UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – A two goal afternoon by Penn State forward Kiara Zanon propelled No. 12/12 Penn State to a 4-1 victory over Franklin Pierce on Monday.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Nittany Lions scored three goals in the opening period including the two from Zanon 1:04 and 10:40 into the game.
- Penn State found the back of the net while on the power-play for the first time in five games coming off the stick of Tessa Janecke to put the Nittany Lions ahead 3-0.
- At 11:06 into the period, Franklin Pierce narrowed the Penn State lead to three after a goal by Avery Farrell.
- The Nittany Lions countered in the second period off a goal by Julie Gough 3:27 into the period to secure the 4-1 victory.
GOALTENDING
- Katie DeSa recorded 11 saves on 12 shots to capture her first career victory in her first career start.
GAME NOTES AND STATS
- Katie DeSa made her first career start and captured her first career victory.
- Kiara Zanon tallied her first multi-goal game of the season and fourth and fifth goals of the year.
- Julie Gough picked up her first multi-point game of the season.
- The Nittany Lions tallied a season high 61 shots on goal.
- Julie Gough and Mallory Uihlein played in their 100th career games.
UP NEXT
- The Nittany Lions return to action on Friday, Oct. 28 when they begin conference play at Lindenwood. Puck-drop is set for 8:10 p.m. ET.
QUOTABLES
Head Coach Jeff Kampersal
Opening statement: Thank you again for coming out on a Monday afternoon. I thought with the players, considering all that was going on Penn State campus this weekend, it was all good things. They kept focus with six really strong periods, and I'm so proud of their effort this season so far.
Q: They got the late goal at the end of the first period that could've swung momentum. What did you tell your team during the break to avoid letting up?
A: That play was just a communication mistake, but things like that happen. So, we're being aggressive, and we make mistakes. It's really no big deal. We're going to have to overcome those things. We always try to keep the plan in front of us but try to take away time and space. That's what those two defenders were doing at that time. They had a little bit of a miscommunication, but they were being aggressive.
Q: What was the thought process on Katie getting the start at goalie? What are your thoughts on her performance?
A: I thought she did. Well, I think the thought process is that we have three good goalies. As I mentioned yesterday, just, it's hard when Josie got in there as a first-year. She played really well. She hasn't really given up the net. But I felt like it was time with these Sunday and Monday games going into the big games on Friday and Saturday, that Josie needed a rest. It was good to see what Katie can bring to us as well.
Q: 3-0-1 after four games. What is that locker room looking like right now?
A: I think it's been solid all year. Again, with Kara, Renee, and Valerie, it's the best culture we've ever had. The genuineness of celebrating one another. It's really fun for me to be part of this team.
Kiara Zanon | Sr. | Forward
Q; What's the biggest thing to focus on going into the season?
A: I think the biggest thing to focus on going into the conference. I mean, obviously, that's a very exciting time. So we're looking forward to it. But I think like Coach said, just tidying up the little things, focusing on our habits and obviously our lead. So getting used to that and just tightening up.
Q: How does a sweep like this build onto heading into conference play?
A: I think we have good steam ahead and we build up a lot of momentum going into it. So, I think we're in a good spot.
Q: What improvements have you seen throughout the season so far with yourself and as a team?
A: I think as a team, we started off with a really tough schedule, and we faced a lot of top 10 teams and that was really good focus. But overall, I think our D zone started off a little rough
obviously. Once again as we play against tougher teams, I think we tighten that up, get better their habits like to see shift a little shorter, and improve on those little things. I think we've done a lot better overall and I'm excited to see our growth.
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