No. 2 Penn State field hockey (7-7, 5-3 Big Ten) couldn’t hold off No. 7 Ohio State (6-8, 3-5 Big Ten) in overtime on Wednesday afternoon during the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals in Iowa City.

Bree Bednarski and Sophia Gladieux scored for the Nittany Lions, but failed to find the net in overtime. Char Morett-Curtiss’ crew put up 10 shots and four corners during the lengthy game.

How It Happened

The first corner of the game was awarded to the Buckeyes after a block by Madison Hutson. Penn State goalie Brie Barraco executed a kick save on the first attempt while the Nittany Lion defense carried the ball out of the circle on the second. After some back and fourth action, Ohio State earned another corner that ended in an official review and successful goal.

Down 1-0 going into the second quarter, Penn State needed a breakthrough. Using her speed, star freshman Sophia Gladieux finally made it into the circle, but was quickly denied by the Buckeyes’ defense. Emma Spisak retained the ball and took it down the goal line to force the corner. Grabbing the rebound, Bree Bednarski found the back of the net to tie the score 1-1.

The two teams went into the second half with even stats and possession time, creating a tight game. Penn State had many chances outside the circle after Ohio State turnovers, but failed to connect on any. The Buckeyes regained possession and were granted another corner. The shot went wide, allowing the Nittany Lions to regain control. Anna Simon fed the ball to Bednarski who tipped it in, bumping their lead 2-1 at the end of the third.

Less than one minute into the fourth, Ohio State forward Sarah Charley carried the ball into the circle and sent it to Nikki Trzaska, who snuck the ball into the goal. Directly after, the Buckeyes earned yet another corner that was made successful by Jessica Hourihane. The Nittany Lions weren’t finished yet, however, as Gladieux hit a reverse chip directly into the net, tying the score 3-3.

Both teams played until the bitter end, causing a similar overtime experienced they face during last weekend’s series. The Nittany Lions earned the first corner of overtime play, but they failed to take any sort of shot. Ohio State took the ball all the way down right sideline and sent the ball into the circle causing a corner. Penn State’s tired defense couldn’t block the shot and disappointedly lost to Ohio State 4-3.

Takeaways

• The Nittany Lions seemed to lack communication most of the game. They sent the ball right to the sticks of Ohio State players and couldn’t anticipate the ball. Most of the game was played in the middle of the field since Penn State couldn’t execute.
• Bednarski is not only a Penn State standout, but a Big Ten all star. Scoring twice for the Nittany Lions today, she knows how to find the open space and be the voice of the team. Younger players, like Gladieux, are certainly learning from her moves.
• This crew will need to reconvene if they make it to the NCAA tournament. Sloppy mistakes are what hurt the Nittany Lions down the stretch of many of their contests.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions will await an NCAA tournament bid during the selection show at 10 p.m. on Saturday, April 24.