Aug. 28, 2009
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NORFOLK, Va. - Despite a late first half goal from senior Amy Bonenberger, the 11th ranked Penn State field hockey team allowed the go-ahead tally midway through the second half in a 2-1 season-opening defeat to No. 16 Old Dominion on Friday.
"It was a very good, competitive field hockey game," said head coach Charlene Morett . "We had our chances on the counterattack, but didn't capitalize."
All three goals were scored off penalty corners in the Lions' first loss to Old Dominion since 2006. Junior goalkeeper Ali Meves was strong in her first-career start while freshmen Hannah Allison, Kelsey Amy and Alex Schlener all saw their first collegiate action as well.
It didn't take long for the Monarchs to take the lead as Katie Ueberroth made a tip off a penalty corner for a 1-0 advantage at the 10:37 mark.
Penn State hung tough, converting a penalty corner of its own to tie the score at one behind a beautiful shot from Bonenberger. The goal, which found the far corner of the cage, was assisted by fellow senior Christine Dudek.
The Lions controlled second half possession and had a number of strong counterattacks, but it was Old Dominion who scored the eventual game-winner at 53:58 off yet another penalty corner. Hannah Warren made the feed to Loran Hatch, who set up Rachel Stream for a hard shot that beat Meves to make it 2-1. It was Hatch's second assist of the day.
Old Dominion held the advantage in shots, 8-4, while penalty corners were even at five. Meves stood tall with three saves while Monarchs netminder Kelly Driscoll made one.
Penn State is back in action on Sunday as it travels to face No. 6 Virginia. Check back to GoPSUsports.com as the Nittany Lions look for their fifth straight win against the Cavaliers.