Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Penn State
Field Hockey Falls 1-0 in Home Opener to Penn State
September 07, 2005 | Field Hockey
Sept. 7, 2005
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Princeton, N.J. - Shaun Banta's goal with less than 14 minutes remaining in regulation broke a scoreless tie and lifted Penn State to a 1-0 win over the Princeton field hockey team Wednesday night at Class of 1952 Stadium. The game was split into two very different halves. In the first, it was Princeton that controlled play, firing 10 shots towards the Penn State net and having four penalty corner chances, but the tides turned in the second half as the Nittany Lions out chanced Princeton 13-5 and were able to score the decisive goal.
Princeton held a 10-1 shot advantage after first half as seniors Maren Ford and Lauren Ehrlichman and freshman Kristin Schwab all had good scoring chances. Penn State goalkeeper Megan Akstin however was equal to the task and kicked aside or smothered all five shots she faced in the period and six in the game.
Princeton junior goalkeeper Juliana Simon was not faced with a shot on goal until the second half as Penn State managed just a single shot in the first half. Simon saw more action however in the second half as 13 shots were fired her way, including six that she saved. Included in that was a terrific kick save with 22:45 remaining when Penn State's Sara Cahill snuck behind the Tiger defense and got a good shot off.
Penn State finally broke the scoreless tie at the 61:38 mark when Banta scored her second goal of the season. A scrum developed in front of the Princeton cage and Simon was able to get a piece of Banta's shot, but not enough as it slid under her and into the net. The Tigers tried to battle back and even the score but the Penn State defense dug in and did not allow Princeton a good scoring chance after that.
Princeton falls to 0-2 and resumes action with a pair of games at home this weekend. Princeton hosts Yale on Saturday and Connecticut on Sunday. Penn State is now 4-1.