No. 17 Penn State women’s soccer (7-4-2, 3-2-1 Big Ten) defeated Rutgers (3-3-5, 1-4-1 Big Ten) 2-1 on Saturday afternoon at Yurak Field.

After tying with the Scarlet Knights a year ago, Penn State added another victory to the all-time matchup this time around.

How It Happened

Mackenzie Gress was tested early, but the New Jersey native answered by blocking Rutgers’ first shot of the day just before the seven-minute mark.

Aubrey Kulpa kept the pressure on the Scarlet Knights with three early shots on goal, and soon after, Sophia Weixler found Amelia White for a shot from just outside the box to draw first blood for Penn State.

STRIKE FROM THE GODS. BANGERS ONLY FOR AMELIA WHITE.

1H | 32:55 | PSU 1, RUT 0#WeAre pic.twitter.com/YdhW7b8XBl

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) October 4, 2025

At the 35:22 mark, Jayme Malanda received a yellow card for unsporting, giving Penn State a free kick. Weixler sent the ball to the top center of the net, but Olivia Bodmer corralled the shot.

As the first half dwindled, Penn State was called for an offside, ending the half with a 1-0 lead.

Out of the break, Rutgers got right to work, tying the game just a minute and 17 seconds into the second period. Kennedi Cotter ripped one into the bottom right of the goal out of Gress’s reach.

Penn State went back on the prowl, taking a pair of good-looking shots, one from outside the box and the other on a corner kick that sifted through traffic for Julia Raich, but the redshirt senior couldn’t come away with a goal.

White found a similar shot moments later, but Bodmer swallowed it up to keep the game knotted up.

As crunch time continued, Kaitlyn Macbean surged ahead of the Rutgers defense and found the left post to put Penn State back on top 2-1.

Soooooo crafty. Go ahead Beany

2H | 81:25 | PSU 2, RUT 1#WeAre pic.twitter.com/qbFyMEizIf

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) October 4, 2025

Kayleigh St. Herr took a hard fall and drew a foul call in the process, keeping the ball away from Rutgers as the clock bled out to hand Penn State the victory.

Takeaways

• Penn State’s offense attacked all afternoon. It finished with 22 shots on goal compared to Rutgers’ 9.
• This was a crucial victory for the Blue & White, as it marked their first win streak since September 8, when they defeated Liberty and Maryland.

What’s Next?

Penn State hosts Washington for its annual Pink Out on Thursday, October 9, at 7 p.m.