No. 19 Penn State (5-3, 1-0 Big Ten) opened Big Ten play with a 3-2 win on Friday afternoon against Indiana (2-5, 0-2 Big Ten). The Nittany Lions capitalized off of the success they had on Sunday in an overtime win against Bucknell.

Penn State was ready to play right from the starting whistle. It netted two goals alone in the first quarter, gaining the upper hand early in the game. Forward Sophia Gladieux continued her excellent playmaking ability, assisting on the first goal for the Nittany Lions and scoring the second. As the offense made plays, the defense kept Indiana on its heels all game. Penn State maintained control not only on the turf, but on the scoreboard as well as it stayed in the win column.

How It Happened

The Hoosiers opened on offense first, but their first drive was quick and resulted in Penn State recovering the ball. Through tactical decision-making and quick passing, the Nittany Lions methodically moved the ball down turf. Ultimately, their first offensive drive resulted in a turnover.

Indiana was awarded a penalty corner early on in the first quarter. The Hoosiers’ attempt was unsuccessful as Penn State resumed offensive possession. Gladieux took matters into her own hands, setting up a perfect pass for forward Natalie Freeman to easily net her first goal of the season, as Penn State opened first on the scoreboard.

NATALIE WITH HER FIRST GOAL OF THE SEASON

(PSU 1, IU 0)#WeAre pic.twitter.com/NNhGTybhll

— Penn State Field Hockey (@PennStateFH) September 27, 2024

The Nittany Lions found themselves with another offensive drive that got them deep in Indiana territory, but their shot was blocked by Indiana goalkeeper Sadie Canelli. Responding quickly, Penn State’s offense stormed back down the field, with Gladieux netting her first goal of the game, and her 13th on the season, assisted by forward/midfielder Drew Taylor.

Up 2-0, Penn State began the second quarter with the ball, and yet again drove deep into Indiana territory. Ultimately, the Hoosiers recovered and mounted an unsuccessful push down the turf.

Back-and-forth possession continued throughout the quarter until the Nittany Lions were awarded a penalty corner around the midpoint of the second quarter. Their attempt was unsuccessful, and Indiana mounted a down-turf push.

The Hoosiers maintained possession late as the second quarter was starting to wind down, and midfielder Ines Garcia Prado scored to make it 2-1. The final whistle of the first half sounded soon after, and both teams headed to the locker room with the Nittany Lions up by one.

Penn State found themselves marching down turf early in the second half. Back-and-forth offensive possession continued for both teams throughout the quarter. Gladieux got another shot in, but it was saved by Canelli.

Penn State midfielder Madison Britton recovered the ball immediately after the block and assisted Taylor in scoring again for the Nittany Lions.

GOAL FROM DREW TAYLOR

(PSU 3, IU 1)#WeAre pic.twitter.com/OjkAzH3soG

— Penn State Field Hockey (@PennStateFH) September 27, 2024

Nittany Lions goalkeeper Aby Deverka had a great save to close out the third quarter. Both teams continued to move the ball throughout the final quarter until Indiana was awarded a penalty corner. The Hoosiers capitalized on the situation and netted their second goal of the game, only down one as the momentum shifted on their side.

Indiana maintained possession until Gladieux moved the ball down turf into Hoosier territory with about four minutes left in the game. Indiana recovered quickly, and although it got the ball close to the net, Penn State recovered on a turnover. Indiana attempted yet another shot that was unsuccessful, but drove the ball down turf again. With eight seconds left, Indiana was awarded a penalty corner that was unsuccessful and Penn State survived the nail-biter 3-2.

Takeaways

• The Nittany Lions did not give up the opening goal today. While Indiana started with the ball, the Nittany Lions’ defense remained aggressive straight from the opening whistle, nullifying an early penalty corner attempt. Through their strong offense, the Nittany Lions scored the first goal of the game early on, ending their streak of giving up the first goal.
• Penn State’s offense was ready to go as it began Big Ten play. The Nittany Lions opened quickly, drove down turf quickly but methodically, and netted two goals to gain the upper hand early in the game.
• Gladieux was the star of the day, with a goal, an assist, three shots, and two shots on goal. Taylor also stepped up big for the Nittany Lions with a goal, an assist, a shot, and a shot on goal. Penn State’s offense has a lot to look forward to as the season continues.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions host Lafayette at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 29. The game can be streamed on BTN+.