EAST LANSING, Mich. – Two second half goals lifted the Nittany Lions to a 2-1 win over Michigan State on Sunday. Ally Schlegel and Ellie Wheeler each scored on headers to give Penn State its 11th win of the season.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Nittany Lions controlled the majority of the possession in the first half. Rachel Wasserman recorded the first shot of the game in the second minute of action but her shot was saved.
Penn State recorded three shots in the first 10 minutes of action and continue to try and find the back of the net.
Natalie Wilson nearly gave Penn State the early advantage in the 15th minute. Her shot sailed just over the crossbar as the score remained 0-0.
Penn State's next opportunity to score came in the 35th minute. Sam Coffey sent a great ball into the box. Schlegel leapt above the Spartan defenders and headed a shot on frame. A diving save by the Spartans keeper kept the score knotted at 0-0 and denied Schlegel her sixth goal of the season.
Michigan State netted the game's first goal in the 39th minute to take a 1-0 lead. This score stood going into the half.
Penn State outshot Michigan State 7-3 in the first half.
The Nittany Lions recorded two early shots in the first nine minutes of play in the second half.
Ellie Wheeler sent a blast on net in the 55th minute as she nearly tied the game on the shot but it was saved over the crossbar by the Michigan State keeper.
Penn State's persistence paid off in the 79th minute. Maddie Myers sent a long ball into the box and found the head of a jumping Schlegel. Schlegel's header bested the Michigan State keeper to tie the game at 1-1.
Just five minutes later, Kate Wiesner beat her defender and sent a cross into the box. Ellie Wheeler rose up and headed her shot into the net to give Penn State a 2-1 lead.
The Penn State defense held firm and secured the 2-1 win.
Additional Notes
Penn State has won four of its last five matches by a score of 12-4. Penn State is 10-0 when it scores at least two goals.
Both of Ellie Wheeler's goals this season have been game-winners. Her first goal this season against West Virginia was also a game-winner.
Maddie Myers recorded the first assist of her Penn State career.
Ally Schlegel now has 30 goals in her Penn State career.
Penn State improved to 24-5 all-time against Michigan State.
