For the first time in program history, Monmouth field hockey defeated Penn State on Sunday, Sept. 20, securing a historic win over the Nittany Lions.
The rainy Sunday afternoon did not dim the Hawks’ shine on So Sweet A Cat Field as they earned a 2-1 victory. Penn State is the second Big 10 team that the Hawks have defeated this season.
The win marked a change in the narrative, as the Hawks previous matchups with the Nittany Lions resulted in losses which came during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
Despite a 0-0 scoreline, the opening quarter featured high intensity play from both sides. Junior goalkeeper Charlie Bowman had the first save of the game giving the Hawks a good defensive stance. The team remained patient and focused throughout the quarter.
During the second quarter the Hawks continued to fight offensively for a spot on the scoreboard but they did not have luck earning their spot just yet.
The Hawks defense remained strong, holding off the Nittany Lions from scoring on their second corner of the game.
The Hawks offense came to life in an electric third quarter. Junior Éabha Curran scored the teams first goal putting the Hawks on the board just five minutes into the second half. She was assisted by junior Claire Campen.
Monmouth kept their momentum going and secured a second goal when junior Milla Frye took a penalty stroke and secured her team-leading ninth goal of the season. This gave the Hawks a 2-1 lead with ten minutes remaining in the period.
Tensions were high when the Nittany Lions earned a penalty stroke shortly after securing their first goal. However, Bowman stepped up with a major save which kept the Hawks lead.
The visitors did not let up on the Hawks as they earned another corner during the final quarter which resulted in a penalty stroke with a minute to go.
The Hawks defense along with Bowman finished the job. They limited Penn State to only three shots on goal and held the visitors off with no attempt in the final four minutes of the game.
With that, the Hawks earned their fifth-straight victory, defeating another Big Ten opponent after previously knocking down Rutgers at home at the beginning of the season.
Monmouth outshot Penn State 12-10 in the game, and the Hawks only gave up one goal with 2:66 remaining in the third quarter.
Bowman made six saves on seven shots on goal. Her performance helped the team maintain its defensive pressure throughout the game.
With the loss, The Nittany Lions continue their losing streak and sit at 3-4 overall.
As for Monmouth, they currently sit at 6-1 and are ranked No. 19 in the country according to the NFHCA Rankings. The Hawks will head to Hempstead, New York on Sept. 25 to take on Hofstra.
