Field Hockey stays with PSU

For one half, the Penn field hockey team forgot the perpetual misfortune that has plagued its 2002 season. For one half, beneath a steady downpour at Franklin Field, the Quakers had one of the best teams in the country on the ropes.

But despite the brave play of the underdogs, Penn State's experience and poise proved too much over 70 minutes as the Quakers fell, 2-0.

Timarie Legel and Karin Grap both scored for the Nittany Lions (13-3), who are ranked No. 6 in the country.

On Sunday, Penn State lay its claim as one of the nation's best, stunning No. 1-ranked Old Dominion, 3-2, at home. The NCAA Division I field hockey committee responded by ranking the Nittany Lions first in the Mideast region.

The Lions, a team led by seven seniors, came into the contest averaging 3.4 goals per game.

The Quakers have struggled all season long, but rallied against the heavy favorites to put together one of their best overall efforts.

The Lions chose to employ a bold passing game in the early stages, looking to connect on long passes out of the back.

Their efforts were often thwarted by Penn's resolute defense -- led by the confident play of senior Brandi Alexander.

The Quakers also had trouble creating offensive chances early on. A pair of Penn State senior backs -- Kate Bender and Kelly Concini -- were particularly effective in quelling Penn's attack.

While Penn State held the statistical advantage from the outset, the flow of the game was even. The Penn defense forced the vaunted Lions into an unusual amount of fundamental errors. Misplayed passes and flubbed penalty corners plagued the side throughout the first half.

Penn's only offensive chance of the game came with just over five minutes remaining in the first half. Junior Jackie Lange's shot rolled just wide of Nittany Lions' keeper Annie Zinkavich.

The rain was never torrential, but it fell steadily throughout the night. Penn coach Val Cloud dismissed its effect on play.

"I don't think it affected the players at all," Penn coach Val Cloud said. "It wasn't pleasant, but it was the same for both sides."

While the Lions struggled to find their rhythm as the game neared halftime, the plucky Quakers seemed to gain confidence.

During halftime, the rain picked up. The Quakers were more than satisfied with the 0-0 score.

While the Red and Blue were initially able to frustrate the Penn State attack during the second half, the Lions began a stretch that culminated in Legel's game-winner.

"They were pounding our left side," Cloud said. "They just had enough good control of the ball that they could keep it over there."

The Lions forced four straight penalty corners, but the Penn defense held strong. Freshman goalkeeper Amanda Jacobs saved shots from Penn State's Jill Martz and Mary Schaefer.

But when the Lions forced a fifth corner, Legel was there to put home Martz's misfire.

"That's their forte," said Cloud, of Penn State's ability to capitalize off penalty corners -- a facet of the Lions' game that Penn was able to contain admirably throughout the night.

The Nittany Lions were visibly relaxed after the goal, playing a more fluid and collected game.

Sophomore Karin Grap opened the lead just minutes later, effectively ending Penn's upset bid.

"They just dominated the second half, as a good team does," said Cloud. "After the first half, when they figured out what they had to do, they went out and did it."

To their credit, the Quakers kept fighting. Junior Courtney Blenheim was particularly tireless in the middle during the late stages, stirring up trouble for the Penn State attack up until the end.

Though Penn was outshot 16-1 on the night, constant pressure kept them in the game.

The Quakers now look ahead to their final home game of the season this Sunday, against Ivy League rival Brown.

The Bears (6-7, 2-3 Ivy League) are coming off their second straight win, a 2-1 victory over Cornell. They are led by junior forward Laurel Pierpont, whose 10 goals and six assists are both good for team highs.

The Quakers will honor their six seniors during a pregame ceremony. Game time is 1 p.m.

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