Penn State field hockey (10-4, 3-2 Big Ten) finished its regular season non-conference matchups against Lafayette (10-3) and Princeton (8-5) this past weekend. The Nittany Lions faired well against the Leopards, but could not take down the Tigers.

Despite the loss, it was an all-around effort for Penn State this weekend. The offense was lights out, as it totaled 47 shots and 19 corner penalties. Meanwhile, the defense only allowed four goals with 13 saves from Brie Barraco.

Game One: Penn State 3, Lafayette 1

Penn State continued its non-conference play with two early shots from Sophia Gladieux and Mackenzie Allessie in the first three minutes of the match, but none were able to find the back of the net. Penn State’s offense continued to dominate throughout the first period, as it totaled nine shots with three corners compared to the Leopard’s one shot. However, the score remained tied at zero at the end of the first despite coming out hot on offense.

Penn State continued its offensive dominance and received back-to-back corners early, but Hailey Abbott wasn’t having any of it and kept this game tied. Lafayette finally got its offense going in the middle of the period with a penalty corner chance. But Brie Barraco put on some great saves of her own to keep the shutout alive.

Despite a last second effort from Bree Bednarski and Gladieux, both teams sat with goose eggs entering halftime.

Both teams traded penalty corners to start the second half, yet the goalies on both sides of the field continued their dominance. The Leopards finally broke the non-scoring stint with Simone Hefting knocking one in off a penalty corner. That was Hefting’s first goal of the season. Lafayette entered the last 15 minutes of play with a 1-0 lead.

The Nittany Lions were finally able to score and got two quick goals coming off corners within the first two minutes of the final period. Emma Spisak tied the game at one a piece while Jemma Punch, who assisted the first goal, gave Penn State its first lead of the game.

Six minutes later, Anna Simon put this game away by extending the lead for the Nittany Lions, scoring unassisted. Abbot was subbed out for the Leopards, but it was too little too late for Lafayette.

Game Two: Penn State 2, Princeton 3

Princeton got its offense going early with Beth Yeager scoring off a penalty corner within the first five minutes of this match. Sophia Gladieux turned up the Nittany Lions’ offense towards the end of the first, but Isla Okkinga and the Tigers’ defense kept their one-goal lead at the end of the period.

Princeton got it going early in the second with two quick shots, but Brie Barraco put on some great saves to keep this game close. Just a minute later, the Nittany Lions were rewarded a penalty corner and took full advantage with Anna Simon putting Penn State on the board.

Both teams fought to take the lead, but it was great goalie play on both sides that kept this game tied at halftime.

The offense on both sides slowed down as the third period went on. Penn State had just four shots on net compared to the Tigers’ three. The score remained tied heading into the final period of action.

Grace Schulze scored just one minute into the final period to give Princeton the lead. Penn State tried to get one back with Gladiuex and Mackenzie Allessie trying to get one in the back of the net, but Okkinga kept up her great play as Princeton still held on the lead.

Penn State’s offense controlled the last four minutes of this game. Simon, Gladieux and Emma Spisak totaled five shots on net, but none were able to find the back of the net. As the final seconds ticked, it was Allessie who would tie this game up and send it to overtime.

Overtime started with a shot from Gladiuex, but went wide of the net. Then the Tigers moved down the field where Hannah Davey found Sammy Popper to end this game. Princeton topped Penn State with a final score of 3-2.

Player Of The Weekend

Anna Simon, Defensemen

Penn State’s offense came alive this weekend and so did Anna Simon. Against Lafayette, Simon totaled seven shots with a goal and despite the loss, she still scored a goal with four shots on net for the Nittany Lions against Princeton.

Simon also led the defense, without Sophia Mannino, that still only allowed three goals in two games. With only three games left in the regular season, all against ranked opponents, Simon will have to keep up her great play as the Nittany Lions get closer to the Big Ten Tournament.

What’s Next?

Penn State will take on Ohio State next Friday, October 22. This conference matchup will start at 3 p.m.