Box Score
Photo Gallery (by Patrick Shanahan)

ITHACA, N.Y. – Rutgers used a 5-1 scoring run midway through the first half to erase and early Cornell lead and then fought off a late Cornell comeback bid to take the 11-7 victory this afternoon at Schoellkopf Field. With the win, the Scarlet Knights improve to 2-0 on the season, while the Big Red falls to 0-1.

Cornell got two goals each from Jessi Steinberg and Katie Kirk, while Libby Johnson added one goal and one assist. Shannon McHughe and Caroline Salisbury rounded out the scoring for the Big Red. In the cage, Kyla Dambach made seven saves in the loss.

Rutgers was led by Marlena Walsh's four goals and one assist, while Stephanie Anderson chipped in three goals. Lily Kalata made 11 saves for the win.

The Rutgers lead was just 3-2 midway through the first half before the Scarlet Knights scored four of the next five to take control with a 7-3 lead at the break. Cornell climbed back within 8-5 with 23 minutes remaining in the second after Kirk and Johnson tallied goals, but Rutgers tallied twice in a little more than a minute and the Big Red couldn't get back closer than the final of four goals.

The Big Red will be back in action on Wednesday, March 2 when Central New York rival Colgate visits for a 4 p.m. contest.