Oct. 7, 2016
By Tom Shively, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- After a hard fought series at then-No. 5 Clarkson last weekend, the Nittany Lions continue their season-opening road trip at Union this weekend.
"Friday we competed hard," said head coach Josh Brandwene. "Saturday was even better so it's all about that foundation moving forward. Our focus is on us. It was the same last weekend and it's the same this weekend."
Freshman Brooke Madsen scored her first goal as a Nittany Lion in the loss on Saturday on assists by Kelley Seward and Bella Sutton.
"I was pretty pumped, showing that the hard work finally paid off," said Madsen. "There's still plenty more to do, but it was nice to get one in the first weekend."
Madsen also praised the team's growth and chemistry.
"I think new lines and new D-pairs, we definitely worked well together," said Madsen. "We just have to build from there."
"Clarkson, they're ranked No. 4," said defenseman Kelsey Crow, who netted a goal in the first game of the series. "They made it to the Frozen Four last year, but we're a really competitive team. For us to come out there and be neck and neck with them and even with them, it kind of just shows that this is where we are and we can go be better this season."
Brandwene preached staying the course through the coming weeks, stressing the importance of focusing on playing Penn State's brand of hockey.
"Our job is to take care of our game plan, play our style of hockey," said Brandwene. "The results will take care of themselves."
The Nittany Lions also emphasized the importance of grabbing control of games after falling behind early in both games at Clarkson.
"Establishing momentum is always an important thing," said Brandwene. "Certainly an early strike gives you that momentum, but there are many other ways to create momentum in addition to that. Solid possession, a big shot block, a good back check, all of the little things add up to momentum."
"I think that's going to be our theme this year, generating offense," said Crow. "What we need to work on is for every single person to get in on that goal, including defense with where we step up and how we get shots near the net for our forwards."
The Nittany Lions have notched a power play goal in every game this year and there is still room for improvement.
"I still think the power play still needs some work," said Madsen. "Definitely getting pucks in like I said before, but it'll get there. This weekend will be a really good test for us."
Puck drop at Union is set for 6:00 p.m. Friday and 3:00 p.m. Saturday as the Nittany Lions look to get into the win column.