Oct. 20, 2014 UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
By Tyler Feldman, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - In just their third year as an NCAA Division I women's hockey team, the Nittany Lions are off to their best start in program history.
This past weekend, Penn State (2-2-2) traveled to Schenectady, New York, to faceoff against Union (1-4-1) in a two-game series. After defeating the Dutchwomen, 4-1, on Friday night, the Blue and White rallied to a 2-2 tie on Saturday afternoon.
Not only are the Nittany Lions off to their best start in program history, but they are also unbeaten in their last three contests, going 1-0-2.
"I'm certainly very pleased with the poise and perseverance to stick with the game plan," said head coach Josh Brandwene.
In Friday night's three-goal victory, freshman Caitlin Reilly scored her first career goal to give the Blue and White an early lead. Experience led the rest of the way for the Nittany Lions as juniors Shannon Yoxheimer and Amy Petersen as well as sophomore Sarah Nielsen each scored.
Saturday's matinee was no different, as Petersen scored to even the game at 1-1. Then, sophomore Kelly Seward scored three minutes into the third period to tie the game, 2-2.
"We have a great balance of experience and youth, and we made a lot of strides as a hockey team again this weekend," said Brandwene. "We have a lot to build on and still some things to get better at. Never satisfied.
Penn State went on the offensive against Union, outshooting the Dutchwomen in both games. The Nittany Lions outshot Union 36-21 in Friday's win and 37-22 in Saturday's tie.
According to Brandwene, puck control and communication led to such dominant play in the attacking zone.
"We did a good job all weekend of puck possession," said Brandwene. "Just great poise, great work ethic and puck possession and control. We really distributed it well. Good communication and lots to build on there."
The line of Laura Bowman, Amy Petersen and Hannah Hoenshell led the Nittany Lions offensively, scoring a pair of gals, recording five assists and taking 24 shots.
Petersen has been on fire, scoring three goals in as many games.
"I'm really pleased with Laura, Amy and Hannah's effort this weekend," said Brandwene. "They were really strong at both ends of the ice. They did all the little things. They generated some great scoring chances. If they keep working hard, great things are going to happen for them."
While Celine Whitlinger started in net Friday, Hannah Ehresmann got the nod on Saturday. Both continued their impressive play between the pipes. Whitlinger made 21 saves en route to her first win of the season, and Ehresmann swatted away 20 shots to preserve the tie.
"Great efforts from both Celine and Hannah on the weekend," said Brandwene. "Whenever we had breakdowns and little moments here and there, they both came up very big for us. I'm really pleased with the goaltending."
The Nittany Lions will look to continue their unbeaten streak when they return home to Pegula Ice Arena on Sunday to faceoff against Princeton at 7:00 p.m.