PHILADELPHIA (March 11, 2009) – Sophomore Jennifer Schmitt (Perry Hall, Md.) netted her second hat trick in as many games to lead the Rutgers women's lacrosse team to a come-from-behind, 7-6, victory against Saint Joseph's at Finnesey Field Wednesday evening.

Rutgers (3-2), which is receiving votes in the latest IWLCA poll which was released today, has won two straight games after dropping back-to-back one-goal road contests versus ranked foes. The Scarlet Knights have played four consecutive one-goal games, including two that ended in overtime.

After falling behind 6-4 with just over 20 minutes remaining, RU began its late charge. Ali Steinberg (Suffern, N.Y.) scored her first goal of the season at the 15:40 mark of the second half to bring RU to within one. Kristen Anderson (Wading River, N.Y.) then took over the game, scoring consecutive goals in a span of two minutes to give RU the 7-6 lead. A stingy Scarlet Knight defense would keep SJU off the scoreboard for the final 20 minutes of the contest.

"It's always nice to walk away with a win in one-goal games," said head coach Laura Brand-Sias. "We did some really good things during the game, but we didn't shoot well and that gave them the momentum. We fought back though and are happy to end up on the right side of a close game. We'll work on some things and hopefully finish better on Saturday."

Rutgers will next be in action on Saturday, March 14 when the Scarlet Knights travel to No. 1 Northwestern. Game time is sete for 1:00 p.m.

2009-03-11