Penn State field hockey (14-5, Big Ten 6-3) lost to Rutgers (17-3, Big Ten 7-2) Friday afternoon to wrap up its Big Ten Tournament run.

Following a win in the quarterfinals on Thursday, Penn State was up for another tough matchup. That proved true when both teams put up a tough fight, but now, Rutgers is headed to its first Big Ten title game.

How It Happened

The first quarter started strong with a Penn State penalty corner at 10:16, but Rutgers goalie and co-Big Ten Player of the Year Gianna Glatz put a quick stop to the Nittany Lion’s shot.

A Rutgers penalty corner a few minutes later at 8:33 saw the first score of the game from Bridy Molyneaux. An initial kickback from Barraco gave the Knights a setup to tap the ball into the net.

Another penalty corner was granted to both teams in the second, but both were unsuccessful. Solid defense and hustle made it hard for both teams to get in reach of the goal.

No scores were made keeping the score 1-0 for Rutgers going into halftime.

The third quarter opened with immediate pressure and shots from Penn State, but the Nittany Lions still could not find the net.

Rutgers got the first penalty corner of the second half at 6:36, but another huge save from Barraco prevented the score. It was the Scarlet Knights’ third corner that gave them another score by Kassidy Shelter with two minutes left in the third to put the Nittany Lions down 2-0.

Penn State had another shot in the last minute of the third with its own penalty corner, but the team was once again unsuccessful.

Penn State’s luck finally changed with 8:43 left in the fourth with a goal from Sophia Gladieux to cut Rutgers lead in half 2-1. Penn State’s final penalty corner with under a minute left to play was blocked multiple times, leaving the Nittany Lions with only one goal as time expired.

Player Of The Match

Gianna Glatz | Goalkeeper

Rutgers goalie Gianna Glatz was key in the Scarlet Knights’ big win. She posted three saves to thwart Penn State’s offensive chances and keep the game in her team’s control.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions will wait for the NCAA Tournament selection show at 10 p.m. on Sunday, November 7, to find out if they’ve made this year’s tournament.