UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State women's soccer program defeated Monmouth 3-1 in the NCAA Tournament First Round on Friday night at Jeffrey Field.
"It was a really professional performance tonight by our group," said Penn State head coach Erica Dambach. "I thought they came out with a ton of energy. It's a reflection of these last two weeks of training. They have really dug in, and the spirits have been high. The work ethic has been high, and the energy has been high. I think that reflected right off the bat, and I'm just really proud of these guys."
With the win, the Nittany Lions advance to the NCAA Second Round to face the winner of Southern California/Grand Canyon on Nov. 19.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Penn State controlled possession for much of the match, limiting the Hawks to just four shots the entire game while taking 22 themselves.
The Nittany Lions struck first in the 26th minute as Kerry Abello booted a cross that Ally Schlegel headed into the back of the net for her eighth goal of the season.
PSU furthered their advantage to 2-0 in the 39th minute with Payton Linnehan scoring on assists from Elle Kershner and Jordan Canniff.
Later in the 75th minute, the Nittany Lions made it a 3-0 lead. Schlegel dribbled the ball down the middle and found Rachel Wasserman who slipped left of her defender and sent a strike into the right side of the net.
Less than three minutes later, Monmouth would prevent the shutout as a Lauren Karabin cross deflected off a Nittany Lion, giving Rachel Ludwick an opportunity that she took advantage of with a shot off her left foot into the goal.
The Hawks would not get another shot opportunity as time expired for the 3-1 Penn State victory.
Additional Notes
PSU is 21-3 in first round matches (received BYEs from first round in 1998, 1999, and 2000), and they currently have a 12-match first round winning streak.
Penn State is 58-24-2 all-time in the NCAA Tournament, advancing to at least the third round of the tournament each of the last four seasons.
Ally Schlegel now has 32 goals in her Penn State career.
The Penn State women's soccer season is presented by the Smeal College of Business.
