Oct. 30, 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
By Gabrielle Richards, GoPSUsports Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Sixty-two days ago, head coach Charlene Morett-Curtiss took the mic at fall sports media day. With senior captain Laura Gebhart at her side, she told audience members that her team's chemistry would prevail this season. She was right. The Nittany Lions have had a fantastic regular season, with one conference game remaining. Despite some tough losses, including an overtime loss to 2013 NCAA champion UConn, team chemistry and leadership has always prevailed.
New Year, New Turf, New Schedule
The Nittany Lions opened up the regular season with two exhibition games against Pacific and Delaware. With a pair of wins under its belt heading into the regular season, Penn State was able to work out the little things before starting the Big Ten schedule.
The Nittany Lions' home record is nearly perfect. With only one loss at home, coming in overtime against Michigan, Penn State has owned its new turf. Coach Morett-Curtiss said at the beginning of the season that the turf would be a smoother surface than the one before. Since Penn State is arguably one of the fastest teams in the Big Ten, a flatter surface allows for them to play quicker hockey. The Nittany Lions have been able to score in the first six minutes of play, at home, nine times this season. Aside from averaging three goals a game, the Nittany Lions have been able to draw a total of 130 corners this season, which speaks volumes to their offensive strategy inside the circle.
Maryland and Rutgers were new additions to the schedule this year. The Nittany Lions shut out Rutgers 3-0, but lost to Maryland 4-3.
Senior Leadership
During the game against Maryland, it was clear that senior leadership guides this team. The Nittany Lions were able to narrow the loss margin to just one goal with a strong second half effort from the senior class.
Offensively, the Nittany Lions have benefited from experience, along with the play-making of Jenna Chrismer, the finesse of Taylor Herold, the post play of Amanda Dinunzio and the speed of Natalie Buttinger and Casey Haegele.
Defensively, Penn State is consistent because of senior captain Katie Andrews and fellow senior Katie Breneman. Fifth-year senior keeper Kylie Licata has been solid in net this year.
Senior captain Laura Gebhart will be leaving behind big shoes to fill, as she controls the field from the center mid position. Her versatility on both offense and defense is unmatched by most players in the Big Ten and NCAA in general. Her poise on the field has helped guide the Nittany Lions to many victories this season.
Coming Full Circle
Needless to say Morett-Curtiss's predictions about her team were right. She predicted that Maryland and Rutgers would be tough additions to the schedule. She knew that her senior leadership would lift her team to many victories. She understood that this year had the potential to be a big year for the program.
With one conference game left on Friday against Northwestern, the Nittany Lions will prepare for the Big Ten Tournament and hopefully berth into the NCAA Tournament.
The sky is the limit for this team.