Field hockey back on track with road win over Temple

Nothing like an old-fashioned blowout to get back on the winning track.

The Penn State field hockey team rebounded from its home loss last Friday to Connecticut by beating Temple, 7-1, yesterday in Philadelphia.

The Lions, down a spot to No. 2 in the Sept. 21 STX/NFHCA poll, dominated the Owls for its biggest offensive explosion of the season, putting 22 shots on goal.

Five different Penn State players scored goals, including two each by senior Tracey Larson and sophomore Meredith Shulzitski.

Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Heidi Leuchte was called upon to make four saves in the first half until senior backup goalie Julie Sposito came in for the second half, making one save.

Penn State (6-1) wasted little time in jumping onto the scoreboard, as junior Maegan Galie scored the opening goal 7:16 into the game. Barely a minute later, the Lions scored again, this time by junior Lindsey Gehris. It was the first goal of the season for Gehris.

About five minutes later, Larson scored her first goal of the game. She would score her next goal on a penalty stroke with 8:08 remaining in the first half.

Shulzitski closed out the first half, scoring two goals. Her first goal found its way into the net with 5:06 remaining and her second goal was scored about two minutes later.

The six first-half goals were the most for the Lions this season.

Temple (1-6) played much better in the second half, but could not come close to getting back into the game.

The Owls scored a goal 7:04 into the second half. Jessica Jaworski would assist on the Torie Russell goal, the team's third of the season.

With 3:16 remaining, sophomore Kiley Kulina scored her fourth goal of the year, assisted by Larson and senior Mandy Robinson.

With two goals and an assist, Larson became the team's leading scorer. Her 18 points are only two behind last season's total.

The Lions dropped from the No. 1 position, losing 51 points and 22 first-place votes. Connecticut claimed the No. 1 spot after going on the road to defeat the Lions and No. 14 Princeton.

The Lions now prepare for the start of their Big Ten schedule, visiting Northwestern Friday and No. 10 Iowa Sunday.

-- by Brad Stratton