There was no easing into the most anticipated season for Rutgers field hockey arguably ever. Opening the 2021 campaign on the road against No. 12 Duke without First Team All-American goalkeeper Gianna Glatz, currently in net for Team USA, with her backup Sophia Howard having zero career saves and making her first career start was an immediate challenge for the Scarlet Knights. The leadership and experience of this team shined brightly on Friday night as RU dominated play for a 3-0 victory.
The season opening win was the first for the program over an active ACC team since beating Duke in 1989 and the first win over current ACC team since beating Louisville in 2012.