Oct. 11, 2011
EASTON, Pa. - The Penn State field hockey team extended its winning streak to nine games on Tuesday as it defeated the Lafayette Leopards, 6-0. With the victory, Penn State improves to 11-3 on the season, heading into this weekend's critical Big Ten matchup with Michigan.
Penn State outshot the Leopards 19-4 in a dominant offensive performance. Junior Kelsey Amy (Sweet Valley, Pa.) netted two goals for the Nittany Lions in the win. Senior Casey McCartin (Horsham, Pa.) had a great performance as well, scoring her first goal of the season. Sophomore Ashtin Klingler (Selinsgrove, Pa.) scored for the second straight game and sophomore Whitney Reddig (Lititz, Pa.) also contributed to the scoring effort. Additionally, freshman Taylor Herold (Fredericksburg, Va.) added a goal in the second half. Junior Ayla Halus (Hershey, Pa.) and freshman Kylie Licata (Langhorne, Pa.) each split time in the cage.
Penn State's powerful offensive attack was displayed in the early going, as McCartin put the Nittany Lions on the board 4:04 into the game. She netted her first goal of the season after winning a loose ball in the circle. She won the ball near the far post, tapped it in, and the Lions were up 1-0.
The Nittany Lions' second score came about nine minutes later. Penn State applied pressure in Lafayette's defensive third of the field and was rewarded a penalty corner. Reddig slotted a ball in to Amy. The junior standout didn't even give the goalie a chance, as she blasted it into the cage for her team-leading 19th goal of the season. Her 20th goal came just moments later at 15:50. Amy passed a ball into the circle that deflected off a Lafayette defender and snuck past the keeper. Amy was credited for the goal and Penn State had a commanding 3-0 lead.
Penn State would take a 4-0 lead at the 27:22 mark in the first half. Herold took a low shot in the circle. The rebound went to Klingler, who corralled it, took a moment and beat the goalie low for the score. The Nittany Lions were not done though in the first half. Sophomore Lauren Purvis (Maple Glen, Pa.) played a ball to Reddig, who finished with a low shot and put Penn State up 5-0.
After a very quiet start to the second half, Penn State would build its lead in the 59th minute. Freshman Casey Haegele (Abington, Pa.) took a long shot that was saved. Herold roofed it beautifully off the rebound to give PSU a 6-0 lead.
Penn State will close out its three-game road trip when it travels to Michigan this Sunday. The Nittany Lions return home on Oct. 22 to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Penn State hosts the 2011 Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament from Nov. 3-6. Tickets for the Big Ten Tournament can be purchased by contacting the Bryce Jordan Center ticket office at 814-865-5555. All session passes are $18 for adults and $12 for students/senior citizens. Single session tickets will run at $8 for adults and $5 for students/senior citizens. Groups of 15 people or more may also purchase tickets at $12 for all session passes and $5 for a single session.
Check back to GoPSUsports.com for continued Penn State Field Hockey updates throughout the 2011 season.
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