ITHACA, N.Y. – The Big Red field hockey team had its program-high eight-game win-streak ended this evening when No. 24 Rutgers scored two first half goals and then held off a late charge to escape Dodson Field with a 2-1 decision on Friday evening. All five of Cornell's games this season have been decided by a single-goal.
 
Rutgers (5-2) had the offensive advantage in the first half, outshooting the Big Red, 9-1. Both Scarlet Knight goals came from Linde van Schaik, who scored on a penalty corner in the 18th minute and again with a booming shot off a quick restart following a foul in the 31st minute.  
 
Cornell's offense came alive in the second half and the home team's goal also came off a restart following a foul. Sam McILwrick got the scoring opportunity started when she sent the ball from just outside the offensive box to Gabby DePetro at the top of the circle. The junior midfielder collected the pass with her back to the goal and shoveled it into the center of the circle, where Kirsten Pienaar smashed it to the far post for her second tally of the year.
 
The Big Red carried the play through most of the second half and had several chances late in the contest, but couldn't find the equalizer.
 
Rutgers held the lead in shots (12-6), shots on goal (3-2) and penalty corners (2-1). Scarlet Knight goalie Gianna Glatz made one save, as did Cornell's Kelly Johnson, who started the game for the Big Red and allowed both goals before giving way to Maddie Henry at the intermission. Henry was not required to make a save.
 
Cornell is back in action on Monday, Sept. 18 as it travels to Easton, Pa., to take on Patriot League foe Lafayette at 7 p.m.