Despite Valiant Effort, Penn State Women’s Ice Hockey Team Falls to Robert Morris

Story posted November 11, 2012 in CommRadio, Sports by Allie Rothman

Robert Morris (5-2-1, 2-0-0 CHA) completed the weekend sweep of the Nittany Lions (4-7-1, 0-5-1 CHA) Sunday following a 7-1 victory Saturday afternoon.

A strong first period for Robert Morris proved to be the difference in the game. The Colonials scored three goals in the first period with Captain Dayna Newsom leading the way with a short-handed goal 1:55 into the game. Rebecca Vint followed up her five goal game Saturday with another goal 12:40 into the period. Cobina Delaney finished the first period scoring for the Colonials 16:50 into the period with assists coming from Kelsey Thomas and Rebecca Vint.

Penn State junior goaltender Nicole Paniccia led the way in the second period turning away all 19 shots she faced. Sophomore defenseman Madison Smiddy said Paniccia's play gives the defense confidence.

"Nicole definitely came up with some big saves and bailed us out a couple times," Smiddy said. "She's a phenomenal goalie and someone I'm very confident to have behind us while we're playing."

Paniccia continued her dominant play into the third period once again stopping all 19 shots fired at her. Freshman Micayla Catanzariti put Penn State on the scoreboard with 6:19 left in the game.

Penn State came close to another goal 30 seconds later during a goal mouth scramble. The Nittany Lions were unable to convert on two man advantage with 2:30 left on the clock following a penalty to Jennifer Kindret for interference.  Head coach Josh Brandwene pulled Paniccia in favor of an extra skater.

Jamie Joslin put the game away with an empty net goal with 13 seconds left.

Brandwene was pleased with his team's effort late in the game despite the loss.

"Despite the outcome, that third period for us was the turning point for our season and it's the springboard moving forward," Brandwene said.

Penn State travels to Lindenwood next weekend to face off with the Lions and return home to the Greenberg Ice Pavilion for a two game series against Chatham January 4th and 5th.

Allie Rothman is junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, e-mail rothman.allie@gmail.com.