NEWARK, DE – Senior Jennifer Noon (Shavertown, PA) scored an unassisted goal with 2:27 remaining in regulation to lift Rutgers (1-0) to a 3-2 season-opening victory over West Chester (0-1) at the Blue Hen Classic in Newark, DE.

Rutgers took a 2-0 lead in the first half behind goals from Jamie Fraser (Voorhees, NJ) and Heather Graver (Vincetown, NJ) before West Chester stormed back to tie the game midway through the second half. Megan Cech (Moorestown, NJ) and Erica Hartwig (Medford, NJ) assisted on RU’s first half goals.

“We did an excellent job of sharing the ball today,” said first-year head coach Liz Tchou. “We seemed to control the tempo in the fist half in building our lead. I was happy to see the kids rebound and come back after West Chester tied the game. This was a total team effort and a very satisfying win. It feels great.”

Senior Meris Burton (Wilmington, DE) made five saves in goal for the Scarlet Knights, who outshot West Chester 13-9.

Rutgers returns to action in the Blue Hen Classic on Sunday, Aug. 31 when it faces Delaware at 2:00 p.m.

Rutgers (1-0) vs. West Chester (0-1)

Score by period
1 2 Final
Rutgers 2 1 3
West Chester 0 2 2

1st Half
9:54 RU Jamie Fraser (Megan Cech) 1-0
12:01 RU Heather Graver (Erica Hartwig) 2-0

2nd Half
12:18 WCU Wells (unassisted) 2-1
13:58 WCU McGinley (Owens) 2-2
32:33 RU Jennifer Noon (unassisted) 3-2

Shots: Rutgers 13, WCU 9
Saves: WCU (Hanshue) 7, Rutgers (Burton) 5
Penalty Corners: WCU 7, Rutgers 4