Nov. 10, 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -
By Tyler Feldman, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Not only did Penn State (5-4-3) claim its first road series sweep in program history this past weekend, but the Nittany Lions also continued their offensive surge by scoring nine goals in just two games against Colgate (2-7-0).
Playing both games at Starr Rink in Hamilton, N.Y., the Blue and White were the real stars in the two-game weekend series.
"A total team effort," said head coach Josh Brandwene. "Great intensity. Great poise. Great focus. Really pleased with the effort this weekend."
The top line of Amy Petersen, Laura Bowman and Hannah Hoenshell scored seven of nine goals to lead Penn State's brushing of Colgate.
"Their results speak directly to their process and their effort," Brandwene said in regards to his top line. "They're competitive people. They just continue to work hard and get better every day."
In Friday night's contest, Penn State used a four-goal second period to paste Colgate, 6-4. The top line totaled five goals, with Bowman and Hoenshell each scoring twice and Petersen scoring once.
Shannon Yoxheimer was another Nittany Lion to score in Friday's high scoring affair on a gorgeous move through three Raiders to find the back of the net.
"Fantastic move," said Brandwene. "Fantastic burst of speed. She too and her line continue to get better every day. Their process is excellent, and they are seeing the results as well, and that's a great thing for our hockey team."
While offense was the focus in game one, Saturday's venue featured discipline on defense as the Nittany Lions squeezed Colgate, 3-1.
"Our decision-making on Saturday was outstanding, and that's something that we want to continue to build on," said Brandwene.
Trailing 1-0 after one period of play, the Blue and White used two-second period goals from Bowman to regain the lead. Then, an empty netter from Sarah Nielsen sealed the rinsing of the Raiders, 3-1.
The adjustments that Penn State made on defense after the first period allowed the Nittany Lions to find success in the final 40 minutes of play.
"The team did a great job of sticking with the game plan, maintaining focus on the process, and it was a terrific team effort," said Brandwene.
With 12 games under their belt, the Penn State freshmen continue to make strides on and off the ice. In the two weekend wins, first-year defenseman Bella Sutton blocked six shots, while fellow rookie Caitlin Reilly tallied an assist on Yoxheimer's goal in the Friday's game.
"As a group they continue to get better," said Brandwene. "They're very hard working, very coachable and their process continues to be excellent as well."
Since taking the head coaching reigns three years ago, Brandwene is very pleased with the progress his team has made since its inaugural Division I season in 2012.
"It is a great pleasure for me to watch the student-athletes in our program get rewarded for their hard work," said Brandwene. "I'm grateful every day for the opportunity to work with this fabulous group of student-athletes."
The Nittany Lions return home to practice this week before traveling to Rochester, N.Y. to face off against conference foe RIT on Friday and Saturday.