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| Field Hockey Complex| University Park, Pa. | 327 | |
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Oct. 17, 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Three different players scored as the No. 5 Penn State field hockey team earned a 3-0 Big Ten win against Rutgers at the Field Hockey Complex Friday afternoon. Seniors Jenna Chrismer (Mountain Top, Pa.) and Taylor Herold (Fredericksburg, Va.) each had a goal and an assist.
"I think the defense really kept their poise in the circle to come out with the ball when it got in dangerous situations," said head coach Charlene Morett-Curtiss. "Kylie Licata did a nice job of obviously keeping it out of the cage. I thought that we got on to our passing game a little bit better in the second half. We had some just beautiful goals. It was nice to see three goals from the field. I'm really pleased with the overall effort."
Penn State improved to 12-3 on the season, including a 3-2 mark in conference play. Rutgers moved to 6-8 and 1-5 in league play. The Nittany Lions' defense recorded its fifth shutout of the season. Penn State held an 18-9 advantage in shots and a 6-4 lead in corners, with all six of the Nittany Lions' attempts coming in the first half.
The Nittany Lions got on the board on the first shot of the game. Headed toward the goal, Herold pushed a pass to Chrismer. The forward shot it into the corner of the cage from about five yards out just 5:28 into the opening half for an early 1-0 lead.
With 23:26 to go in the first period, Herold dribbled up the far side and forced a pass to Chrismer in front of the cage. Chrismer redirected the pass to redshirt senior Natalie Buttinger (Kitchener, Ontario) who swatted it past Rutgers goalkeeper Shevaun Hayes to give Penn State a 2-0 lead.
Penn State had four corners in the first 21:05 of the game, creating opportunities early.
At the half, Penn State led in shots, 13-5 and held a 6-2 advantage in corners.
Following the break, the second frame started with just two shots apiece in the first 21:33.
The Nittany Lions the posted three shots in less than a minute of play. Following a shot by senior Laura Gebhart (Mount Joy, Pa.) that was saved by Hayes, Herold corralled the rebound and put in a backhanded shot, knocking it in before it hit the ground, for her second goal of the game. Penn State led 3-0 with 12:39 to go in the half. The goal, Herold's 49th of her career, gave her sole possession of 10th on the Nittany Lions' all-time list.
Penn State returns to action at home on Sunday at noon, hosting Big Ten foe in No. 18 Indiana. The game will be Senior Day, recognizing nine players who are playing their final season with the Nittany Lions. The game will also be Pink Day, raising awareness for breast cancer.