a.m. and Delaware on Aug. 31 at 2:30 p.m. RU’s home-opener is slated for Sept. 6 against Columbia.

Score by period
1 2 Final
Rider 2 1 3
Rutgers 0 1 1

Scoring Summary

1st half – Rider – Ashley Boulden (24:38)
1st half – Rider – Courtney Bertos (4:04)
2nd half – Rutgers – Heather Graver (23:15)
2nd Half – Rider – Christina Eng (14:07)