Penn State Beats RPI to Finish Series

Story posted October 13, 2019 in CommRadio, Sports by Jack McCune

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State (2-2-2) defeated the RPI Engineers (0-6-0) 3-0 on Saturday in the finale of a two-game set at Pegula Ice Arena.

The Nittany Lions were in control for most of the game. They dominated the shot battle 53-15 and capitalized on RPI mistakes as they scored two of their three goals on power plays.

The Nittany Lions led 1-0 at the end of the first period as sophomore defender Izzy Heminger recorded her first goal of the season. The Engineers didn’t have many opportunities to score as they had only nine shots on goal, but freshman goalie Ena Nystrom kept the score close with 16 saves in the period.

Penn State extended the lead to 3-0 after two goals in the second period. Senior Katie McMillan scored her second goal of the season early, and later Heminger scored her second of the game during a 10-minute power play when Engineers freshman Claudia Black was penalized for game misconduct. RPI struggled to get anything going with only three shots all period as opposed to 23 for the Nittany Lions.

Penn State head coach Jeff Kampersal was proud of the way Heminger helped to solidify the victory.

“She has a snapper that hits the top corner,” Kampersal said postgame. “It’s a tribute to her work ethic in the weight room. She’s one of our strongest kids, if not our strongest.”

Kampersal was proud of his team winning their first two games at home this season, especially after being swept by No. 1 Wisconsin last weekend.

“Friday afternoon games aren’t easy at home, especially with the academic side of it,” Kampersal said.

The Nittany Lions head back on the road next weekend as they take on the Providence Friars in Rhode Island next Friday and Saturday.

 

 

Jack McCune is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jxm1237@psu.edu.