UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State Nittany Lion field hockey team (0-1) fell to the No. 5 Virginia Cavaliers (1-0) in overtime on Friday afternoon at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex, 3-4. After trailing for three periods, the Nittany Lions scored a trio of goals in quick succession, all three spanning five minutes and 49 seconds, in the fourth period to force the overtime.
Newcomers Chloe D’Hage and Ella Gaitan along with sophomore standout Olivia Marthins scored goals in the contest with Joji Purdy and Sienna Dunn each recording an assist. Gaitan and captain Natalie Freeman tied for the team high with three shots each and junior goalkeeper Aby Deverka notched a trio of saves.
FIRST PERIOD | PSU 0 – No. 5 UVA 1
After holding early possession, Virginia came out and sent the ball downfield for an early goal at the 14:04 mark, scored by Rylee Dennis. After back-and-forth possession from both sides, Penn State battled through the midfield to produce its first shot of the match in the seventh minute of the match from Hope Russo, which went high. While the Nittany Lions had a strong attack in the final minute of play, the Cavaliers’ defense shut it down, closing out the first period with a 1-0 lead over Penn State.
SECOND PERIOD | PSU 0 – No. 5 UVA 2
The Cavaliers entered the second period with another offensive press, forcing the Nittany Lions to play an early defensive game. Penn State was able to ward off the attack for several minutes, as well as produce a shot from Freeman, but at the 10:08 mark, Riley Savage scored for Virginia, assisted by Caitlin Connell. The Nittany Lions quickly recovered for a shot at 8:03 by Purdy but failed to convert. Pressure from the Cavaliers remained strong, with Aby Deverka logging her first save of the match at 2:58. Moments later, at 2:01, the Nittany Lions earned a penalty corner. Gaitan had two shots off the corner, one that was saved and one that was blocked, ending the chance for Penn State. At the end of the second, Virginia led 2-0.
THIRD PERIOD | PSU 0 – No. 5 UVA 3
The third period opened with another heavy press from Virginia’s offense. The Nittany Lions were forced deep into their side of the field again. At 12:09, the Cavaliers added their third goal by Livvy Barker assisted by Amelie Rees. Penn State was able to push the ball downfield for another shot by Freeman at 10:12, but it went high. The Nittany Lions continued their offensive attack, working the ball through the midfield and down the line for another shot at 6:35 by Russo, this one saved by Virginia goalkeeper Nilou Lempers. Possession remained back-and-forth between both sides through the final minutes of the period, closing with a 3-0 Virginia lead.
FOURTH PERIOD | PSU 3 – No. 5 UVA 3
After early possession from Penn State, it earned its second penalty corner of the match at the 11:30 mark. After an initial shot from Lilly Holmes that was saved, Olivia Marthins scored off the rebound at 11:21, marking the first goal of the match for the blue and white. Penn State kept their momentum alive and continued to stay hot on the ball. At 8:45, Gaitan scored the second Nittany Lion goal of the match, assisted by a pass from Purdy, and only 2:36 after the opening goal. Moments later, at 5:32, D’Hage put up the equalizing goal for Penn State off an assist from Dunn, only 3:13 after the second goal. A total of only 5:49 elapsed between the initial goal and the equalizing goal. With the intensity high on both sides, the Cavaliers got back into it with a penalty corner at the 4:04 mark, with a shot saved by Deverka. Another penalty corner was given to Virginia shortly after at 3:21, with another shot saved by Deverka. A third penalty corner was given to the Cavaliers at 1:25, which was cleared out again by the Penn State defense.
OVERTIME PERIOD | PSU 3 – No. 5 UVA 4
Penn State started the overtime period with strong possession, sending the ball downfield early and keeping the pressure high. The possession quickly shifted, but the Nittany Lions’ defense remained firm and shut down multiple attacks, including a save from Deverka at 10:29. An official review at the same time found there was no penalty corner for Virginia on the play. But another official review at 9:40 awarded the Cavaliers with a penalty corner. At 9:33, a goal from Virginia’s Mia Abello, assisted by Mary Adams and Emma Watchilla concluded the game.
UP NEXT
The Nittany Lions continue the team’s six-game home stretch to start the 2026 season by hosting the Lock Haven Bald Eagles on Sunday, August 30 at 12 p.m. Fans can stream the contest on B1G+ and can attend all games played at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex at no cost.
Visit GoPSUSports.com for the up-to-date information on Penn State Field Hockey. Fans can follow Penn State Field Hockey social media on Facebook at /pennstatefieldhockey as well as Twitter and Instagram @PennStateFH.