Women’s Soccer (10-7-3)
The women’s soccer team advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the 17th straight year with a 3-0 win over Army. Kaitlyn MacBean, Amelia White, and Dikte Bang each scored a goal to pace
the offense. Mackenzie Gress and Amanda Poorbaugh both played in net and combined for a three-save shutout, the team’s sixth shutout of the season.
Penn State will take on Virginia in the second round tonight (6pm on ESPN+) looking for a spot in the Sweet 16. Virginia won the regular season matchup 1-0 on September 4.
Women’s Hockey (14-0)
The women’s hockey team stayed unbeaten with two dominating wins over Syracuse at Pegula Ice Arena. Seven different goal scorers found the back of the net in Penn State’s 7-0 win in Game 1. Tessa Janecke, Grace Outwater, Danica Maynard, Katelyn Roberts, and Matilde Fantin all had a goal and an assist. Katie DeSa recorded her sixth shutout of the season- the fourth straight shutout and 18th of her career, one short of the program record.
The shutout streak ended in the first minute of Game 2, but the offense powered its way to double digit goals in an 11-2 win. Katelyn Roberts led the way with two goals and two assists, and McKenna Walsh added a goal and two assists of her own.
Penn State will continue conference play at RIT on Friday (6pm) and Saturday (3pm).
Women’s Volleyball (15-11)
The women’s volleyball team was swept by Minnesota on Friday before rebounding for a five-set win over Ohio State on Sunday.
Kennedy Martin had 26 kills against Minnesota, but the rest of the offense struggled to find a rhythm in the three-set loss.
Penn State fell behind 2-1 against Ohio State, but the Nittany Lions dominated the fourth set 25-14 to force a deciding fifth set. The Nittany Lions took an 8-7 lead in the fifth and never relinquished the lead. Kennedy Martin (34 kills), Maggie Mendelson (13), and Gabrielle Nichols (11) all reached double digit kills. Gillian Grimes (18 digs) and Ava Falduto (14) made some big plays against a tough Buckeyes offense.
Penn State will face Michigan State on Friday (7pm on Big Ten Plus) and Maryland on Sunday (2pm on Big Ten Plus) in the final two games at Rec Hall this season.
Women’s Basketball (4-0)
The women’s basketball team extended its unbeaten start with an 89-77 win over Saint Joseph’s. The Nittany Lions outscored the Hawks in the final three quarters to get the win on the road.
Penn State was led by a remarkable 12-for-17 three-point shooting night. Tea Cleante went 5-for-6 from behind the arc to score 15 of her 23 points. Gracie Merkle reached a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds. The Nittany Lions were +13 on the glass. Turnovers were an issue, with Penn State coughing up the ball 21 times, but the Lions were able to overcome their mistakes to get the win.
Penn State will play in the Battle for Atlantis tournament this weekend. The Nittany Lions will face Princeton on Sunday (1pm) and San Diego State on Monday (noon).
