Sept. 13, 2009
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Despite a late second half surge, the No. 13 Penn State field hockey team fell to American University, 3-1, in Sunday action at the Terrapin Invitational. Sophomore Jessica Longstreth scored her first goal of the season to account for the Lions' scoring while redshirt freshman Ayla Halus made six saves in her first-career start.
Penn State responded from Saturday's tough loss with a strong effort against the preseason Patriot League favorites. Redshirt freshman Hannah Allison set the tone early with a quick shot only 34 seconds into the contest, but it was American who scored the all-important first goal at 4:53. Rachel Carney finished the play off a penalty corner with Ann-Meike De Wiljes picking up the assist.
The Nittany Lions continued to battle, but were unable to tie the score heading into halftime. Early in the second half, American converted on another chance for a two goal advantage. After carrying the ball along the left side of the field, Savannah Graybill made a pass from outside the circle which found Melissa Casale at the right post. Casale made the redirection into the cage for the 2-0 lead at 45:22.
The continued pressure led to a penalty stroke attempt, which Longstreth converted, at the 64:02 mark. The reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year already has two penalty stroke attempts on the young season.
Penn State called a timeout looking to ride the momentum to the tying goal, but Graybill all but ended any hope when she added an insurance tally at 65:08.
Final shots were 10-8 in favor of American while the Eagles led in penalty corners, 7-5. American goalkeeper Alyssa Poorman stood tall with seven saves while Halus made six.
The Lions are back in action on Wednesday for a rare mid-week game at Lafayette. Game time is 7 p.m. They return home on Sunday to face West Chester at 12 p.m. at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex. Check back to GoPSUsports.com throughout the week for news, notes and more as the team looks to extend its 30-game winning streak against intrastate opponents.
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