Oct. 16, 2011
ANN ARBOR, Mich. - The Penn State field hockey team (11-4, 3-0) had its nine-game winning streak snapped on Sunday afternoon, losing to the Michigan Wolverines by a score of 2-0. Despite applying early pressure, Penn State was unable to carry it on into the second half and the Wolverines capitalized twice then, to garner the 2-0 victory.
Redshirt junior Ayla Halus (Hershey, Pa.) played a strong game in goal, making eight saves. Junior Kelsey Amy (Sweet Valley, Pa.) recorded three shots for the Nittany Lions.
The Nittany Lions were the dominant team within the first 14 minutes of the game. Penn State recorded three shots and accumulated four penalty corners within the time span. Amy recorded all three shots, one of which was blocked, another being saved by Michigan goalie Haley Jones and the third going wide.
At the 15:06 mark, Michigan began to apply pressure in Penn State's defensive third of the field. Ainsley McCallister fired two shots on goal within 30 seconds, but Halus was able to make two saves to keep the game tied at zero going into halftime.
Michigan was the first team to attack in the second half, as Jess Allen recorded a shot on goal at 38:05, but Halus made the save. The Wolverines were rewarded a penalty corner seconds later, but Halus came up big with another save. Her great game in goal continued as she made back-to-back saves off another penalty corner at the 42 minute mark.
The first score would come a minute later, as Rachel Mack scored off a penalty corner at 43:16. Bryn Bain earned the assist on the goal and Michigan had a 1-0 lead.
Michigan then upped its lead to 2-0 eight minutes later. Mack scored her second goal of the game. Emy Guttman passed the ball into the circle, where Mack finished it. Penn State was forced to use a time out with under 19 minutes remaining.
Penn State will return to Happy Valley next Saturday for a noon matchup with the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Nittany Lions will then travel to Bucknell on Oct. 25 before heading back to State College to close out the regular season against Michigan State.
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 updates throughout the 2011 season.
Follow Penn State field hockey on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PennStateFH or www.twitter.com/GoPSUGreg.