Penn State field hockey (14-4, 7-2 Big Ten) defeated Maryland (13-6, 4-5 Big Ten) to open this year’s Big Ten Tournament. Following the 3-2 win, the Nittany Lions will move on to face Rutgers on Friday, November 5.

In true Big Ten field hockey style, the game showed high intensity and impressive play from both sides. The Nittany Lions’ perseverance showed throughout the entire game en route to a massive win.

How It Happened

The action started right from the beginning with Maryland receiving two penalty corners within the first five minutes of the game. While Brie Barraco was able to save the first attempt, Maryland was successful with the second by Bibi Donraadt and took the early 1-0 lead at the 7:15 mark.

Maryland later earned its third penalty corner of the quarter but did not find the net.

Penn State finally got a break with its first penalty corner, but a few miscues led to a quick turnover. It was the team’s second penalty corner at 3:38 that got a score and made it a tie game thanks to Anna Simon, assisted by Elena Vos, at 1-1.

Another save from Barraco ended the first quarter.

The second quarter saw a light for the Nittany Lions when they scored at 10:03, but a video review revoked the goal after it was concluded that it was hit outside of the net. The offense started again when Maryland’s Hope Rose scored off another penalty corner at 7:06 mark. Penn State scored again with another penalty corner by Anna Simon at 1:46 to tie the game 2-2.

In the third quarter, the score remained tied. Regardless, both sides had chances with penalty corners but did not score.

In the fourth frame, Anna Simon scored her third goal at 14:19, giving Penn State its first lead of the game. The Nittany Lions saw more penalty goals at 3:33 and 3:27 without a Maryland goalie.

No other goals were made, leaving the final score 3-2.

Player Of The Game

Anna Simon | Defense

Anna Simon was hot throughout the whole game on both sides of the field. While she scored two goals in the first half, she also gave the Nittany Lions their third and winning score in the third quarter.

GOAL by Anna Simon
with just 1:48 left to play in Q2
PSU 2, UMD 2 pic.twitter.com/iCEdOc4w7O

— Penn State Field Hockey (@PennStateFH) November 4, 2021

What’s Next?

Penn State moves on in the Big Ten Tournament to face Rutgers in the semifinal. The match will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5.