Penn State field hockey (9-4, 3-1 Big Ten) defeated Ohio State (4-9, 0-5 Big Ten) in a penalty shootout on Friday afternoon.

The Nittany Lions started the first quarter with zero shots allowed on defense, but let up two late goals in the fourth quarter. After a last-second goal, Penn State went into its first shootout game of the year and just pulled away with a win.

How It Happened

Ohio State started with the ball, but quickly turned it over. The Buckeyes started the game aggressively and attacked the ball, but Penn State pushed into Ohio State territory.

Both teams struggled to find shot opportunities early in the first quarter. Olivia Marthins eventually got the game started with a shot attempt, but it was saved just in time.

The Nittany Lions dominated ball control early in the game. Sienna Dunn showed strong defense and consistently pushed the ball upfield, but the team struggled to find angles for an easy shot. The Buckeyes defended their shooting circle well before the end of the first quarter to keep the game even.

Penn State had two shot attempts, with one being on goal in the first quarter. Ohio State had zero shots taken.

The Nittany Lions started the second quarter off strong. Ohio State committed a foul, giving Penn State a penalty corner within the first minute. Lilly Holmes struck a high shot that deflected off goalie Maddie Stevens and hit the post, just missing.

Shortly after, Penn State had another offensive possession where Marthins had an open shot on goal, which was again saved by Stevens, but Lara Pyle picked up the rebound and scored her first goal of the season.

However, Ohio State instantly tied the game on its next possession. The Buckeyes had a penalty corner and a shot attempt by Katie Fichtner that was saved by Aby Deverka, but the ball deflected back into the field. Autum Kernechel shot and scored her first goal of the season.

Ohio State started controlling possession after its goal. The Buckeyes were eventually awarded another penalty corner but missed wide right.

The second quarter ended tied at one after back-to-back goals from each team. Penn State’s defense started strong, but the Buckeyes found their way into the shooting circle late in the second quarter.

Ohio State started the third quarter with consistent possession. Penn State’s defense started strong, and after a turnover, the Nittany Lions had a penalty corner opportunity. Ella Gaitin took a shot that once again hit off the post. Pyle recovered the ball, but her shot was blocked.

The Buckeyes took over and were also awarded a penalty corner two minutes later. After a deflected shot, Ohio State was awarded a second-straight penalty corner, but missed its next shot wide right.

Penn State started to build offensive momentum shortly after. Marthins intercepted a pass and dished it off to Dunn, who eventually found Marthins in the shooter circle. She struck the ball in the bottom left of the goal after starting the possession. The third quarter ended as Penn State took a 2-1 lead over the Buckeyes.

Penn State started the fourth quarter up a player. Despite this, Ohio State maintained strong defense and pushed the ball into Penn State’s territory.

The Buckeyes had a strong opportunity for a goal with four attackers on goal, but Deverka jumped on top of the ball. Ohio State was given a penalty corner after the play, but Deverka had another big save. After the save, Sienna Golden kept the game alive with a goal after a pass deflection from Ohio State, tying the game.

With a momentum shift, Ohio State started to push the ball back into Penn State’s territory. Golden had a shot just wide, giving Penn State another scare. Deverka came up with a third big save in the fourth quarter, but had to defend another penalty corner. Phillippa Jowett fired a shot at the top of the shooting circle and scored a second-straight goal for the Buckeyes.

Penn State trailed by one goal with five minutes remaining in the game.

The Nittany Lions had a penalty corner with three minutes left. Gaitan unleashed a powerful shot at the top of the shooting circle, but Stevens made a diving save to prevent a goal.

Penn State played with an extra player in the final minute and had a penalty corner with 19 seconds remaining. Marthins jumped in front of the ball after a save from Stevens and scored at the last minute, sending the game into overtime.

Penn State maintained possession at the start of overtime. The team moved the ball well around the shooting circle, but couldn’t find a good shot opportunity.

After a few back-and-forth possessions, Ohio State was given a penalty corner. After a deflected shot, the Buckeyes were given a second penalty corner. Two more shots were missed, but the Buckeyes maintained possession and were given a third penalty corner. The shot attempt was once again blocked, and Penn State marched downfield to get a penalty corner itself.

The Nittany Lions’ penalty corner attempt was blocked, but they maintained possession. Penn State was eventually given another penalty corner, but it was fumbled. After a green card, Penn State was down a player with three minutes left in overtime.

After more back-and-forth possessions, overtime came to an end, forcing a shootout.

Gaitan started for Penn State and scored from a spin-around shot. Deverka blocked the first attempt for Ohio State, and Dunn scored a second goal for the Nittany Lions right after. Fichter then pulled Deverka away from the goal for an easy shot for the Buckeyes. Stevens then saved Natalie Freeman’s shot, but Deverka kicked away another shot from Ohio State.

Marthins was next for Penn State and had a shot reviewed for a clock violation, and it was ruled no good. Emily Barker missed wide for Ohio State, and Pyle scored in the bottom left to close the game.

Takeaways

• Penn State’s defense started strong, allowing zero shots taken from the Buckeyes. But Ohio State finished with 12 shots, 10 of which were on goal. The team also had six penalty corner opportunities, giving it an upper hand offensively. Penn State hadn’t allowed a goal since October 4, and hadn’t allowed this many goals in its past five games.
• Olivia Marthins led Penn State’s offense with two goals, five shots, and five shots on goal. She also had a game-saving goal after a shot deflection, coming up in the biggest play of the game.
• Penn State went into its fourth overtime game of the season, and its first shootout. After two shutout wins, the team let up three today and had another close win over a team that is winless in the Big Ten. Despite the struggles, Penn State pulled away with a win, showing the team can finish in big moments.

What’s Next?

Penn State stays home to face No. 18 Michigan at noon on Sunday, October 18. The game will take place at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex and will be streamed on Big Ten Plus.