The Nittany Lions (17-3, 6-2 Big Ten) opened their NCAA Tournament run against Princeton (11-7, 5-2 Ivy) on Saturday at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex. Penn State took down the Tigers earlier in the season 4-2, but couldn’t replicate that result — going down 2-1 to Princeton.

How It Happened

The Nittany Lions and the Tigers each had their share of opportunities in the first half. Both teams put up five shots, but neither could find the back of the net in the opening 35 minutes of play. Jenny Rizzo came up with one save and Moira Putsch registered two shots during the opening period. The teams went into the break tied 0-0.

Princeton forced Jenny Rizzo to make a pair of saves to open the second half before the Tigers went ahead with 24 minutes left in the game. Ryan McCarthy scored her 13th goal of the season from the right side of the circle to put Princeton ahead 1-0.

Cat Caro doubled the Princeton lead 15 minutes later. Caro’s 16th goal of the season was scored off a deflection as the Tigers went up 2-0 with a little more than nine minutes left.

Penn State had a penalty corner with four minutes left in the game and avoided the shutout with Aurelia Meijer scoring on the opportunity, but the Nittany Lions couldn’t find an equalizer and their season ended with a 2-1 loss to Princeton.

Player Of The Game

Cat Caro | Midfielder | Senior

Princeton’s leading goalscorer was clutch in the upset with the game-winning goal and an assist on the first goal.

What’s Next

Penn State wraps up its season with a record of 17-3 — its best finish since 1993.