Monmouth University’s field hockey squad opened its 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, routing No. 17‑ranked Rutgers 5‑1 on Saturday afternoon. The win marks the 13th home opening triumph for the Hawks and their seventh victory over a nationally ranked opponent in the past seven seasons.
From the first whistle the Hawks controlled possession, outshooting the Scarlet Knights 20‑8 and generating 11 shots on goal to five. Early in the first quarter, Milla Frye converted the opening penalty corner, opening the scoring with a crisp finish. Assists from Eulalie Brouwers and Luisa Schlueter set the tone for a balanced attack.
A Balanced Attack
The second quarter saw Rutgers answer back, tying the game at 1‑1 when Olivia Fraticelli capitalized on a one‑on‑one situation. Yet Monmouth quickly reclaimed the lead as Tromble found the net through traffic three minutes into the third period, extending the advantage to 3‑1.
Later in the match, Lauren Relik finished a pass from Ava Zerfass, and Maia McCourt’s speed sparked Keely Bowers’ final goal, sealing a 5‑1 victory. The performance underscored the team’s depth, with contributions from a wide array of players including Tromble, Charlie Bowman, Claire Campen, and others.
Coach Carli Figlio praised the team’s resilience and aggressive mindset, noting that the players trusted each other and played on the front foot. ‘We wanted to set a positive tone,’ Figlio said, emphasizing the depth of talent across the roster and the importance of maintaining focus throughout the season.
Looking ahead, the Hawks are scheduled to host Delaware on Sunday, aiming to carry the momentum forward as they begin a campaign that promises high expectations and continued growth.