UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; October 1, 2023 – The Penn State Nittany Lion field hockey team (5-5, 0-2 B1G), ranked No. 16 in the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Coaches Poll, dropped a 4-2 game at No. 8 Maryland (8-3, 1-1 B1G) on Sunday afternoon. Penn State's late second half rally fell short in the Big Ten road loss at College Park, Md.
Maryland scored quickly in the first quarter. Maci Bradford connected on an unassisted goal just 3:15 into the contest to give the Terrapins an early 1-0 lead. The Terrapins continued to pressure Penn State keeper Brie Barraco as the first period hit its midway point. But the Nittany Lions were able to push the ball downfield, nearly tying the game at 7:30, but the Lion shot went wide. Penn State was able to stabilize the possession battle during the middle portion of the first. Carly Gannon had a shot on goal with under 2:00 left in the period but Maryland goalie Alyssa Klebasko made the save to allow Maryland to maintain its 1-0 lead through the first period.
The Terrapins were able to score quickly again to start the second. Maryland forced a penalty corner at the 13:50 mark. Barraco and the Lion defense stopped the play off the set, but Maryland's Josie Hollamon connected on the rebound to put the Terrapins up 2-0 at the 13:42 mark. Penn State gave up another penalty corner two minutes later and Barraco made a kick save on the ensuing shot. Maryland continued to pressure the Lion defense and picked up another corner with just over 10:00 to play in the half. Hope Rose was able to score off the set and Maryland led 3-0 at 9:58. Penn State was able to threaten the Terrapin circle at the 6:00 mark but Maryland's defense regained possession and drove the ball downfield, forcing a Penn State green card in the process. Penn State was able to work the player advantage down as the Nittany Lion defense held. Penn State picked up its first penalty corner of the half with :36 on the clock. Gery Schnarrs and Mackenzie Allessie both had good shots blocked or saved by the Maryland keeper and Penn State trailed 3-0 at halftime.
Maryland outshot Penn State 7-4 and had a 4-1 edge in penalty corners in the first half. Barraco had three saves for the Nittany Lions while Klebasko had two for Maryland.
The second half began with Penn State pressuring the Maryland circle to start the period, but Maryland was able to half the Lion effort and send the ball back downfield. Barraco made a save on a scramble in front of the Penn State cage, but Maryland picked up a penalty corner during the play. Barraco made a save on the set to keep Maryland from connecting again, but Maryland was able to pick up another penalty corner less than a minute later at the 10:25 mark. Penn State's defense was able to force a wide shot off the corner. Penn State forced a penalty corner with 3:34 left in the third period but Klebasko was able to make a diving save on the Lion shot. Maryland drove down the field and had a shot slide just wide seconds later. Maryland forced a scramble seconds later and upping its lead to 4-0 with a Hollamon goal at 1:27. Penn State had a chance to get on the board late in the third with a corner. Klebasko made a save on the play, but Penn State's offense was able to regain possession. Gladieux used a backhand to notch Penn State's first goal with just :01 on the clock.
Penn State narrowed the gap quickly to start the fourth period. Penn State garnered the ball and moved into the Maryland circle two minutes in. Allesse made a long passing shot to the front of the Maryland goal and Gannon tipped the ball in for Penn State's second goal at 11:25, cutting the Maryland lead to 4-2. Barraco kept Penn State in the game with a great sixth save midway through the period as Penn State looked to continue its comeback. Maryland was able to work the clock down below the 6:00 mark before Penn State was able to regain possession and begin pressing the Terrapins. Penn State was able to force a penalty corner with 3:39 left in the game, using a player advantage from a late yellow card on Maryland. The Terrapin defense held on the play and Penn State continued to trail by two as the clock hit 3:00. The Nittany Lions controlled the ball for the final minutes of the game. The Nittany Lions forced a corner in the final seconds, but Klebasko made a save on the ensuing Penn State show, allowing the Terrapins to hold on for a 4-2 win.
"Maryland played a very good first half, they were aggressive and played with great pace" said Penn State head coach Lisa Bervinchak Love. "We were much better in the second half, and I was pleased we made some adjustments and were able to have some success on offense. Now we have to head home and get ready for a very good Ohio State team on Friday night at our place."
Penn State had 13 shots in the game while Maryland had 18. The Terrapins had a 6-5 edge in penalty corners as well. Barraco had eight saves for Penn State while Klebasko had five for the Terrapins.
Penn State is now 5-5 overall, 0-2 B1G. Maryland moves to 7-3, 1-1 B1G. The Nittany Lions continue Big Ten play next weekend when they host Ohio State on Friday, Oct. 6, at 5 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to follow the Nittany Lion field hockey team online at www.GoPSUsports.com (click teams, click field hockey), on X/Twitter @pennstateFH and on facebook at www.facebook.com/pennstatefieldhockey.
GAME BREAKDOWN
SCORING: 1 2 3 4 FINAL
PENN STATE 0 0 1 1 2
Maryland 1 2 1 0 4
STATS: PSU SU
Shots 13 18
Corners 5 6
SCORING SUMMARY (goal/assist) – TIME
1st: MD – Maci Bradford (unassisted); 12:43
2nd: MD – Josie Hollamon (unassisted); 14:42
2nd: MD – Hope Rose (Maura Verleg, Margot Lawn); 9:58
3rd: MD – Josie Hollamon (unassisted); 1:27
3rd: PSU – Phia Gladieux (unassisted); 0:01
4th: PSU – Carly Gannon (Mackenzie Allessie); 11:25
GOALKEEPERS: MIN GA S
PSU: Brie Barraco 60:00 4 8
MD: Alyssa Klebasko 60:00 2 5