March 1, 2015
By Sean Donnelly, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - With the final two weeks of the regular season on its mind, the Penn State women's hockey team knew it was important to get off to a hot start in the postseason.
And the Nittany Lions knew they needed to play their best game if they wanted to advance to the CHA semifinals.
The Nittany Lions (15-15-4, 9-9-2 CHA) hosted Lindenwood (10-19-2, 7-11-2 CHA) for a best-of-three set at Pegula Ice Arena on Friday and Saturday. Fortunately, the Nittany Lions squad rewarded themselves with some extra rest by not allowing the series to go all three games thanks to a 2-0 sweep.
The victory on Friday night was a seesaw battle, as the Lions shutout Lindenwood 1-0. The Lions came out fast and strong, establishing a strong forecheck and putting pressure on anyone who touched the puck. Lindenwood was never able to get into a rhythm on offense.
The Nittany Lions struck first when junior captain Shannon Yoxheimer scored on the power play with a great pass from Kelly Seward. Yoxheimer, who is the program's career goals, assists and points leader, was able to get in front of the net for the tip-in. It was the only goal Penn State would need to get the win.
"It feels really awesome because it's what we have been working for," said Yoxheimer. "It just shows that we are getting so much better every single year. It's a big step for the program."
The story of the game was goaltender Celine Whitlinger's absolutely stellar play in net, stopping all 23 shots she faced for her third shutout of the season. Following the game, Whitlinger did not shy away from praising the Nittany Lions playing front of her.
"We've been working hard in practice," said Whitlinger. "It's definitely a team effort and we've got each others backs."
"It was a total team effort this evening," said head coach Josh Brandwene. "Great physical effort, tremendous patience and really good decision-making. It was just a really good playoff atmosphere at Pegula Arena.
The celebration of Penn State's first CHA playoff win didn't last long, as focus was already on to Saturday's game.
"We want to come off strong tomorrow like we did today," said Brandwene. "It's important to get better as a team tomorrow. Improve, get better, play focused, play disciplined and the result will take care of itself."
"I think there were a couple moments where we needed to tell ourselves we're okay and calm down," said Yoxheimer. "Going into tomorrow is just battling hard and keeping control of your sticks and moving your feet."
On Saturday, a little luck went a long way for the Nittany Lions. Two minutes into the game, freshman defenseman Bella Sutton cleared the puck from Penn State's own zone. Lindenwood goaltender Nicole Hensley, who boasts a .947 save percentage in all playoff appearances, was caught off guard by the shot. What should have been a routine save squeaked through five-hole to kick off the night.
It was exactly the start the Lions needed, and they never looked back from there.
"I had no idea it went in," said Sutton. "We saw the fans cheering behind the net, and thought `wait did that go in?' I was very surprised."
Yoxheimer continued her phenomenal play by notching her second goal of the series. Yoxheimer's play on both ends of the ice has paid big dividends for the squad.
"Huge weekend for Shannon Yoxheimer, on both sides of the ice," said Brandwene. "Excellent shot selection, good decisions with the puck and I'm really proud of her."
"I think it was just for the most part just sticking to the game plan the coaches gave us," said Yoxheimer. "Just really putting a lot of faith in it and also stepping on the ice and playing to win."
Lindenwood was unable to find a groove on offense, finally registering their first shot seven minutes into the game. For the second straight game, the Nittany Lions exhibited great special teams play allowing only one goal out of 11 power play opportunities. From both ends of the ice, it was a total team effort.
"I feel like our special teams has come a long way throughout the season, said Sutton. "Just trusting the game plan and trusting each other to do our jobs. Just throwing it on net and hoping they go in."
The Nittany Lions were finally able to capitalize on a power play opportunity when Bella Sutton's slap shot found the back of the net for her second goal of the game. It was all Penn State needed to put away Lindenwood 3-1, advancing to the CHA Tournament semifinal game for the first time in program history.
"Special teams is a big part of the game and credit to the members of the team who play on the penalty kill and power play," said Brandwene. "They have done just a tremendous job of continually improving their performance all year."
"I'm just so proud of the process, sticking to the game plan and keeping things even keel," said Brandwene. "Just a great, great performance today by this hockey team."
The Nittany Lions will look to continue their run for the CHA title when they play No. 2 Syracuse in Erie on Friday.