Jan. 12, 2013
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - The Penn State women's hockey team played the better of two games on Saturday evening at Messa Rink, but fell 2-1 to Union. Jess Desorcie (Westford, Vt.) tried to spur a Nittany Lion comeback with her fifth goal of the season, which cut a two-goal Union lead in half. It wasn't enough as the Dutchwomen skated off with the series sweep.
Penn State (7-14-1) looked to be the aggressor early on, putting up four early shots in the first period including quality chances by Jeanette Bateman (Greeley, Colo.), Shannon Yoxheimer (Jackson, Mich.) and Emily Laurenzi (Townsend, Del.). Unfortunately for PSU, Union goaltender Shenae Lundberg (X saves) was up to the task en route to her second straight victory.
Union (7-9-3) gained some momentum after a Penn State penalty, scoring just 90 seconds after its expiration from Jessica Kaminsky, her fourth of the season. The period ended with Union out front with an 11-10 shot advantage.
The second period went by scoreless, but Penn State was the more dangerous squad, controlling most of the period. Kendra Rasmussen's (Sartell, Minn.) opportunity just a minute in was turned away before a scramble in front by Laurenzi and Hannah Hoenshell (Plano, Texas.). Shots ended eight apiece for the two sides.
The third period began lethargically for Penn State and Union pounced on the opportunity. The Dutchwomen doubled their lead through Bryanne Panchuk just 3:53 into the frame.
Penn State was resilient and the top line came through when it needed a boost. Taylor Gross (Colorado Springs, Colo.) fired a shot, which was saved by Lundberg and Desorcie was there to put away the loose puck and cut the lead in half. Yoxheimer earned her 11th assist on the play, Gross her 14th.
Penn State looked to equalize, but Union buckled down and held of the Nittany Lion response. The Dutchwomen held a 16-7 edge in shots in the third period. For the game, Union had a 36-26 shot margin.
Junior goaltender Nicole Paniccia (Oakville, Ont.) had 34 saves in net for Penn State. Paniccia didn't dress for Friday night's game due to illness.
The Nittany Lions return to action in two weeks at Syracuse for a CHA matchup with the Orange. That series has a 7 p.m. start on Friday, Jan. 25 before a 2 p.m. game on Saturday, Jan. 26. Penn State's next home game is Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. The Princeton game opens a five-game home stand.
--NITTANY LIONS--