Rutgers women’s lacrosse made headlines on Thursday and had reason to celebrate. Three rookies were named to the 2023 ILWomen Power 100 Incoming Freshmen rankings. The trio includes Reese Robinson, ranked No.40, while classmates Samantha Swanovich and Payton Tini were honorable mentions.
For the second straight season, multiple Rutgers players have made the list. Last year, Katie Buck and Ava Chiarella made the cut. It is a welcoming sign for the program, which has high expectations for the 2024 campaign.
#ScarletSpotlight: @rutgers_wlax
🥍 3️⃣rd straight @B1GLacrosse semifinal
🥍 3️⃣ ranked wins
🥍 Ball, Spilis named All-America
🥍 Ball named B1G Defender of the Year#yeaRinReview pic.twitter.com/7ydzOqT4q3— Rutgers Scarlet Knights (@RUAthletics) July 16, 2023
This past spring, Rutgers had one of the most challenging schedules, which proved to be no issue. The Scarlet Knights won eight games and made its third consecutive Big Ten Tournament Semifinal appearance. Their impressive season included wins against ranked teams such as Stony Brook, Johns Hopkins and Jacksonville.
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Rutgers hopes that trend continues with the additions of Robinson, Swanovich and Tini. The talented trio will boost Rutgers’ midfield and attack.
Additionally, the trio’s resumes are one reason people in Piscataway are excited about the future. Robinson joins Rutgers after being named a 2023 New Balance and Adrenalin All-American. Swanovich was one of the best players in Florida, as she was a Hillsborough County All-Western Conference Team member in 2021 and 2022.
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Rounding out the list is Tini, a 2023 USA Lacrosse All-American. If this talented group can meet expectations, Rutgers future will be bright.