No. 25 Penn State women’s soccer pitches shutout in annual Pink Game against Wisconsin

Story posted October 13, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Jasper Abrahams

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – No. 25 Penn State returned home to Jeffrey Field for the first time in two weeks as it took on Wisconsin in a Thursday night matchup.

The two Big Ten teams took the field in Penn State’s annual Pink Game, which is dedicated to those affected by breast cancer. Thursday’s 3-0 win for the Nittany Lions meant more than just a tally in the record book.

Penn State improved its conference record to 4-2-1. In the last 11 matchups against the Badgers, the Nittany Lions are now 7-4.

Converting defense to offense, senior Kate Wiesner took possession across the full length of the pitch and found Penelope Hocking at the top of the box to put an early sixth-minute dent in the scorebox for the Nittany Lions.

In one of the best plays of the season, Wiesner used her speed and strength to weave past the Badger defense to connect with Hocking for the score. This marks Hocking’s fifth goal of the season and Weisner’s sixth assist of the season.

The Nittany Lions, led by coach Erica Dambach, dominated time of possession throughout the first half of play.

Jumping to the 29th minute, Hocking made an impact again as she found senior Payton Linnehan for the score. Running in stride, Hocking picked the pocket of the Badgers, took it downfield and fed Linnehan who put it in the back of the net.

“[The goal] felt amazing and it was a great team win,” Linnehan said.

Hocking, the fifth-year senior, picked up her fourth assist of the season and marked her second consecutive game with an assist. As for Linnehan, she tallied her second score of the season.

While Penn State led in the scorebook through the first 45 minutes, the Nittany Lions picked up the momentum early, and held onto it all game.

The “Park Avenue Army” student section, in addition to the Penn State faithful, brought the energy and excitement for the team under the bright lights.

As for Wisconsin, forward Emma Jaskaniec exited the game in the 10th minute. Jaskaniec leads the Big Ten with 10 goals and 24 total points. After the senior exited the game, the Badgers couldn't quite find their groove on offense as they totaled five first half shots with zero on net.

The script stayed the same in the second half for Penn State.

Penn State stuck in the driver's seat through the final 45 as it out-hustled and continued to control the pace on offense.

Putting the dagger in the scorebook, forward Elle Kershner placed one top-shelf against Badger goalkeeper Erin McKinney to push the score to 3-0.

The blue and white defense stood strong and pitched a defensive shutout against the Badgers. This marks its eighth shutout of the season, and fifth in conference play.

[The players] have really invested in each other,” Penn State coach Erica Dambach said. “The whole team has committed themselves to it more, and you’re seeing the result of it.”

Penn State looks to extend its winning streak to three as it continues Big Ten play Sunday against Michigan.

Jasper Abrahams is a first-year majoring in Public Relations. To contact him, email jpa5778@psu.edu.

 

 

Soccer Wire