No. 10 Penn State women’s soccer (1-0) survived a scare to defeat UMass (0-1) 3-1 on opening night at Jeffrey Field Thursday.

The Nittany Lions conceded first, but goals from veterans Sam Coffey, Ally Schlegel, and Payton Linnehan sealed the deal for the first win of the year.

How It Happened

Erica Dambach’s first lineup of the year included mostly recognizable names from the spring season, save for a few new players.

https://twitter.com/PennStateWSOC/status/1428485792414961664

Freshmen Jilly Shimkin slotted into the starting lineup in an attacking role, while Mieke Schiemann was inserted into the defense.

The Nittany Lions started the match with the bulk of possession, but UMass was happy to sit back and absorb the pressure.

The first half lacked much action. Penn State attempted to break UMass down, but the Minutemen had chances to catch goalkeeper Kat Asman out on the break.

Penn State’s best chance of the first period came when Ally Schlegel failed to connect on a header, sending it just above the crossbar for a goalkick around the half hour mark.

The sides headed into the locker room scoreless. However, if the first half was the period to feel out the opposition, the second half was much more open.

Penn State seemed the more likely, although it only took one good chance from UMass. Schiemann closed out Chandler Pedolzky on the left side, although the UMass attacker got around into the six yard box. Pedolzky shot toward the far post, but an unfortunate deflection from Schiemann beat Asman on the near post.

The crowd seemed dumbfounded at the sudden deficit, but it only lit a fire within the Nittany Lions. Just a few minutes later, Sam Coffey found the equalizer.

UMass goalkeeper Bella Mendoza tried playing it out of the back, but the errant ball went right to the Nittany Lion talisman, and Coffey made no mistake in her deft chip.

Another look at @sscofff's 18th goal as a Nittany Lion and the 35th of her career! pic.twitter.com/57tBsAwvSr

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) August 20, 2021

Penn State then found its rhythm. A few minutes later, Payton Linnehan played a beautiful ball into the box, and poacher Ally Schlegel headed her attempt past Mendoza for the lead.

Schlegs just knows how to find the net. pic.twitter.com/nDo7rGPVmf

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) August 20, 2021

Penn State’s best chances came when Linnehan was on the ball, and she was rewarded just three minutes later with the Nittany Lions’ third.

Substitute Kate Wiesner found herself in a good position, and took on the UMass right back before slipping Linnehan in. The Massachusetts native didn’t have the best final product, although Mendoza’s save attempt only guided the ball into the goal.

PEEP!!!! pic.twitter.com/ExYG2qY6Qf

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) August 20, 2021

With the 3-1 advantage, Dambach was able to rotate some of her players. Players such as Olivia Damico, Devon Olive, Elle Kershner, and Natalie Wilson got onto the field for some valuable minutes early in the season.

It wasn’t always convincing, but Penn State got the job done. This team has a long way to go if it wants to contend for trophies later on in the season, but a win is a win, and Dambach is sure to be pleased with the three points.

Player Of The Match

Payton Linnehan, Winger

Linnehan had a phenomenal match on the wing for the Nittany Lions, as she was involved in each goal.

It is promising for Dambach and Penn State to have one of the returning stars dominate the opposing defense, and that is exactly what Linnehan delivered. Her one-on-one skill and delivery was just as important as her final product, which was apparent as she recorded both a goal and an assist to start her campaign.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions continue their home-stand with a Sunday match with La Salle. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. on BTN+.