Penn State women’s soccer (1-1-1, 0-0 Big Ten) defeated Bucknell (3-2, 0-0 Patriot League) 5-0 to earn head coach Erica Dambach her 300th Penn State victory.

The Nittany Lions dominated offensively against the Bison. Penn State took an early two-goal lead in the first half and added three more goals in the second stanza. Defender Lilly Burger had a notable goal in the last minute of the first half on a corner kick, which gave Penn State a 2-0 lead.

The defense also allowed zero goals despite a few close calls early in the game. The Nittany Lions possessed the ball for much of the game and held Bucknell to limited shot attempts.

How It Happened

Bucknell kicked the game off with possession, but Penn State quickly took control on offense. The Nittany Lions had a solid shot attempt right outside the box, but Bucknell’s defense blocked it, allowing goalkeeper Sarah McFarland to clear the ball.

Around five minutes into the game, Penn State had a shot attempt right in front of the goal, but McFarland jumped on the ball just in time.

The Bison had their first shot of the game on a clear attempt, but Penn State’s defense quickly got a foot on it right after the shot. Bucknell followed with an unsuccessful free kick and a corner kick controlled by Penn State goalie Mackenzie Gress.

On the next drive, the Nittany Lions had a free kick, but it was again saved. The Bison stormed downfield, and Gaby Parker found herself one-on-one against Gress, but squandered the opportunity thanks to a strong defensive recovery.

Shortly after, Penn State pushed downfield, and Aubrey Kulpa found Paige Pasinski, who struck the ball in the bottom left of the net to give Penn State the early 1-0 lead.

Paige with a BEAUTY for her first collegiate goal #WeAre | #PSWS pic.twitter.com/HWyxuSbJlh

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) August 28, 2026

The next 10 minutes had a few back-and-forth possessions, but no shot attempts. The Bison eventually earned a corner kick, which Penn State quickly cleared. Ellie Kocher dribbled past two defenders and swiftly marched into the box. She had an open shot but slipped right as she shot, just missing the goal to extend the lead.

With less than a minute left in the half, Penn State scored a second goal. Paige Kalal assisted Burger on a corner kick, where Burger headed the ball into the back of the net. The defender found herself open right before the half ended, giving the Nittany Lions a 2-0 lead.

We love some end of half magic #WeAre | #PSWS pic.twitter.com/EN4zgBvOLz

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) August 28, 2026

Just minutes into the second half a clumsy foul from Bucknell earned the Nittany Lions a corner. Hannah Jordan took the shot and missed it, but recovered the ball and tapped it in right after the block. The Nittany Lions took a 3-0 lead.

If at first you don't succeed…#WeAre | #PSWS pic.twitter.com/dYTakAaHDi

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) August 28, 2026

At this point, the Bison struggled to maintain possession on offense, while Penn State continued to take strong shots. Anna Babcock really stood out for the Nittany Lions.

With just under 29 minutes left, Penn State’s persistant offense payed off again with the fourth goal of the game. Babcock found herself with an open field and passed the ball to Kulpa, who ran past two defenders and struck the ball into the back right of the net.

Anna Babcock with a BEAUTY of a ball to set up Kulpa's second goal of the season #WeAre | #PSWS pic.twitter.com/QmHb01pzEG

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) August 28, 2026

Shortly after, Kaelyn Wolfe joined the list of goal scorers. Nicole Crane stopped a clear attempt and passed it to Wolfe, whose shot was touched by McFarland but just slid past her for a goal. Penn State extended its lead to five.

Wolfie with some POWER to sneak it through #WeAre | #PSWS pic.twitter.com/jI8GsJFGxf

— Penn State Women’s Soccer (@PennStateWSOC) August 28, 2026

In the final 10 minutes, Penn State kept slow control of the ball. The clock eventually ticked down to the final second, and Penn State took its first win of the season, 5-0.

Takeaways

• Penn State’s offense dominated Bucknell in the first half. The Nittany Lions had two more shot attempts, one more shot on goal, and four more corner kicks. Control of possession allowed Penn State to build a strong 2-0 lead. The Nittany Lions also started the second half strong with Jordan’s early goal.
• Burger took a massive step off the bench for the Nittany Lions. Not only did she contribute to the shutout against the Bison, but she also managed to score on a corner kick late in the first half. The two-goal lead gave Penn State a huge momentum boost going into the second half.
• After strong momentum in the first half, Penn State took an even bigger jump in the second. Kulpa and Babcock had great pass movement throughout the game, especially in the second half. Penn State scored three goals in the first 20 minutes of the second half. The team had a dominant offensive day, securing its first win of the season.

What’s Next?

Penn State stays home to play Brown on Sunday, August 30, at 1 p.m. on Big Ten Plus.