Topics

More

Early Goal, Tight Defense Carry No. 4 Field Hockey Past Michigan State 1-0

No. 4 Penn State field hockey defeated Michigan State 1-0 in a tight, defensive game on the road in East Lansing Friday.

Junior Moira Putsch scored the only goal of the evening, with fellow junior Aurelia Meijer recording the lone assist. Junior goalie Jenny Rizzo made six saves en route to her fifth shutout of the season.

How It Happened

The Nittany Lions struck first in a game that got off to a very fast start, but slowed down considerably as it progressed. After Jenny Rizzo made her first save of the evening, Penn State’s deadly counter attack found the back of the net to open the scoring just 2:06 into the game.

Moira Putsch’s ninth goal of the season was assisted by Aurelia Meijer, and it came on the Nittany Lions’ first shot of the evening. Penn State dominated for the majority of the first half, recording 14 shots on Michigan State’s goal. 11 of those were on target, and the team won six penalty corners throughout the period.

In contrast, the Spartans recorded just three shots on Jenny Rizzo’s goal, but they were all on target. The defensive unit, led by Rizzo and senior Cori Conley, was solid throughout the game.

In the second half, Penn State continued to pour on the chances, but they could not find a second goal. The Nittany Lions won four penalty corners in the period, but Michigan State’s defense stopped all of those chances.

Michigan State struggled to generate quality chances because of Penn State’s staunch defense.  The Spartans only recorded five shots during their comeback bid in the second half, and none of them found the back of the net.

Two of them came in the final ten minutes of tonight’s game; one was denied by Rizzo, and the other sailed wide of goal. A tight defensive affair came to an end with Penn State scoring the only goal of the game. With the victory, the Nittany Lions improve to 9-2 on the season, and 3-1 in Big Ten play.

Player Of The Game

Jenny Rizzo | Junior | Goalkeeper

The United States’ under-21 starting goalie wasn’t too busy this evening, but she and the Penn State defense bounced back nicely from last Sunday’s loss to Michigan.

Rizzo made six saves against the Spartan attack, recording her fifth shutout of the season.

What’s Next?

Penn State is back in action on Sunday when it travels to Kent State for a non-conference contest at 1 p.m.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Mikey Mandarino

In the most upsetting turn of events, Mikey graduated from Penn State with a digital & print journalism degree in the spring of 2020. He covered Penn State football and served as an editor for Onward State from 2018 until his graduation. Mikey is from Bedminster, New Jersey, so naturally, he spends lots of time yelling about all the best things his home state has to offer. Mikey also loves to play golf, but he sucks at it because golf is really hard. If you, for some reason, feel compelled to see what Mikey has to say on the internet, follow him on Twitter @Mikey_Mandarino. You can also get in touch with Mikey via his big-boy email address: [email protected]

[Photo Story] Penn State vs. Oregon In The Big Ten Championship

At least we got to see the Duck, right?

Penn State Football’s Post-Oregon Report Card

The front seven, secondary, and offensive line could use some work.

[Photo Story] THON 2025 Family Carnival & Logo Reveal

The carnival was filled with games, activities, and music.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
62.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Mikey

What About The Class Of 2020?

On the heels of concrete plans for the Class of 2021, last year’s seniors still feel hung out to dry.

Dive In: Mikey Mandarino’s Senior Column

Penn State Hockey’s Peyton Jones Signs Two-Year Contract With AHL’s Colorado Eagles