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March 28, 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The No. 11/12 Penn State women's lacrosse team will look for its first six-game winning streak since 1999 and its first 3-0 conference start since 2003 when it visits No. 4/5 Florida Sunday, March 30. Opening draw between the Nittany Lions (7-3, 2-0 ALC) and Gators (11-2, 2-0 ALC) at Donald R. Dizney Stadium is set for noon.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Sunday's game will air live on Sun Sports, which is available on both DirecTV (channel 653) and DISH Network (422). Links to the radio broadcast and live stats will be accessible through GoPSUsports.com.
SEARCHING FOR SIX
Penn State will look to win its sixth straight game Sunday and secure the program's longest winning streak since an eight-game stretch in 1999. The Nittany Lions advanced to the NCAA semifinals for the last time during the 1999 season.
LIONS LOOK TO SNAP GATORS
Penn State will aim to snap an impressive Florida streak for the second straight season as the Gators boast a 26-game home winning streak. Florida last lost in Gainesville March 3, 2012 in a 12-11 overtime setback to Syracuse. As a result of last season's 16-11 victory, Penn State snapped Florida's 24-game regular-season winning streak.
LAST TIME VS. FLORIDA
After facing a three-goal halftime deficit, the Nittany Lions out scored Florida by a 10-2 margin in the second half for a 16-11 victory against the then-No. 2 Gators March 30, 2013. Midfielder Tatum Coffey recorded a game-high five points (4g, 1a), while six additional Nittany Lions recorded multi-point games. Midfielder Ally Heavens scored a season-high three goals, Jenna Mosketti collected a game-high four draw controls and defender Colleen Shea secured a team-high two caused turnovers.
Final Stats (PSU-UF): Shots (29-21), Saves (4-8), Ground Balls (11-9), Draw Controls (15-12), Turnovers (7-9), Caused Turnovers (7-6).
NITTANY LION STREAKS
Junior Maggie McCormick will enter the game boasting a 37-game point-scoring streak (78-65--143), while senior Mackenzie Cyr has collected at least one point in 15 straight games (17-25--42). Former All-American Candy Finn holds the program record, securing a point in 58 straight games from 1979-82.
HIGH-POWERED OFFENSE
The Nittany Lions, who defeated Drexel by a 21-8 score Wednesday, have scored at least 20 goals in two straight games and three times this season. Penn State, which has scored at least 14 goals in each game during their current win streak, entered the week boasting the nation's 12th-ranked offense.
DEFENSE HOLDING STRONG
The Nittany Lions have held their opposition to fewer than 10 goals in each of the last four games and six times during the 2014 season.
SCOUTING FLORIDA
The Gators boast the nation's leading goal scorer - Shannon Gilroy - and rank first in draw controls, second in points and fourth in scoring offense. Florida is 7-0 at home in 2014 and have out scored its opponents, 134-42, in Gainesville. At home, the Gators allowed a season-high 13 goals to Loyola in a 14-13 Florida victory March 4.
BALANCED ATTACK
Eight Nittany Lions have recorded double-digit points, while 19 players have notched at least one point, in 2014.
TAKING CONTROL
Jenna Mosketti's 46 draw controls are six more than next two Nittany Lions - Kelly Lechner (24), Madison Cyr (16) - combined.
CYR CLIMBING THE CHARTS
Senior Mackenzie Cyr boasts 95 career assists on her résumé as she closes in on third place (98) on the program's all-time list.
NO SOPHOMORE SLUMP
Midfielder Madison Cyr is enjoying a breakout sophomore campaign, already setting career highs in goals (22) and points (28). In an 18-11 victory against Loyola March 8, Cyr set career highs in goals (4), points (6) and draw controls (5), while matching her career high in assists (2). The Westminster, Md., matched her personal-best four goals against Drexel March 26.
LOOKING AHEAD
Following Sunday's game, Penn State will return home to face No. 7/8 Northwestern Friday, April 4 at the Penn State Lacrosse Field. Game time is set for 7 p.m.