No. 12 Penn State women’s hockey (14-8-1, 5-1-0 CHA) took on Long Island University (11-9-1, 10-1-1 NEWHA), and outscored the Sharks 4-3 on Friday at Pegula Ice Arena.

Both teams exchanged blows, but a late goal from Tessa Janecke propelled Penn State to a 4-3 win to open the series.

How It Happened

Head coach Jeff Kampersal opted to start Kiara Zanon, Mya Vaslet, and Alyssa Machado on the team’s first line. Meanwhile, Kendall Butze and Izzy Heminger were the primary defensive pairing, with Josie Bothun starting in goal.

Here's today's starting lineup! Click on the link below to follow all of today's action!

: https://t.co/MB0s4En0eM#WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/uJ8ikOfCm6

— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) December 30, 2022

After a lengthy hiatus following a series sweep against Syracuse at the beginning of the month, Penn State played a solid first period. The Sharks couldn’t generate much offense, and the Nittany Lions simply outplayed their opponent.

With less than five minutes remaining in the first period, Long Island took an interference penalty. Penn State cashed in on the one-skater advantage, and with 4:07 left in the first period, Zanon broke the ice to score her 12th goal of the season to give the Nittany Lions a 1-0 lead.

The Nittany Lions weren’t done yet.

With less than a minute to go in the period, Zanon and Alyssa Machado were right in front of the net. Zanon passed to Machado, who tapped the puck into the goal to make it 2-0 Penn State with 0:54 left in the opening period.

0:55 | 1st: Alyssa Machado puts the Nittany Lions ahead 2-0! #WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/VnmV4d9ii2

— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) December 30, 2022

In contrast to the first period, the second period was more eventful and competitive. The Nittany Lions took an early penalty, setting up Long Island with a good chance to cut the lead in half. Sure enough, the Sharks took advantage and made it 2-1 just two minutes into the period at 18:02.

Both teams continued back-and-forth play, with each side taking impressive chances to score.

Then, at 12:57 in the period, Zanon scored her second goal of the day to give the Nittany Lions an insurance goal and a 3-1 lead. Zanon patiently waited in front of the net, then finished the one-timer as soon as she received the pass from Machado.

12:57 | 2nd: ZANON AGAIN! Nittany Lions pull ahead 3-1! #WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/8Xd9BBMpVv

— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) December 30, 2022

However, the Sharks wouldn’t go on without a fight. Long Island struck back at Penn State at 9:03 in the period, with Stella Scott making it 3-2. The Sharks and the Nittany Lions continued trading chances, but the second period ended with Penn State ahead 3-2.

Shortly after the start of the third period, Long Island received a penalty shot. Jeannie Wallner maneuvered around Bothun and squeezed the puck across the line. The initial call of a goal was reviewed, but Long Island ultimately tied it 3-3 just two minutes into the period.

Neither team could generate much throughout the majority of the rest of the period.

Then, at 2:07 in the third period, Tessa Janecke found the back of the net to give the Nittany Lions a decisive 4-3 lead. The Sharks couldn’t find the net again, and Penn State won 4-3.

Takeaways

• Kiara Zanon had quite the game, with two goals and one assist.
• Penn State now has a four-game win streak and has not lost a game this month.
• A combined seven penalties were taken between the two teams in the game. Those need to be capitalized on more often, or else it could result in losses.

What’s Next

Penn State and Long Island finish the series tomorrow at Pegula Ice Arena with puck drop set for 1 p.m.