Oct. 21, 2014 UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
By Gabrielle Richards, GoPSUsports Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- With Sports Center Top 10 worthy goals and Big Ten coverage, this weekend not only proved that Penn State is at the top of their game, but that their nine seniors are integral to their success.
Prior to Sunday's game against the Hoosiers, nine Nittany Lions were honored at Senior Day. They have played in the NCAA quarterfinals twice and won two Big Ten regular season titles and two Big Ten tournaments.
After discussing her team's success this weekend, coach Charlene Morett-Curtiss reminisced on her time coaching this group of seniors.
"I can't believe four years have gone by with this group," said coach Morett-Curtiss. "They are a bunch of different characters and they embrace the team. They each bring so much to this program."
It was obvious in this weekend's victories that from the offense and the mid-field to the defense and the goal line, senior leadership is the driving force behind Penn State's success. Coach Morett-Curtiss described what each senior has brought to this program over the past four years.
"Amanda is diligent."
Amanda Dinunzio, a product of State College High School, has been a key contributor for the Nittany Lions on the forward line. Her "diligence" is obvious in her circle play. Dinunzio doesn't lift her stick off the ground while near the goal and is consistent in Penn State's offensive pressure. In this weekend's match-ups against Rutgers and Indiana, Dinunzio helped dish off passes inside the circle and the 25-yard line. One of those passes was to Jenna Chrismer, who found Taylor Herold seconds later, putting the Nittany Lions up on the board.
"Jenna has a great work ethic."
Jenna Chrismer is one of the most consistent players on Penn State's forward line. She never falters inside the circle and always does whatever she can to force a scoring opportunity. This past weekend, Chrismer contributed to two of the five goals scored for Penn State. Her work ethic is clear in her ability to pull the defense and make the goalie move. Chrismer's stick work is unparalleled inside the circle; it's almost as if she is thinking three steps ahead of the play.
"Nat brings enthusiasm."
Natalie Buttinger is never afraid to commit to a defensive attack from the forward line. The former track star uses her speed to aid the Nittany Lion defense and quickly switch gears into scoring mode. She might not always earn an assist or score, but Buttinger is solid in her passing game. She is able to trap the ball on her stick and accurately place wherever she wants to on the field, a skill the Nittany Lions benefit from inside the 25-yard line.
"Taylor is determined"
Taylor Herold is almost indescribable; she is the entire package. From her speed to her stick handling and her ability to work the ball in open space, Herold always delivers a stellar performance. Performance is often the only word to describe her contributions on the field because more often than not, her goals are unbelievable. In Friday's game against Rutgers, Herold's unassisted goal made ESPN Sports Center's Top 10. She carried the ball on her stick from the end line to the post of the net, where she reverse-shot the ball into the cage. If you blinked, you missed it. Goals like this aren't uncommon for the senior, as she is notorious for making jaw-dropping plays.
"Casey steps up."
Casey Haegele is an asset to the Nittany Lions inside the circle. She always finds a way to find a foot in the circle and force a corner. Her speed is a weapon on the forward line. Coach Morett-Curtiss says that Heagele is one of the most coachable players on the team. Much like in baseball, Haegele is the equivalent of a relief pitcher, offering a fresh set of legs for the Nittany Lions; she always helps Penn State close on a win.
"Laura brings passion."
Laura Gebhart is one of the most seasoned members of the Penn State field hockey team. She has not only played in every game of her career, but has fostered her craft on the U.S. National Team, as well. Gebhart is the backbone of the Nittany Lions offensive and defensive strategy, as she is always in control from the center mid position. Gebhart is as versatile as they come and plays wherever her team needs her. When she isn't scoring from the top of the circle while laying flat on her stomach, Gebhart is in constant communication with her teammates on the field. Her passion for the game shines with every pass and every pre-game pep talk.
"Katie B. is confident."
Katie Breneman floats between the mid and defensive position for the Nittany Lions. One of her biggest contributions is her confidence, as she is never afraid to commit. Breneman is solid from the attack position of defense and takes risks with her block tackle. There are times when Breneman is almost parallel to the ground while trying to steal the ball from the opposing team; more often than not, she is successful.
"Katie A. is tenacious."
Katie Andrews has been solid for the Nittany Lions in the center back position. Her tenacity shined this weekend and against Bucknell last Tuesday when she assisted on the scoring drive. She always looks for an opportunity to spread the field, often calling for the back pass to help reposition the offense. When she sees an opportunity to take the ball up the field, she does. Andrews is solid for the Nittany Lions' defense inside the circle and a key contributor in this season's five shut outs.
"Kylie has a competitive spirit."
As a red shirt senior, her experience inside the cage has prepared her for pretty much anything. The most unique quality about Licata is her trust in her defense. She is a versatile goalie who can make the save from above the stroke mark. This season she has managed to earn five shut outs and only allowed one goal in this weekend's contests.
These nine seniors are leaving behind big shoes to fill, but their story is not finished yet. With their leadership, there is no question that Penn State will have a successful post-season as they currently have its 13-3 record on their side. The Nittany Lions three losses this season were incredibly close; two of them came from over-time play and the other was a one-goal deficit.
Penn State heads to Iowa this Saturday, before returning home the following week to take on Northwestern at home on Oct. 31.
"Everyone from the seniors to our coaching staff played a part in our wins this weekend," Andrews said. "It doesn't get much better than winning on senior day."