Sept. 16, 2009
Box Score | Season Stats | Big Ten Feature on Bonenberger & Hoffsmith
EASTON, Pa. - Despite a strong defensive effort, the Penn State field hockey team dropped a 1-0 overtime heartbreaker to Lafayette on Wednesday night. Junior goalkeeper Ali Meves impressed with seven saves in regulation, but the Leopards converted on their first shot of the extra session for the game-winner.
The loss snaps an incredible string of success against Pennsylvania squads. Penn State's last defeat to an intrastate opponent came on Sept. 13, 2003, also in overtime to Lafayette. In between, the Lions won 30 straight games with an astonishing 2,194 days in between losses against Keystone State foes.
The Leopards were predicted to finish second in the preseason Patriot League poll and received votes in the most recent NFHCA National Coaches Poll. They showed it with a strong performance which ended when Deanna DiCroce scored the only goal of the game only 1:38 into overtime.
Both teams played neck-and-neck in regulation. After a very defensive first half which consisted of only four combined shots, the second half saw more chances with seven shots a side. Both goalkeepers were strong in making four second half stops to keep the game scoreless.
Final shots were 11-8 in favor of Lafayette while penalty corners were tied at three. Meves finished with seven saves while her counterpart, Kelsey Anderson, had four.
The Nittany Lions return home Sunday at 12 p.m. as they play host to another Pennsylvania squad, West Chester at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex. A 30 minute autograph session with the entire team is scheduled following the game, so don't miss out!
Check back to GoPSUsports.com for a complete preview of the West Chester game.
Follow Penn State field hockey on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PennStateFH