Penn State field hockey (2-2) prevailed 3-0 against Maryland (2-3) Friday afternoon in Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions dominated much of the game.

Anna Simon and Sophia Gladieux proved to be the difference-makers in this one as the Nittany Lions picked up their second win of the season. Each player was involved with two goals in the game, ending up with one goal and an assist for each.

How It Happened 

The Nittany Lions’ home opener started off with both the Penn State offense and defense putting together some nice stretches. Goalie Brie Barracco came up with a nice save a few minutes into the game to keep the game even.

Penn State put the pressure on early and was rewarded with a penalty corner, which defender Anna Simon scored on to give the Nittany Lions a 1-0 lead in the first period, something Penn State has not been able to do yet this season. The confidence of the one-goal lead only helped the team more with its momentum as the Nittany Lions dominated much of the first period.

With just under a minute left in the first period, the Terrapins almost tied up the game but the shot went just wide of the goal. Following the shot, Maryland was awarded a penalty corner with just one second left in the first quarter but the Nittany Lion defense prevailed yet again.

Within 30 seconds of the second period, Penn State was awarded its second penalty corner of the game but was unable to make anything of it. About three minutes later, Penn State came close to going up by two goals but an excellent save by Maryland’s goalie Noelle Frost kept the lead at one.

Penn State’s dominance continued throughout the second period although Maryland’s defense held its ground. The Nittany Lions defense was primarily the star in the second period, holding off a few Maryland pressures on their end. The first half came to a close with the score still being 1-0.

The third period started off with neither team finding success on the offensive end and both defenses putting a stop to any attempts to score. Midway through the third period, the Terrapins had a few good chances to score but Barracco came up big for the Nittany Lions in goal.

With just under five minutes in the game, Penn State was awarded its third penalty corner of the game but came up empty for the second time. Throughout the third period, Penn State had a few sweet pass interceptions that led to a fast break but Maryland’s defense was able to stop them each time.

With about a minute left in the third period, Penn State struck its second goal of the game on a penalty corner goal by Midfielder Sophia Gladieux. The third period came to a close with the score at 2-0.

The final period continued with the same theme of Penn State dominance. It scored its third goal of the game in the first three minutes of the period. The goal came off a sweet shot by Midfielder Emma Spisak as she was falling to the ground.

A few minutes later, each team was rewarded a penalty corner but neither could make anything of it. The two teams traded possessions for the rest of the game as the game came to a close with Penn State winning 3-0.

Takeaways 

• Penn State looked like much more of a complete team in this game with the offense and defense both complimenting each other well. On offense, the Nittany Lions put together numerous stretches where it looked like they might actually score, while on the defensive end, they rarely allowed Maryland to make any sort of push.
• The early goal in the first period by Anna Simon was huge for the Nittany Lions’ offense as Maryland could never really find its footing. It was also Penn State’s first goal in the opening period this season and really helped give it the confidence they needed.
• Anna Simon and Sophia Gladieux were both a big factor in the Penn State win, as thy were both involved in two of the team’s three goals. Each player ended up with a goal and an assist, proving to be a vital part of the offense today.

What’s Next

Penn State will play Maryland again on Sunday, March 14 at 12 p.m. at home.