BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The LIU Brooklyn women's lacrosse team started the 2018 season at home Tuesday on LIU Field, hosting what could be the toughest team on their schedule, Big Ten team Rutgers. The Blackbirds hung in with the Scarlet Knights, but couldn't match their offensive effort, falling in their first game of the year, 15-4.
 
Rutgers would jump out to an early 4-0 lead before the Blackbirds got on the board. Freshman Rachel Masullo had her first collegiate goal to get LIU started, scoring off a pass from Sierra O'Connor at 17:51. The Knights would widen the lead up to 8-1 before senior Carlie Robinson scored again for LIU. The captain took advantage of a free position shot with 3:35 left in the half to make it 8-2, which would stay the score as the two teams went into the break.
 
In the second half, the Knights would score early on, but this time, LIU answered almost right away. Just three minutes into the half, and less than a minute after a Rutgers' goal, freshman Elise Person won a draw control and the Blackbirds moved down the field. There, Rachel Masullo connected again, but this time, with her sister Amanda Masullo. Amanda found the back of the next, and LIU cut the lead to 9-3.
 
Unfortunately, turnovers would prove costly in the second half for LIU, as Rutgers scored four more goals to widen the lead to 13-3. But at the 17-minute mark, another captain had her momentum in the eight meter. Dale Cosgrave drew the flag, and took a free position shot. She rocketed the ball into the back of the net, scoring her first goal of the season, and making it 13-4.
 
LIU's defense would hold off the Scarlet Knights for a significant chunk of the remainder of the game, but Rutgers would score twice more, clinching their first win of the season, 15-4.
 
Sam Kidd started in net and made eight saves. Rachel Masullo led LIU, with a goal, an assist, and six draw controls in the circle. Senior Sierra O'Connor had an assist and four ground balls for the Blackbirds.
 
Up next, the Blackbirds travel south to take on UMBC, Saturday, February 17 at 12 p.m.