No. 9 Penn State women’s hockey (28-5-1, 19-1 AHA) took down RIT (15-14-1, 8–10-2 AHA) 2-1 on Saturday afternoon in the Nittany Lions’ second game of the weekend. 

The Nittany Lions came out strong offensively, overall leading the Tiger’s in shots at goal 48-20. Penn State’s lone scorers were Leah Stecker and Alyssa Machado.

How It Happened

RIT won the face-off to start the game but struggled to maintain control of the puck as Penn State’s defense stepped up.

Within the early minutes of play, Grace Outwater took the first shot at the net, but Sarah Coe maintained her composure and blocked it.

Alyssa Machado broke through the Tiger’s defense and drove the puck into the back of the net, bringing the score to 1-0.

On the rush, Kyla Bear took a shot at the net from the side, getting it past Katie Desa and tying the game 1-1.

A hooking penalty was called on Katelyn Roberts, but RIT couldn’t capitalize on it as Penn State’s defense killed the power play.

A slashing penalty was called on Linda Ruelle sending the Nittany Lions on the power play. Attacking the net, the team was unable to get any shots past Coe who remained standing.

With two minutes remaining, a hitting penalty was called on Mia Tsilemos. Penn State could not find an opportunity to score for the remainder of the first period.

After the conclusion of the first period, both teams found themselves with 8 shots taken on goal and a score of 1-1.

Starting on the power play, the Nittany Lions entered the second attacking the net but couldn’t find an opening.

Five minutes into the second, a tripping penalty was called on Megan McCormick. Penn State attacked the net but Coe kept the game tied.

Both teams struggled to gain control, as the puck moved between them without either side managing to find an opportunity to score. Tensions began to grow on the ice and a penalty was called on Penn State’s Maggie Christian for contact to the head.

After review, another penalty was called on Penn State for excessive players on the ice resulting in a five-on-three skate.

The Tigers aimed to build momentum on the power play but could not get past DeSa. Even with the advantage, RIT could not tilt the score in its favor.

Tessa Janecke carried the puck down the ice, aiming to score, but an interference penalty was called on Athena Vasdani.

Penn State held the puck on top and attacked the net but couldn’t break down Coe’s composure. With the end of the powerplay, Lyndsie Lobdell was called for cross-checking, however, a penalty was called on the Tiger’s Emma Pickering, sending Penn State back on the power play.

For the remainder of the second, RIT and Penn State continued to play in a back-and-forth style. Penn State led the Tigers in shots on goal 26-15.

Within five minutes of the third, a high-sticking penalty was called on Bear. Janecke attacked the net but couldn’t find an opening.

Both teams desperately tried to grasp the advantage. The Nittany Lions continued to shut down the Tiger’s offense, however, neither team found an opening. The puck continued to bounce back and forth between the teams for the remainder of the period with the score still 1-1, sending the game into overtime.

With three minutes remaining in overtime, Leah Stecker sent the puck into the back of the net, securing the win for the Nittany Lions 2-1.

Takeaways

• Penn State couldn’t capitalize on the powerplay. However, it killed the Tiger’s powerplay, preventing the advantage.
• Penalties continue to be a problem for Penn State with the team taking five.
• Tessa Janecke continues to prove herself to be instrumental in the team’s success. She was a major asset on killing the Tiger’s five-on-three power play.

What’s Next?

Penn State will play in the Atlantic Hockey America quarterfinals on Saturday, February 22. The location and time are to be determined.