College Women’s Soccer Becomes First Rutgers Team (Any Sport) to Reach NCAA Tournament Elite Eight Since 2008 by Gregg Snyder November 24, 2015 (Photo by Jeff Auger – Double G Media) When a team sports an overall record of 19-3-2, it can be hard to say they are hitting their stride now, in the playoffs. However, that may be just what the Rutgers Scarlet Knights women’s soccer team is experiencing at the moment. The No. 9 ranked Scarlet Knights have advanced to their first ever NCAA Tournament Quarterfinal after defeating No. 18 ranked Connecticut at Yurcak Field in Piscataway on Sunday. The 4-0 win just may have been the most impressive performance from this team all season. The Scarlet Knights defense has been key all season and that has not changed in the NCAA Tournament. Through the first three games, Rutgers and goalkeeper Casey Murphy, have yet to allow a score. The shutout on Sunday was the 18th by Casey Murphy, a school-record. There is something very special about this team and the way they are playing. Senior defender Brianne Reed felt a “really good vibe” before Sunday’s game and feels there is plenty more to come. “As this tournament has progressed we keep playing better and better,” said Reed. “I have huge hopes for what’s left.” What’s left is a trip to the Elite Eight, where the Scarlet Knights will meet No. 1 ranked Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. Virginia has defeated Rutgers in each of the last three seasons and knocked the Scarlet Knights out of the NCAA Tournament in 2012 and last year. This is the first Rutgers team, in any sport, to reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament since the women’s basketball squad accomplished the feat in 2008. If Rutgers is to have a shot at upsetting the Cavaliers, they will look to score early. The Scarlet Knights are 12-0-0 this season when leading at halftime. Post Views: 1,382 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Gregg Snyder Latest posts by Gregg Snyder (see all) ITZ Staff Makes Super Bowl LV Predictions. Which team wins? Who is MVP? - February 5, 2021 Jets And Nike Create New Jersey High School Girls Flag Football League - February 3, 2021 NJ Sports Photographer, Lauren Guillen, Raising Funds For Local Youth Holiday Gifts - December 11, 2020 President Trump Awards Lou Holtz With Medal of Freedom - December 3, 2020 Related TopicsCasey MurphyNCAA TournamentRutgersRutgers Scarlet KnightsScarlet KnightsSoccerUCONN Click to comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Lochte, Dressel and Ledecky all Chasing Gold at 2021 Tokyo Olympics by Anthony Paradiso | posted on April 18, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 109: The Athletic’s Marc Carig (Audio/Video) by Nicholas Durst | posted on April 19, 2021 Michael Jordan Could Change the Future of Nascar for the Better by Inesh Chari | posted on March 30, 2021 WNBA Rolling Out Red Carpet For Upcoming 25th Anniversary Season by Jason Cordner | posted on March 16, 2021 More in College You Know I’m Right, Episode 107: New York Post’s Columnist Mike Vaccaro (Audio/Video) On the 107th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... Master P’s Son, Hercy, Commits to Tennessee State Master P’s son, Hercy Miller, is committing to Tennessee State to play basketball. While... EA Sports Plans to Revive College Football Video Game EA Sports announced that they plan on making college football video games again. The... UVM Women’s Basketball Team Quits 2020-2021 Season The University of Vermont (UVM) women’s basketball will be ending their 2020-2021 season early... Hawks Finish Third, Isaiah Miles Earns All-Tournament Team Honors Riveters Racing Up The Standings As Fujimuto Gets Comfortable