Penn State Women’s Hockey Defeats Colgate to End Losing Streak

Story posted January 13, 2014 in CommRadio, Sports by Jason Shawley

Penn State (4-17-2; 1-9-0 CHA) picked up a big overtime win against Colgate Saturday afternoon (5-14-2; 2-8-0 ECAC) at Pegula Ice Arena, after dropping the series opener Friday.

The Nittany Lions lost a 3-2 heartbreaker the night before, as Colgate fought back late in the third period to tie the game with 2:05 remaining. Taylor Volpe won it for the Raiders in overtime, despite a strong goaltending performance from Penn State’s Celine Whitlinger.

Nicole Paniccia got start for the Nittany Lions Saturday, and looked to pick up her first win of the season.

Penn State had a power play opportunity at 12:03 in the first period, due to a Hannah Rastrick hooking penalty, but only registered one shot on goal on the advantage.

The game remained scoreless at the end of the first period, though Colgate dominated the majority of the frame offensively and defensively, by outshooting the Nittany Lions 13-4.

Colgate struck first at 10:24 in the second period- on a goal by Taylor Volpe - her sixth of the season. Taylor Craig picked up an assist on the goal.

The Raiders looked to be in complete control, but Penn State found a way to tie the game late in the second on a shot that trickled by Colgate goalie, Brittany Brooks. The equalizer was scored at 18:05 by Laura Bowman, who tallied her sixth goal of the season. Hannah Hoenshell and Amy Petersen picked up the assists

Colgate continued to dominate in the shot column through two periods of play, registering 28 shots on goal, while the Nittany Lions could only manage nine.

Penn State continued to struggle at sustaining offense, while Colgate continued to keep the pressure on the Nittany Lions. Colgate nearly took the lead midway through the second, but the crossbar helped to preserve the 1-1 tie.

For the second straight game, Penn State and Colgate went to overtime, but this time it was Penn State that came out on top. Hannah Hoenshell ended it at 2:44 in the overtime period, with a great move in front of the net that pulled Brooks out of the crease. Amy Peterson picked up the helper on the game-winner.

“We’ve got good energy on the bench and that starts with our leadership and our captains,” head coach Josh Brandwene said regarding his team’s resilience. “We don’t get hung up in numbers and we don’t get hung up in the sorts of things we don’t have any control over.”

Paniccia (1-9-2) played one of her best games of the season and her strong play was a huge reason why Penn State remained in the game. The senior stopped 39 of 40 shots and made a few tough saves down the stretch.

“I love getting a lot of shots,” Paniccia said following the game. “Games like that always feel good so it was really nice to finally get my first win.”

Brandwene praised Hoenshell for a solid weekend of hockey and felt that she was one of his top performers through both games.

“She’s [Hoenshell] had a monster weekend of hockey,” Brandwene said about today’s first star. “I love how she’s become a complete player.”

Penn State will have a couple of weeks off, before traveling to Syracuse for a weekend doubleheader, starting on January 24th. Puck drop for that contest is at 7 p.m.

Jason Shawley is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jts5353@psu.edu.