No. 7 Penn State field hockey fell to N0. 16 Old Dominion 2-1 Friday night at Powhatan Complex in Hampton Roads, Va. despite an early first goal and a sizable shooting advantage.

How it Happened

Penn State took the lead in the 27th minute when Stephanie Hussey fired a backhand into the net from close. The Nittany Lions didn’t hold on for long, though, as four minutes later Old Dominion’s Emily Harting netted an assist from Chrissy Horn and Catalina Barahona.

“We had a good first half, we left a lot of balls sitting in front of the goal cage but I do think it was a competitive game,” said head coach Charlene Morett-Curtiss to GoPSUSports. “We knew it was going to be a competitive game going in and I think when we have those opportunities to find the cage, we need to finish. Heading into the game against Virginia we’ll make some changes to have a consistent second half and ways we can better communicate.”

The Lions hit the post early in the second half, and mounted several near-scoring attacks. But Victoria Rezette’s goal in the 65th minute gave Old Dominion a 2-1 lead, an advantage that proved to be the final score.

Player of the Game

Stephanie Hussey scored Penn State’s only goal, an unassisted near-range backhand in the 27th minute. The junior did not see game action last year.

Noteworthy

Penn State beat Old Dominion in most major statistical categories, except for the most important one: goals. The Lions outshot ODU 17-8, fired more shots on goal (11-6), and took more corners (9-6).

What’s Next

Penn State’s road trip will continue, as it plays Virginia at 12 p.m. Sunday in Charlottesville.

Photo: Mark Selders/GoPSUSports