It had been thirteen years since Penn State’s Field Hockey team last won the Big Ten championship, but that drought ended Sunday afternoon when Penn State defeated Michigan 3-2 before 470 mostly Penn-State partisans in Happy Valley.

In one of the most exciting matches of the year, Penn State did what it has done best all season: let Kelsey Amy attack the goal. Amy notched two goals on the day, including one breakaway unassistated effort in which she manuevered past two defenders. After Amy scored the first goal of the game off a penalty corner, Michigan answered with two goals of their own. But Amy notched a second goal before the half to tie the match at 2-2.

Both teams had opportunities to score in the second half, with several Michigan shots hitting off of the crossbar. However, with nine minutes to go in the game, junior Hannah Allison sent one into the net to put Penn State up 3-2. Michigan was able to get off several more shots, but Penn State would eventually seal the deal and knock off the #1 seed to win their fifth Big Ten Championship.

The two goals today were numbers 23 and 24 on the season for Amy, who will need to continue this effort for #9 Penn State to have success in the NCAA tournament, which begins next weekend. The selection and bracket information will be announced tomorrow evening.