Penn State Falls to Robert Morris in First Game of Series

posted February 8, 2019 in CommRadio, Sports by Ben Borus

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Sitting at just a hare below .500, the Nittany Lions took on Robert Morris at Pegula Ice Arena. The last time these two teams faced off was last November.

The Nittany Lions left Pittsburgh without a win, as they were blown out in both games. Four months later and the Nittany Lions were looking for revenge, but this time in Hockey Valley.

The Nittany Lions hopes of pulling off the upset, however, were shattered. At first, the Nittany Lions had a chance to win the game when Brooke Madsen scored with nine minutes in the first period. However, the early goal didn’t faze Robert Morris.

Emily Curlett answered quickly to tie the game up. Once the game was tied, it was all downhill for the Nittany Lions. They proceeded to allow five unanswered goals.

Early on it was clear that the Nittany Lions were not the better unit. They were egregiously outmatched in shot totals, obviously fatigued and committing silly penalties that gave Robert Morris unnecessary advantages.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over,” head coach Jeff Kampersal said. “That is what we did with penalties today.” 

Not only were they committing silly penalties, they also couldn’t capitalize when Robert Morris committed their own penalties.

The Nittany Lions coming into the game had scored six powerplay goals in the last six games. That streak ended today as the Nittany Lions failed to score off the powerplay.

There were many things to be upset with today, but the Nittany Lions are aware of their missteps going forward.

“We know exactly what we need to do, it’s just a matter of doing it,” Kampersal said. 

Clearly players in the locker room feel the same way. A major storyline in today’s game was Cam Leonard getting action in the third period.

Kampersal was adamant that Leonard was deserving of playing time. All that aside, Leonard still took the time away from herself to reassure her confidence in goaltender Jenna Brenneman.

“Oh, I am totally confident that Jenna will bounce back,” Leonard said. “She’s had a really solid year and these past few games we haven’t really helped her out at all.”

Having a good culture in your program is essential for success at this level, and the Nittany Lions have just that. If the Nittany Lions can capitalize on their mistakes heading into their next game, it could be a much different outcome at the end of the day.

The Nittany Lions will have another chance to avenge tonight’s loss against Robert Morris on Saturday at 1 p.m. back in Pegula Ice Arena.

 


Ben Borus is a freshman studying Advertisement. To contact him, email bqb5475@psu.edu.