UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – No. 13 Penn State wins its fourth game in a row after a dominating performance over Michigan State by a final score of 3-1.

Head coach Erica Dambach gave credit to Michigan State for its game plan, but she was happy with how the bench stepped up in the second half.

“If you look over the past two weeks, four wins in two weeks, the group feels great about themselves. Michigan State frustrated us in the first half, but we had some freshmen who came off the bench and made some big plays,” Dambach said.

The Nittany Lions came out with pressure right from the start featuring close shot attempts from Frankie Tagliaferri and Ally Schlegel.

It took until the 7:25 mark for Penn State to find the back of the net after some intense pressure. Rachel Wasserman crossed the ball leaving it placed perfectly for Schlegel to strike it into the back of the net.

Possession was in the Nittany Lions’ favor almost the entire first half until the Spartans found themselves an equalizer with 18 minutes remaining in the half. Gia Wahlberg made a beautiful move around a defender and then found herself getting past Katie Evans for a wide-open goal.

This was Michigan State’s first shot in the first half. The Spartans ended the game with a total of three shots.

Penn State on the other hand finished the game with 16 shots, nine of which were on net.

Tagliaferri scored near the end of the first half giving Penn State the advantage.

“I think our team has had a great response this season when the other team ties us or goes up against us. We are doing very well at relaxing but at the same having a sense of urgency when this happens,” Tagliaferri said.

Freshman Elle Kershner came off the bench and scored her first goal as a Nittany Lion that gave them the 3-1 lead.

Tagliaferri, when asked about her first goal at Penn State, said: “It is amazing. I remember my first goal as a freshman. As you get older and older you sure don’t take goals for granted, but there’s not a better feeling than scoring your first goal. Elle earned and it was a well-deserving goal.”

Evans got her first start at goalie as a freshman. Both coach Dambach and Tagliaferri felt that she played well, and that this opportunity was earned.

“Katie Evans has been tireless with her work ethic and commitment towards the team. Katie stepped up and played a nice game for us,” Dambach said.

After losing the first game of the season to Rutgers, Penn State is 4-1 overall and will play against Ohio State Saturday, March 13.

Austin Groft is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email him at atg5271@psu.edu.