June 4, 2012
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State field hockey's Jenna Chrismer (Mountain Top, Pa.), Laura Gebhart (Mount Joy, Pa.) and Lauren Purvis (Maple Glen, Pa.) have been selected to participate in USA Field Hockey's Women's National Championship, held at the University of Maryland in College Park, June 1-8. The Women's National Championship features the most elite athletes in the country, including collegiate all-stars, current National Team members and members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Women's Field Hockey Team.
The eight-day showcase event commenced on June 1 and features eight regions playing in five matches, including the finals on June 8. Athletes will compete for the title of regional champions, but more importantly vie for a spot on the National Squad roster and the opportunity to represent the U.S. on the international stage.
Gebhart, who was named First Team All-Big Ten and Third Team All-American, had a tremendous freshman year, as she was tied for third on the team with 24 points. Her 12 assists this year was second on the team and good for fifth in the conference. She started in every game at midfield for the Nittany Lions this past season.
Purvis, who was a steady contributor in the midfield all season, as she scored 12 points on five goals and two assists. Her efforts earned her Second Team All-Big Ten recognition. She also earned All-Region honors and is a two-sport athlete in both field hockey and lacrosse.
Chrismer had a strong freshman year, as she started the season with goals against Old Dominion and Virginia to earn her Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors on August 30. She finished the year with 11 total points coming on five goals and one assist.
Follow Penn State field hockey on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PennStateFH.