Jan. 3, 2011
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - While being treated to a memorable 2010 campaign, fans of the Penn State field hockey team came out in droves to cheer on the Nittany Lions and helped the team rank second in the nation in total attendance after packing the stands at the PSU Field Hockey Complex throughout the season.
During the year, 5,125 people came to Happy Valley to watch Penn State's 12 home games. The Lions were one of only two programs in the country to eclipse the 5,000-fan plateau. The Maryland Terrapins, who eventually captured the NCAA Championship, led the way with 10,572 spectators over 15 home dates.
Penn State averaged 427 fans per contest, which was the fourth-highest total in the NCAA. The Nittany Lions are one of only three programs in the nation that has averaged more than 400 spectators per game during each of the last two seasons, joining ACC powers Maryland and North Carolina.
For the second straight year, PSU also led the Big Ten in attendance as Michigan was the only other program to draw more than 300 fans per game.
As usual, the fans that made the trek to the PSU Field Hockey Complex were treated with outstanding play throughout the year. The Nittany Lions capped off the 2010 campaign with a 14-6 record and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
The squad was led by three All-Americans, including second-team selections Kelsey Amy and Ayla Halus. Jessica Longstreth was also named to the third-team squad, while freshman Brittany Grzywacz earned All-Region honors during her first season with Penn State.
Since moving to the PSU Field Hockey Complex in 2005, the Lions have benefited from a strong home field advantage to post an outstanding 43-14 record on their own turf. Last year, the team went 9-3 at its cozy confines.