It’s been a tough start to the season for No. 17 Penn State field hockey (0-4), and Friday evening’s home opener 2-1 loss against Old Dominion didn’t give the team any relief.

Penn State outshot the Monarchs 14-6 but couldn’t make enough of them count. Redshirt freshman Brie Barraco had a tough time in the cage, only saving two of the four shots on goal she faced on the day.

How It Happened

The Nittany Lions appeared ready to score right off the bat, with aggressive attacks leading to multiple shots and corners. Madison Morano had a good chance to put the first point on the board, but it was saved by the Old Dominion goalie.

The Monarchs were able to break Penn State’s stranglehold as the first quarter ticked away, getting into the Nittany Lion’s zone and getting off a good shot that was stopped by Barraco. A green card on Penn State left them a player down as the seconds went by, but the defense played great and prevented a goal from the Monarchs.

Penn State opened the second quarter with a great chance to score from an Old Dominion green card, but it was the Monarchs who stood tall defensively this time.

The visitors then fought their way back into Penn State’s half of the field, getting themselves two straight corners. The second one found its way into the net, giving Old Dominion a 1-0 lead and the first goal of the game.

Penn State used the early deficit to power itself for the rest of the quarter, not letting up another shot and going berserk on the field. Old Dominion was able to keep up for the most part, but Alexis Horst got a nice shot on goal off a wonderful pass from Aubrey Mytych, giving Penn State its first score and tying the game up at 1-1.

The third quarter went back and forth, as both teams looked frustrated and desperate for a goal to break the tie. Neither were able to get anything going, but in the fourth quarter the levee broke. The Nittany Lions were all over the Monarchs right off the bat, getting three corners and four shots within the first two minutes.

The Nittany Lions couldn’t get a score despite the inspired effort. Old Dominion countered back, getting itself a corner which they botched. But the Monarchs quickly regrouped and scored just a minute later, giving them a 2-1 lead over the tired Nittany Lions.

Penn State tried like mad to get scoring chances, but Old Dominion was in lock down mode. Most of the action stayed by the Nittany Lion goal, as Penn State had to stave off two more Monarch corners before the 2-1 defeat was made official.

Player of the Match

Alexis Horst | Forward

Horst scored the only goal of the game for the Nittany Lions and was the motor for the Penn State offense.

What’s Next?

Penn State will hope to right the ship when they go on yet another three game road trip. The team’s first stop will be at No. 5 Princeton at 12 p.m. this Sunday.