Kiara Zanon Scores 100th Point in Win Over RIT
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - It was a historic night at Pegula Ice Arena as junior forward Kiara Zanon became the fastest and youngest player in program history to reach 100 career points in the Nittany Lions win over RIT.
A quick start in the first period as well as a dominant third period allowed Penn State to gain a comfortable 4-2 win in the first game of the weekend series.
Zanon’s 15th goal of the season and 100th career point came on a penalty kill early in the first period.
Freshman forward Tessa Janecke poked the puck away from the RIT defender at the blue line and Zanon was able to take the puck to the net herself and bury it in the upper right corner.
Even though Zanon was on the verge of Penn State history, it was business as usual for her heading into this game.
“I really don’t really focus on points at all. So going into a game, I’m just focusing on how well I’m going to play and then those things will follow,” Zanon said.
Zanon kept the momentum going as she scored another short handed goal on the same penalty kill 46 seconds later to make the score 2-0. She was able to intercept the puck herself in the neutral zone and beat sophomore goalie Sarah Coe in a one-on-one opportunity.
“She does a good job all the time,” Penn State head coach Jeff Kampersal said about Zanon’s performance tonight and in her career. “She certainly likes to work on her craft. So it’s no surprise that she’s good.”
The history made in this game overshadowed impressive performances from senior and junior forwards Courtney Correia and Olivia Wallin. Both tallied two points on the night and had an assist on each other’s goals.
“I thought the whole line has been good all year. I thought Court in particular had some grit,” Kampersal said. “That's what she has brought to our program. She’s a worker.”
The Tigers came out aggressive in the second period and didn’t give up a goal in the 20 minute frame. They were able to keep sustained possession and clog the center ice in front of the net to prevent chances when on defense.
“Our discipline changed a little bit,” Kampersal said. “They ramped it up.”
Despite Penn State picking up the intensity in the third period, junior and sophomore forwards Lindsay Maloney and Jordyn Bear were able to net a goal each for RIT.
What would’ve been the fifth goal of the game for Penn State was overturned in the third period.
Freshman forward Kateyln Roberts tapped the puck in the net after a pile up but goalie interference was ruled on fifth year defender Rene Gangarosa.
Penn State’s penalty kill performed very well in the first period as they didn’t allow a goal in seven minutes of play with a RIT man advantage. Five of those minutes came from a major penalty on freshman forward Maddy Christian for game misconduct.
The Nittany Lions will look to get the weekend sweep Saturday at 2 p.m.
Jayson O’Connell is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jbo5216@psu.edu.
