UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State women's hockey team began the 2018-19 season with a 4-0 exhibition shutout of Ryerson Saturday afternoon at Pegula Ice Arena.
The Nittany Lions had four different goal scorers and three goaltenders combined for the shutout. Penn State also converted on 3-of-6 power plays while blanking Ryerson on its five attempts on the advantage.
"I was proud of the team's 'compete level' today," said Head Coach Jeff Kampersal. "We spoke before the game about starting quickly, making Pegula a difficult place to play for our opponents, and relying on good habits. We did all three of those things today.
"Everyone – skaters and all three goalies – played well and have made future decisions for the coaches tough ones. We want to thank Ryerson for visiting Pegula. They are a classy team with a top-notch coaching staff and we wish them all the best with their season."
Penn State broke through at 18:32 in the first period after an interference call against Ryerson put the Nittany Lions on the power play. Freshman Loli Fidler netted a rebound after back-to-back shots by Brooke Madsen and Katie McMillan.
In the second period, another freshman got her name in the scoring book as Jessica Adolfsson ripped a loose puck past the Ryerson netminder at 13:09. Her unassisted goal was also scored on the power play at 13:09.
Penn State's lone even-strength goal came on a coast-to-coast breakaway by Meike Meilleur. She stole the puck in the defensive zone, skated past both Ryerson defenders and beat the goaltender one-on-one to put the Nittany Lions ahead 3-0 at 14:26 in the second period.
The final score of the afternoon came with just 1:51 remaining in the third period. The Nittany Lions began a nice passing sequence moving the puck quickly before Katie Rankin wristed her shot just under the crossbar. Natalie Heising and Kelsey Crow earned assists on the play.
Chantal Burke, Cam Leonard, and Jenna Brenneman each played one period in net and combined to make eight saves. Penn State dominated the shots on goal category 31-8.
The Nittany Lions begin their regular season Friday, Sept. 28 on the road at Colgate starting at 6 p.m.
