Oct. 4, 2015
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By Jack Milewski, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ââ'¬" The Penn State women's hockey team has made team growth one of their main focal points this season. Following a season opening sweep to the number one ranked team in the nation, the Minnesota Golden Gophers, growth continues to be a key focus of the team.
"Since we started preseason, it's been a growth mindset," said Coach Josh Brandwene after the team's opening night loss. "Obviously when you work that hard and you don't get the result you're looking for, it's tough. But the growth I witnessed over the last 60 minutes was tremendous and it is something we can build on the rest of the year."
Penn State dropped its opening game of the season on the first of October, 2-0. The Golden Gophers were held in check for the most part as the Nittany Lions held tough and only gave up one goal through the first 59 minutes. Minnesota added another goal with goalie Celine Whitlinger pulled, to ice the game despite a 41 save effort from the Penn State net minder.
"Celine was absolutely phenomenal," said Brandwene. "Sharp, poised, focus, I'm incredibly proud of her." The rest of the Nittany Lion team played solid as well, as they blocked numerous Golden Gopher shots in what Brandwene called their, "best shot blocking effort in a while." It was also one of Whitlinger's best efforts in goal, despite the final outcome.
"I felt good tonight," said Whitlinger. "I actually prefer to have a lot of shots on goal because it makes it easier to get into a rhythm."
In terms of offense, the Nittany Lions only mustered 17 shots on net as most of the play was in their own zone. Shannon Yoxheimer and Amy Petersen had a few opportunities for the Nittany Lions, but other than that the team was held in check.
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