No. 16 Penn State (0-3) was bested by No. 13 Saint Joseph’s (2-1) 4-1 on Friday afternoon.

While Sophia Gladieux was able to find the net once again, three goals in the second half from the Hawks were enough to continue the Nittany Lions’ losing streak to open the season.

How It Happened

Penn State opened aggressively on offense, working the ball down the turf. Saint Joseph’s found some light with a shot on goal, which was saved by Nittany Lions goalie Aby Deverka. St Joseph’s was eventually awarded a penalty corner, which was also saved by Deverka, resulting in her second save of the game.

Saint Joseph’s found itself with another shot opportunity that went wide right with a little more than five minutes left in the first quarter. Deverka came up with a huge save as the first quarter was winding down after Saint Joseph’s found offensive success with the ball, and even though Nittany Lion forward Drew Taylor took a shot on goal at the end of the quarter, the score stayed tied at 0-0.

Saint Joseph’s maintained offensive control for the beginning of the second quarter, weaving the ball in and out and away from Penn State’s defense. Penn State responded with a methodical drive that resulted in Saint Joseph’s regaining the ball. After an official review of a close call, the referees determined that the ball was deflected off a Penn State player, and Saint Joseph’s was awarded another penalty corner. Penn State’s defense remained strong as the attempt was blocked.

Penn State was awarded a penalty corner with 4:34 left to play in the first half, but Saint Joseph’s defense stepped up and halted the effort. The first score of the game came from forward Lily Santi of Saint Joseph’s, as she succeeded on a penalty stroke to go up 1-0 over the Nittany Lions. Deverka had another impressive save after a Saint Joseph’s drive downfield, and the teams went into halftime with St. Joseph’s leading 1-0.

Penn State opened the second half immediately with a contested goal shot by forward Gladieux, and after an official review, the goal was confirmed and the game was tied within the first minute of the third quarter.

Penn State’s offense began to gain momentum after the Gladieux goal, continuing to control the ball offensively. Ultimately, however, Penn State and Saint Joseph’s continued to remain in a stalemate. Saint Joseph’s was awarded a few more penalty corners that were halted by Penn State’s defense until the Hawks eventually broke through and midfielder Sol Borensztein scored her first goal of the game, giving Saint Joseph’s a 2-1 lead to close out the third quarter.

Defensive play dominated the fourth quarter as both teams continued to shut down the offenses. With 5:18 left in the game, Saint Joseph’s forward Erika Culp notched the Hawks’ third goal of the game. Saint Joseph’s back Julia Duffhuis finished Penn State off as the game winded down to make the score 4-1.

Penn State’s late-game efforts were of no avail and the Nittany Lions fell 4-1.

Takeaways

• Penn State’s defense remained strong all throughout the first half. While the Hawks’ offense was aggressive early on, the Nittany Lions only allowed one goal.
• Saint Joseph’s took off at the end of the fourth quarter, scoring two goals as the game ended.
• Gladieux continues to be a rare bright spot for the Nittany Lions, as the Olympian notched another goal.

What’s Next?

Penn State will next face Delaware on the road at noon on Sunday, September 8.