Box Score
WEST CHESTER, Pa. - Visiting Penn State University used a three-goal first half and its team speed to jump out early and roll to a 3-1 victory over host West Chester University in a non-league field hockey match at sun-drenched Vonnie Gros Field Sunday afternoon.
West Chester (3-4) dropped its fourth straight contest of the season with two of those coming to nationally ranked programs and the other two in overtime. Penn State (4-2) earned its second in of the weekend over an Atlantic 10 school, following its 4-0 shutout at Temple on Saturday.
Kelsey Amy dominated the first half for the Nittany Lions, scoring once and assisting on the other two goals as Penn State built a 3-0 lead by halftime.
Golden Rams head coach Kathy Krannebitter switched Kelsie Ward and Michele Schrift in her diamond formation in the second half, and West Chester responded by alleviating some of the offensive pressure being applied by Penn State.
Kate Zunski than finished off a scramble in front by poking a loose ball past Nittany Lions goalkeeper Ali Meves in the 46th minute to draw the Rams to within two. However, the hosts just missed connecting on a pair of long balls up to the forwards that would have resulted in breakaways. Those types of missed opportunities cost West Chester in the final 35 minutes.
The second half was characterized by more of an offensive flow to West Chester's game and building confidence throughout the match.
Kayla Gluchowski registered an assist on Zunski's goal while Brynn Adams made a brilliant stick save to keep Penn State within striking distance.
Gabby Panasiewicz recorded eight saves in the second half and did not yield a goal. Kristen Arnold (2-2)started the contest and allowed three goals and made four saves in the first half. Penn State's Ayla Halus (4-2) made four saves in the first half. Meves relieved her at halftime and did not record a save while allowing West Chester's only tally of the afternoon.
West Chester returns home next Friday for a non-league match with Rider at 4 p.m.
