No. 16 Penn State (10-3-4, 6-1-3 Big Ten) traveled to East Lansing Saturday for a big match against Michigan State (6-10-1, 3-7-0 Big Ten). The records were thrown out the window as the Spartans pulled off the 3-1 upset over the Nittany Lions to hand them their first conference loss of the season.

How It Happened

Penn State didn’t have a shortage of chances throughout the game. It launched 15 shots in the first half but couldn’t get any of those past Spartans goalkeeper Savanna Wojtanowski. On the other end of the field, Michigan State took advantage of the opportunities Penn State gave them.

In the 20th minute, Michigan State’s senior midfielder Morgan McKerchie opened the scoring for the game with her second goal of the season. Penn State continued to put pressure on Michigan State in the half, but couldn’t find an answer. Michigan State would tack on another goal just before the half in the 43rd minute to extend its lead to 2-0. This time Jamie Cheslik added the tally for the Spartans for her third goal of the season.

In the second half, the Nittany Lions continued with their aggressive attack, but Wojtanowski was a stone wall in net for most of it. Penn State finally cracked the code late in the 86th when Frannie Crouse put one past Wojtanowski for her 13th goal of the year.

Penn State added some pressure late, generating great chances to tie the game up. However, Cheslik provided the dagger in the 90th minute for her second goal of the game on the counter attack to thwart any hope of a Penn State comeback. Michigan State made the most of its opportunities in a 3-1 upset over Penn State.

Player Of The Match

Savanna Wojtanowski | Redshirt Junior | Goalkeeper

Wojtanowski, in her first year of action for the Spartans, was a key factor in limiting Penn State to only one goal. She saved a career-high 14 shots while only allowing one goal late in the game.

What’s Next

The Nittany Lions return to Jeffrey Field Wednesday to finish up the regular season against Ohio State. First touch is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.