Nittany Lions Earn 2-2 Tie Against Robert Morris
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Nittany Lions came into the day looking for a momentum booster for their upcoming two-week road trip, and early on against Robert Morris, it looked like they found it. After scoring only one goal in the opening game of the series, the Nittany Lions struck early with two goals in the first period from Abby Welch and Natalie Heising. But Penn State would not find the net for the rest of the game, while Robert Morris also put two on the scoreboard, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
The Colonials took over with one goal in each of the remaining two periods, including one from Michaela Boyle with six minutes left to even the score at two. The game went into overtime with only eight shots taken between the two teams in the extra frame.
Nittany Lions head coach Jeff Kampersal mentioned that he was proud of the team’s fast start, but he didn’t like some of the calls made by the officials.
“I didn’t agree with some of the penalties called against us to put us on a 5-on-3 that changed the complexion,” Kampersal said. “But our players did a good job weathering the storm. They played with a lot of heart and soul.”
That 5-on-3 call came in the middle of the second period, allowing Robert Morris to change the momentum to its side. The Nittany Lions were called for three penalties, which all came in the second frame.
Robert Morris will continue its road trip against Mercyhurst before returning home to play RIT. With today’s tie, the Colonials have a 16-9-3 record on the year.
As for Penn State, the Nittany Lions played in front of a crowd of 1,034 fans, which ranks ninth all-time for women’s hockey. The Nittany Lions will have one more home series this season against Mercyhurst, which will take place from Feb. 28-29. This will come after two series on the road against RIT and Lindenwood.
Logan Bourandas is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email lxb5412@psu.edu.
