Penn State women’s hockey (1-4-1) was swept by Colgate (3-1-0) over the weekend, with a 6-2 loss Friday and a 3-2 loss Saturday.

Despite the two losses, multiple Nittany Lions earned their first goals of the season during the series including Lyndie Lobdell, Karley Garcia, Maggie MacEachern, and Brianna Brooks.

Game One

The Nittany Lions came out strong with four shots on goal by the time they went into their first power-play just more than three minutes into the game. However, Penn State didn’t get anything out of the power-play with only two shots on goal.

Colgate rebounded quickly after their first penalty. With a dominant offense, the Raiders scored against Penn State senior goaltender Josie Bothun after seven and a half minutes of play. Colgate’s Kristýna Kaltounková was credited with the goal, while Danielle Serdachny and Emma Pais earned assists.

Soon after Colgate’s first goal, Penn State’s Lobdell was called for slashing. Along with the power-play, Colgate pulled senior goaltender Kayle Osborne to create a six-on-four advantage for the Raiders. Colgate capitalized on its opportunity, extending their lead to 2-0 midway through the first period with a goal from Serdachny.

With three minutes left in the first period, Penn State clawed its way to cut the score in half, 2-1 with a goal from Lobdell for her first goal of the season.

2:18 | 1st: LYNDIE DELIVERS! Lyndie Lobdell cuts the Colgate lead to one with her first goal of the season! #WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/oJCAEaXgqO

— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) October 6, 2023

Penn State’s offense came out ready for the second period with four quick shots. However, early on, Leah Stecker was called for cross-checking, giving Colgate a chance to extend its lead. The Raiders quickly dominated the ice with seven straight shots capped by Neena Brick’s goal with a tap-in.

With two more penalties called on Penn State during the remainder of the second period, the only goal scored was by Colgate.

Colgate was dominant at the start of the third period, taking advantage of Penn State’s high-sticking call on Julie Gough that came in the first 30 seconds. Soon after the power-play started, Kaltounková scored for the Raiders, creating a 4-1 lead.

Penn State did not give up and scored its final goal of the night from Garcia, her first of the season.

15:30 | 3rd: KARL!!!! Karley Garcia scores her first goal of the season to tighten the Colgate lead to 4-2. #WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/Mff9o5QTF1

— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) October 6, 2023

However, that final goal was not enough as Colgate regained a three-goal lead as Kaltounková completed a hat trick for the Raiders with just under 12 minutes remaining.

In the final minutes of the third period, Colgate scored one more goal to finish the Nittany Lions for the night and earn a 5-1 win.

Game Two

The starting lineup changed for Penn State for its second game, though Bothun remained in the net for the Nittany Lions.

20:00 | 1st: Puck has dropped in Hamilton! Here are today's starters! #WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/dDQIDkBt9S

— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) October 7, 2023

Penn State came ready to work at the start of the first period. Over halfway through, the Nittany Lions controlled the opening frame with six shots on goal while also winning the faceoff battle 6-3.

The Nittany Lions drew a slashing penalty giving Colgate an opportunity to score early halfway through the first period. Penn State’s defense showed out and killed the power play, allowing the game to remain scoreless.

Soon after, Penn State was given the chance to score late in the first period from a power play. Colgate, however, killed the player advantage for the Nittany Lions, forcing the period to end scoreless for both teams.

Within four minutes of the second period, Colgate scored the opening goal with a score from Kaltounková.

Penn State quickly rebounded, fighting to tie the game almost halfway through the second period. With six shots on goal, Penn State’s graduate student MacEachern scored her first goal in blue and white. In no time, the Nittany Lions were back in the game, tied 1-1.

10:32 | 2nd: MAGGIE!!!! Maggie MacEachern scores her first goal of the game to even the score at 1-1! #WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/PBzy1bv1gl

— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) October 7, 2023

With nine minutes remaining in the second period, a four-and-four penalty was brought on after calls for roughing on both teams against Garcia and Serdachny. Colgate used the opportunity and scored on the power-play with a goal by Sydney Morrow.

After both sides were back to even strength, Penn State was desperate to even the score. Colgate gave Penn State the perfect opportunity with a slashing penalty late into the second. However, the Raiders killed the power play, securing their lead going into the third. After the period ended, Tessa Janecke was called for unsportsmanlike conduct.

To start the third period, Colgate took advantage of Penn State’s penalty from the second period and quickly scored within seconds of the start with a goal from Kaitlyn O’Donohoe.

Colgate was soon called for cross-checking, giving Penn State five minutes to bring the game closer. However, Penn State was called for tripping and the major penalty turned into 4-on-4 hockey. Colgate ultimately killed the major penalty.

Halfway through the third period, senior forward Brooks scores her first goal of the season to cut the Colgate lead to 3-2.

8:18 | 3rd: BROOKS!!!! Brianna Brooks scores her first goal of the season to cut the Colgate lead to 3-2! #WeAre #HockeyValley pic.twitter.com/7YZZJ6IUyK

— Penn State Women’s Hockey (@PennStateWHKY) October 7, 2023

Late into the third, Penn State got the opportunity to tie the game as Colgate was called for tripping with under three minutes remaining. To maximize its chances, Penn State also pulled Bothun from the net. Colgate killed the power play and Penn State continued to try to score with an empty net with under a minute remaining, however, the effort was unsuccessful and Colgate won 3-2.

Takeaways

• Penn State’s defense has to step up to earn points through its long road journey. The Nittany Lions do not return to Pegula Ice Arena until December 1st.
• Power plays have become an issue. Colgate scored numerous times on power-plays caused by Penn State, a major reason for the sweep this series.
• With the long road journey ahead, the Nittany Lions need to stay consistent and poised under the pressure of traveling so much.

What’s Next?

Penn State will travel to Ithaca, New York, for a two-game series against Cornell. The first game is set for 6 p.m. on Friday, October 13, and will be streamed on ESPN+.