Sept. 20, 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
By Miranda Kulp, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Under the Friday night lights at Jeffery field, the Penn State women's soccer team hosted its first Big Ten match of the season against rivals Ohio State.
The Lions started the match off with aggressive plays right away. Within the first two minutes of the game, Mallory Weber crossed over to Frannie Crouse for the first goal of the night.
Crouse's opening goal was one of five for the Lions, the final 5-1 scoring adding to their perfect home record.
"These guys are on a mission and they're playing like they have something to prove," said head coach Erica Walsh.
Returning from two weekends on the road, the team made sure to keep the pressure on Ohio State with consistent attacks on goal and sharp defense.
"Anytime we get the chance to play Ohio State at Jeffery Field, it's going to be a good night for us," said Walsh. "We came out hard and we came out strong."
The team took a total of 15 shots, making it one of their most offensive games yet of the season.
Freshman forward Frannie Crouse was one of the players who kept the pressure on the Buckeyes. Not only did she start the game off with a goal, she scored her second goal of the night early in the second half on a breakaway.
One of eleven freshman on the team this year, she is already a key player on the team's offense.
"I take it as the entire team doing their job," Crouse said. "I give all my credit to them since they've made my transition so easy."
She already scored four goals this season. Although this is her first year playing on Jeffery Field, she is a standout player.
"I think Frannie Crouse is the real deal. She's going to be a great leader for us," said Walsh.
Crouse is the kind of player who gives her all whenever she plays. With her speed and drive, she sets the standards for the team's aggression during any match.
"Scoring right away is such a great feeling. It gets the entire team excited and keeps you motivated," said Crouse.
Another player who led the way for the Lions' win was Salina Williford.
As a returning sophomore, Williford is continuing to help the Lions win. She is a midfielder and forward for the team that keeps the team motivated regardless of where she is playing.
During the first half, Williford scored her first career goal. She got the ball off of a turnover and kicked it perfectly in the net, giving the Lions a 2-0 lead in the first half.
After taking 17 shots so far this season, Williford proved her determination to score.
"It was such a great feeling seeing the ball go into the net," Williford said. "I've come so close to making a goal so it was great being able to score."
In the beginning of the second half, Ohio State scored from a scramble in front of the net. Frustrated and determined for a win, the Lions responded with a goal from senior defender Whitney Church.
Her first goal of the season, Church gave the Lions their two goal lead back and the team's momentum for the second half.
Nearing the end of regulation, Echard crossed the ball to Rodriguez for a goal to secure the Lions' 5-1 victory.
With its third Big Ten win of the season, the team is keeping focused as they move through the schedule. Said Walsh, "We have big hopes and high aspirations for this season."