Over the last few years, Sophia Cardello is a name that Rutgers fans have become familiar with. The Massapequa native has started 43 games for the Scarlet Knights and, in that span and posted a 23-15 record. So far this season, she has continued to receive the bulk of the playing time and built on her success.
In 10 games, Cardello has recorded a 4-6 record while making 92 saves. The talented junior has posted a .479 save percentage in that span and continued to be a durable presence with 573:46 minutes of playing time. While the Scarlet Knights have lost three straight, if the season were to end today, Cardello would finish with the highest save percentage of her career.
We're heading to overtime thanks to this clutch save from Sophia Cardello! pic.twitter.com/LtTkPgMMG6
— Rutgers Women's Lacrosse (@rutgers_wlax) April 3, 2022
Although Cardello has struggled lately, she has four starts with ten or more saves. Two of those came in the last three weeks against Vanderbilt and Michigan. As the Scarlet Knights look to get back on track, they will need Cardello to rediscover her earlier season form.
Cardello started the season with 27 saves in her first three starts. The Scarlet Knights went 3-0 in that span as Cardello did not allow more than eight goals in a start. With the Massapequa High School product at her best, Rutgers was a hard team to beat.
THOU SHALT NOT PASS 🙅♀️
Sophia Cardello with back-to-back stops to keep @rutgers_wlax ahead 12-11 late pic.twitter.com/OyktCv9fBj
— USA Lacrosse Magazine (@USALacrosseMag) April 3, 2022
As the season continues, the starting job is Cardello’s to lose. Caleigh Forti has seen some time in net this season but has only appeared in two games. Cardello will be looking to help Rutgers get back in the win column on Thursday when they take on the second-best team in the nation Northwestern.
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