Game Preview: Penn State Women’s Lacrosse vs. Cornell

Story posted April 1, 2023 in CommRadio, Sports by Julianna Steinmetz

Penn State women’s lacrosse returns to Panzer Stadium this Sunday to take on the Cornell Big Red in their final non conference matchup.

The Nittany Lions look to get a win after suffering their third loss of the season to Northwestern in Evanston, Illinois earlier this week. 

Despite taking on another loss, the Nittany Lions still maintain a record of 9-3 and are ranked at No. 18 in the polls.

Since the series with Cornell began in 2013, Penn State holds a 7-2 record over Cornell and is currently on a five-game winning streak.

So far this season, Cornell has a 6-4 record, and comes into the game against Penn State with two consecutive losses.

Seniors Katie Castiello and Amanda Cramer have been key players for the Big Red this season. The attackers have each contributed 36 points; Castiello with 30 goals and six assists and Cramer with 23 goals and 13 assists.

As a team, the Big Red has a shot percentage of .403 and they hold more draw controls than their opponents 152-141.

In addition to key players on offense, Cornell also has a strong defense. This season, it has had back-to-back Ivy Women’s Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week. On February 27, sophomore Goalkeeper Ellie Horner earned the title and the following week it was given to senior Midfielder Shannon Brazier.

As for the Nittany Lions, this week against Northwestern they struggled heavily with draw control winning only nine of 32.

Another challenge the Nittany Lion’s faced was finding their rhythm. It seemed every time they did find a rhythm, Northwestern found a way to turn it on and throw Penn State off. 
If they can find their flow early in the game against Cornell, the Nittany Lions should be able to get in the lead and take over.

Stand out players for the Nittany Lions include midfielder Kristin O’Neill, defender Sammy Dupcak and goalkeeper Ashley Bowan. O’Neill and Dupcak were just named ILWomen Midseason All-American Honorable Mention. O’Neill has contributed 42 points and 16 draw controls this season. Dupcak has had 32 ground balls, 21 caused turnovers and 20 draw controls.

Working hard offensively and defensively is what will win Penn State this game. The Nittany Lions need to take control early and get possessions on the draw and ground balls.

Both teams are strong and hungry for a win which is bound to make for an interesting matchup in Penn State and Cornell’s tenth-ever meeting.

Julianna Steinmetz is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email jfs6759@psu.edu.