Rutgers loses after lacrosse coach suspended

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (AP) — The Rutgers lacrosse team lost to Duke 16-7 in its first game after coach Brian Brecht was suspended following allegations that he verbally abused players.

The Scarlet Knights fell to 2-12 this season following their 11th straight loss, and will end the season at home next Saturday night against Georgetown.

“We’re still a family,” midfielder Anthony Terranova said. “Nothing is going to break us.”

The suspension came after Rutgers interim athletic director Carl Kirschner and school president Robert L Barchi reviewed videos of practices in all sports since men’s basketball coach Mike Rice was fired this month after a video was made public that showed him abusing players.

Terranova scored two goals for Rutgers, who also got goals from Brian Goss, Scott Klimchak, Benjamin Schwing, and Rich Rambo. Kris Alleyne gave up all 16 of the Blue Devils’ goals on 51 shots.

“It’s been pretty emotional,” junior defenseman Nicholas Contino said after the game. “It’s a shock. We’re a family.”