Luus's hat trick leads No. 7 Maryland field hockey past Rutgers

No. 7 Maryland used four first-half goals to defeat Rutgers 4-0 and stay perfect during their five-game road trip.

Maryland (12-3) took no time getting on the board. Senior Welma Luus scored her first of three goals on the day just two minutes into the game, tipping a shot past Rutgers (6-9) goalie Shevaun Hayes. Eleven minutes later, Luus struck again, this time off an assist from senior Alyssa Parker.

Sophomore Carrie Hanks put the Terrapins up 3-0 with 16 minutes to play in the first half. Maryland won a corner, and Hanks deflected freshman Linnea Gonzales' shot into the net. It was Hanks third goal of the season.

Luus completed her first career hat trick with seven minutes left in the first half, giving her 12 goals on the season. The senior has been excellent this season, winning Co-Big Ten Player of the Week in late September.

Freshman goalie Sarah Holliday's three saves helped her record her third straight shutout and fourth of the season. The defense held Rutgers to just eight shots all game, well below the Scarlet Knight's season average of almost 15.

Maryland returns home Friday to host Indiana (6-7). The game will not be streamed online, but can be heard through WMUCSports.com. Live stats will be available. Admission to the game is free.