PISCATAWAY, N.J.  — Senior goalkeeper Alexa Conomikes stopped a career-high 18 shots, but No. 3 Rutgers came away with a 2-0 victory over the Columbia field hockey squad Sunday afternoon. The Lions were shut out for the fourth time in their last six games and have dropped to .500 after suffering their sixth consecutive defeat.
 
The Scarlet Knights (12-2) held a 28-6 advantage on shots for the game and drew 12 corners, compared to just one for Columbia.
 
After an early onslaught of shots from Rutgers in the first quarter, Bridy Molyneaux scored what proved to be the game-winner in the ninth minute, when she tipped in a hard shot from the back post for her first of the year. The score could have been even more lopsided after the first 15 minutes without the strong effort from Conomikes, who made 11 stops in the opening frame.
 
The Lions responded after the goal and put together a strong chance on a transition play. Elizabeth Brisette wound up with a one-on-one opportunity that was denied by Rutgers netminder Kassidy Shelter and moments later Anabelle Brodeur was turned away twice by the keeper to keep it 1-0.
 
Columbia's defense limited Rutgers' chances in the second and third quarters, however, it only mustered one shot in the middle periods. In the fourth, the Scarlet Knights were awarded a penalty stroke to double the lead. Milena Redlingshoefer was chosen to take the attempt to face Conomikes, who nearly stopped the try after guessing Rutgers' top-scorers shot location correctly.
 
The Lions are slated to face off against Dartmouth in Hanover on Saturday, October 23, at 12 p.m. The contest will be shown live on ESPN+.
 
For the latest on Columbia field hockey, follow @CULionsFH on social media and GoColumbiaLions.com for more updates.