Penn State's offense struggled mightily without Gracie Merkle.
The Lady Lions remain winless through their first nine conference games.
Despite a 27-point double-double from Kiyomi McMiller against her former team, Penn State fell short against Rutgers in Rec Hall.
"I think if I had to bottle it up all into one word, it'd be toughness."
Penn State marks Sowell's fourth school in five years.
Carnell has three years of eligibility remaining.