The Niagara women's lacrosse team closed out non-conference play with a 14-8 loss to Rutgers on Tuesday. Game Summary Final Score: Rutgers 14, Niagara 8 Offensive Leaders: Rachel MacCheyne (3G), Caroline Crump (2G, 2A), Alexis Morales (2G) Defensive Leaders: Alexandra Higgins (5 GB, 1 CT), Amy McNally (3 GB, 1 CT), Meghan Howe (2 GB, 2 CT) In Goal: Olivia Schroeder (2-2) – 8 GA, 4 SV Records: Rutgers (5-6, 0-2 Big Ten), Niagara (4-6, 1-0 MAAC) Location: High Point Solutions Stadium – Piscataway, New Jersey Attendance: 212 Game Recap The Scarlet Knights opened scoring in the first half, finding their target a little over 30 seconds into the game to take a 1-0 lead. The Purple Eagles answered quickly. Morales, assisted by Grace Hunt, scored with 27:52 remaining in the half to tie things up, 1-1. Rutgers scored five unanswered goals between 25:42 and 11:12 to reclaim the lead, 6-1. MacCheyne scored two quick goals only 13 seconds apart (6:41, 6:28) to cut Rutger's lead in half, 6-3. NU opened scoring in the second half with another goal from Morales. Rutgers scored once to extend its lead, 7-4, before two goals from Crump, the first assisted by Jillian Ford, brought the Purple Eagles within one score of the Scarlet Knights, 7-6. MacCheyne's third goal of the game, with the assist from Crump, knotted the score once again, 7-7. Rutgers scored four times over the next 12 minutes to take an 11-7 lead. With 3:12 remaining in the game, Shea Swartwout scored, assisted by Crump, but Rutgers remained in the lead, 11-8. The Scarlet Knights scored three unanswered goals to close out the half and earn the 14-8 victory. Coach's Corner "We battled hard today against a strong opponent," said head coach Wendy Stone. "Our pace of play was where we needed it to be and we look forward to focusing on MAAC play from here on out. We are very proud of the effort on both ends of the field and look forward to working to be better against Fairfield on Thursday." Inside the Numbers MacCheyne led the Purple Eagles with three goals. It is her tenth multi-goal game this season and is her seventh game with three or more goals. Crump added two goals and a team-best two assists. Morales also had two goals and Ford and Hunt each recorded an assist. Higgins had a team-high five groundballs and Howe had a team-best two caused turnovers. Aubrey DeVeau started in goal, making eight saves and allowing six goals in 18:48 in net. Schroeder took the loss; she played 41:12 in net, making four saves and allowing eight goals. Up Next The Purple Eagles resume MAAC play on Thursday, March 29 when they take on Fairfield. Opening draw is set for 1:00 p.m. Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and for lacrosse updates, follow Niagara women's lacrosse on Twitterand Instagram. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook.com/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.