No. 9 Penn State women’s hockey (27-5-1, 18-1 AHA) took down RIT (15-13-1, 8–9-2 AHA) 4-1 on Friday afternoon in the Nittany Lions’ first game of the weekend.

The Nittany Lions dominated offensively, creating opportunities to score. Lobdell secured her fourth goal of the season, with Lauren Barbro blocking a total of 17 shots.

How It Happened

Penn State won the faceoff to start the game, aiming to find a rhythm. The puck continued to bounce between each team, with neither holding onto it.

Penn State aimed to build momentum on the powerplay after a tripping penalty was given to the Tigers. Tessa Janecke tried to set up a play, but the Tiger’s defense shut it down. The Nittany Lions were not able to capitalize on the powerplay.

With Penn State attacking the goal, Sarah Coe saved three shots within the early minutes. Penn State led in shots on goal 5-3 but couldn’t make a breakthrough.

With five minutes remaining, Grace Outwater hit the puck into the back of the net, allowing Penn State to take the lead.

After a strong offensive first period for Penn State, the Nittany Lions again began to attack the net to start the second.

An interference penalty was called on Brianna Brooks, with the Tigers aiming to capitalize on the powerplay. Kyla Bear took a shot at the net but Barbro covered it, preventing the rebound. RIT couldn’t find an opportunity during the powerplay to tie the score.

Lyndie Lobdell broke through the Tiger’s defense and drove the puck into the back of the net, securing her fourth goal of the season. With Coe left defenseless, the Nittany Lions led the Tigers 2-0.

With Penn State dominating offensively, RIT couldn’t halt any momentum. Nicole Hall gained possession and got the puck past Coe, bringing the score to 3-0.

Penn State continued to attack the goal for the remainder of the second period. RIT found itself struggling to clear the puck. The Nittany Lions continued to control the ice, leading the Tigers in shots 34-8.

Five minutes into the third, both teams struggled to gain control, as the puck moved between them. A penalty was called on Taya MacDonald for cross-checking and RIT was able to break through the sea of blue and white on the powerplay bringing the score to 3-1.

RIT was desperate to score but Penn State continued to control the ice. For the last five minutes of play, Penn State continued to take shots at Coe, maintaining its lead. With only moments left in regulation, Tiffany Hill drove the puck into the net, ending the game 4-1.

Takeaways

• Penn State’s speed and agility have continued to be an asset for the team, allowing it to attack the net and maintain control over the puck.
• The Nittany Lions dominated the game offensively. The team wasted no time on the powerplay and was able to create scoring opportunities.
• RIT could not slow down Grace Outwater as she has continued to prove herself to be a driving force for Penn State. She fired nine shots, securing a goal to top off her performance.

What’s Next?

Penn State will face RIT again at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, at Gene Polisseni Center.