Penn State Completes Sweep of Mercyhurst
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. —No. 9 Penn State sweeps the defending CHA champions Mercyhurst by a score of 4-1, improving to 8-1-1 on the regular season.
Penn State came out with aggression in the first period, scoring two goals as Natalie Heising took advantage of a turnover finding freshman phenom Kiara Zanon on the right dot for her fifth goal of the season. A few minutes later Zanon found her linemate Olivia Wallin in the high slot, wristing one top shelf to tie Zanon in the team lead for goals.
“Kiara is a special player,” coach Jeff Kampersal said. “The thing that makes her special is the work she puts into the summers and her skills work.”
Mercyhurst’s Chantal Ste-Croix cut the deficit to a one-goal game as she pounced on a juicy rebound for her second of the season.
In the last minute of the third period, defenseman Rene Gangarosa furthered Penn State’s lead, pinballing a shot from the blue line that beat goalie Jenna Silvonen.
“The first one is always the hardest and hopefully they keep coming.” Gangarosa said.” Honestly it’s been great that this year there's been scoring all round.”
In the second period, Mercyhurst started to attack more after Silvonen was pulled out of net for sophomore Ena Nystrom. Despite the change in net, a collective effort from Josie Bothun and the Penn State defense made the necessary plays to eliminate any chance of a comeback.
“Everyone is stepping up at different times.” Kampersal said. “We’re not counting on one particular player.”
In the dying minutes of the third period freshman Jess Ciarrocchi layered the icing on the cake, leaping on a 2-on-1 rebound for her first collegiate goal. Sealing a 4-1 Penn State win.
“We keep going all the way to the end, “Lyndie Lobdell said.” With that being her first goal it made us really excited.”
Penn State will look to extend it’s dominant season, as they visit Lindenwood on Jan. 29 and 30.
Jordan Hession is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email hessionjordan@gmail.com.
