No. 11 Penn State Field Hockey (3-2) shutout Kent State (1-4) 5-0 in the Nittany Lions 2023 home opener. Backed by a rocking full-house crowd of Penn State and Kent State fans, the Nittany Lions came out victorious to improve to a winning record for the first time this season.

A goal 25 seconds into the game was all that was needed in this one, however, a huge three-goal third quarter was the nail in the coffin for the Golden Flashes as Penn State cruised to its third win of the season.

How It Happened

The Nittany Lions came to play and did so very quickly. Just 25 seconds into the game, Sophia Gladieux scored her sixth goal of the year and the first of the game after a setup from Carly Gannon for an early 1-0 Penn State lead.

Instant relay of the first goal of the game #WeAre pic.twitter.com/msphrE7OY5

— Penn State Field Hockey (@PennStateFH) September 8, 2023

The remainder of the first quarter was an outstanding defensive performance by Penn State, who didn’t allow the Golden Flashes to even attempt a shot during the first 15 minutes.

In the second quarter, the offense was nonexistent. Penn State had a few opportunities to score but were denied due to great saves from Kent State goalie Cecile Van Eijck. The Nittany Lions’ defense continued their great outing not allowing a shot for the second consecutive quarter.

The offense picked it up in the second half as Penn State extended its lead. After keeping possession after a failed penalty corner, Sophia Mannino set up Gannon for a shot on goal that found its way under Van Eijck and into the back of the net.

Second goal of the game: Carly Gannon #WeAre pic.twitter.com/9Ds7kuugbd

— Penn State Field Hockey (@PennStateFH) September 8, 2023

Gladieux set up Mackenzie Allessie for her third goal of the season. Just over a minute later, Allessie scored her second goal of the game this time off a penalty corner from Natalie Freeman to make it 4-0 Penn State.

Third goal of the game: Mackenzie Allessie #WeAre pic.twitter.com/h1iHsTFNgi

— Penn State Field Hockey (@PennStateFH) September 8, 2023

Just over a minute later, Mannino scored her first career collegiate goal off a penalty corner from Natalie Freeman to make it 4-0 Penn State.

With the game winding down, Allessie would make a two-goal day scoring her fourth goal of the season and making it 5-0 Penn State. The Nittany Lions held on to the lead and the shutout to win game number three of the year.

Takeaways

• The defense put on a clinic against the Golden Flashes. After struggling over the first few matchups of the season the Nittany Lion’s defense came to play allowing no goals and only two shots the entire game.
• A multi-goal game for Allessie, her second of 2023, now moves her to four goals on the season. When the Nittany Lions have needed her, Allessie has answered the call.
• Gladieux continues to play outstanding field hockey, recording her fourth consecutive game with a goal.
• A huge third quarter was the key to victory for Penn State. Goals by Gannon, Allessie, and Mannino proved to be the dagger for Kent State as the Nittany Lions closed out the match.

What’s Next

The Nittany Lions will face their toughest opponent of the season in No. 19 Delaware at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 10, at the Field Hockey Complex, and can be streamed on B1G+.