WSOC: The Nittany Lions Keep SDSU Scoreless
UNIVERSITY PARK – The Penn State Nittany Lions soundly beat the San Diego State University Aztecs at Jeffrey Field on Friday, 3-0, for head coach Erica Walsh’s 200th win.
“I am really proud of the team on both sides of the ball,” Walsh said. “We played through the roster, 1-26, and they all were fantastic tonight. To get tree goals and have a shut out is really rewarding for all the work the players have put in.”
Throughout the game Penn State dominated, keeping possession for the majority of the game and keeping the ball on the Aztecs’ side of the pitch. Penn State had an incredible 29 shots in the game, 13 of which were on goal.
Frannie Crouse was the golden girl in the game, scoring two goals to bring her total to five on the season. Her first goal came in the 28th minute after receiving a fantastic full field pass from Elizabeth Ball and turning it in with a soft chip over the diving Aztec goalkeeper, Gabby English. Crouse’s second goal came in the 55th minute of the game to seal the victory when she was shown an empty net after a breakdown of the San Diego State defense. Megan Schafer also scored, netting hers in the 51st minute by drilling it into the goal, for her first of the season.
The entire Penn State team seemed to be in form throughout the entire game, getting even better in the second half. They had the Aztecs off balance, trying desperately to get the ball out of their half all game. Penn State’s goalkeeper Amanda Dennis didn’t have much to do all game with only five shots on goal and one on goal which was saved by her replacement in the 80th minute, Sarafina Valenti.
When asked if the game was more special than normal because it was her 200th win, Walsh said, “It is special because of the performance overall was special. Whether it’s the first win or 200th, I was just really proud of this group tonight. The energy that was put in was fantastic. Coming home from a California trip, there was a little bit of fatigue and you have to find that energy within, and they did the job.”
The Penn State Nittany Lions hope to help Coach Walsh to her 201st win this Sunday against La Salle at 1 p.m. on Jeffrey Field.
Tommy Butler is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email tommybutler1480@gmail.com.
