Oct. 21, 2011
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - After having its nine-game winning streak snapped last Sunday, the Penn State field hockey team looks to get back on track as it hosts Ohio State on Senior Day at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex. Start time is slated for noon on the University Park campus.
Penn State had its nine-game winning streak snapped on Sunday afternoon, losing to the Michigan Wolverines by a score of 2-0 in Ann Arbor. 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 played a strong game in goal, making eight saves.
Six Penn State seniors will be honored prior to Saturday's game against the Buckeyes. Seniors Hannah Allison (Mifflinburg), Lauren Alloway (Hummelstown), Ayla Halus (Hershey), Casey McCartin (Horsham), Kristen Schaefer (Millersville) and Alex Schlener (Bethlehem) will all be recognized for their contributions to Penn State Field Hockey over the last four years. Allison, Halus, Schaefer and Schlener are all eligible to come back for a fifth year next season.
Penn State junior Kelsey Amy (Sweet Valley) enters Saturday's game as the nations leader in goals scored per game and is second in points scored per game. Sophomore Whitney Reddig (Lititz) is averaging 1.07 assists per game, which is good for third in the country.
Ohio State heads to Happy Valley with a 9-7 overall record and a 2-2 mark in Big Ten play, good for fourth overall in the conference standings. The Buckeyes are led by Danica Deckard, who has 22 points on the season coming on 10 goals and two assists. Berta Queralt also has accumulated 22 points on nine goals and four assists. Ali Tunitis will make the start in the cage, as she has posted a 1.56 GAA.
Penn State holds a 32-9-2 all-time advantage over the Buckeyes in the series. The Nittany Lions have won five of the last seven matchups, with their most recent win coming on Nov. 5, 2009 in the Big Ten Tournament. Ohio State won the most recent matchup by a score of 3-0 in Columbus last year.
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.
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