Nittany Lions Fall Short In Series Finale; Final Surge Silenced by Eagles
Penn State and Boston College did business again on Friday night at Pegula Ice Arena.
Thursday night witnessed a 2-1 Eagles victory in a chaotic game settled in overtime. Boston College benefitted from a second win on consecutive nights.
The opening period consisted of fast-paced action that saw each team appear on the scoreboard.
It was the hometown Nittany Lions that struck first at the 4:03 mark. Senior captain Natalie Heising notched her second goal of the season with a shot right at the doorstep to beat goaltender Abigail Levy. Heising’s linemates, Olivia Wallin and Kiara Zanon, assisted on the tally.
“I thought it was the best those three have looked together,” stated head coach Jeff Kampersal about his newly constructed top line.
The Eagles responded minutes later to knot the score up at 1-1. It was the second line to prevail for Boston College as Caroline Goffredo scored for the first time this season. Hannah Bilka and alternate captain Willow Corson pitched in assists to get the game back even.
The middle frame was full of terrific skating and exceptional goaltending. Boston College gained the advantage right before the midway mark on a Bilka snapshot that rang off the post and found the back of the net. Goffredo and Keri Clougherty were on the receiving end of the assists for the go-ahead goal.
Penn State kept itself in the game with multiple crucial penalty kills during the second period to keep the game within reach. Boston College temporarily enjoyed a 5-on-3 advantage for 26 seconds in the period.
The Nittany Lions had an opportunity late in the third on the powerplay, yet the home team was turned away by fantastic goaltending from Levy. Glorious chances presented themselves throughout the final 20 minutes for Penn State, but it never found twine.
The victory extends Boston College's record to 2-0-0. Penn State falls to 0-3-1 after the defeat. Josie Bothun recorded 15 saves on 17 Eagle shot attempts.
Penn State has not converted on the power play this season, seeing itself at 0-for-17 after four games.
Penn State has trailed entering the third period in all four of its games this year. The Nittany Lions have scored as many goals as games played: four. Heising is the only forward to light the lamp so far for the blue and white.
The lack of offense has applied supreme pressure to the defense core. The good news for Penn State fans, the team has not lost a game by more than one goal.
“Our defense did a much better job this weekend sifting pucks through for chances and rebounds and second opportunities,” Kampersal added about the play of his defense in the series.
The Nittany Lions will play host to Holy Cross next week for a two-game series. The opener takes place Friday at 3 p.m. at Pegula Ice Arena.
Evan Popalis is a third-year studying broadcast journalism. To contact him, email epopalis83@gmail.com.
