Tinton Falls, NJ - Monmouth finished on the short end of a 15-8 decision against Garden State rival Rutgers in a Wednesday non-conference tilt at the Jersey Shore.

Shea Berigan proved to be a difficult assignment for the Rutgers' defense, totaling a team-high four goals for the Hawks. The junior attacker rattled the cage once in the first quarter, once in the second quarter and twice in the third quarter. 

Berigan put Monmouth on the scoreboard with 2:04 remaining in the opening period, cutting the deficit to 3-1. Her second goal of the day pulled the Hawks to within 5-3 late in the second quarter.

After Rutgers' Ava Chiarella scored the first two goals of the second half, Berigan answered by producing a short-handed tally with 7:36 left in the third quarter.

The visiting Scarlet Knights created some separation by opening the fourth quarter with four consecutive goals, but the Hawks finished strong. Monmouth accounted for the game's final three scoring plays with Kate Carolonza, Sara Curley and Caroline Brennan all taking turns.

Monmouth's Sophia Ianno scored her first goal of the season in the first half. Making her first start in 2025, goalie Katie Sullivan stopped 13 shots from Rutgers' potent attack.

An overnight snowfall caused Monmouth to move Wednesday's game indoors at Capelli Sport in Tinton Falls, meaning the Hawks have yet to appear at Kessler Stadium this season. The February 15 matchup against America East member Bryant will now serve as the official home opener in West Long Branch.