Things coming in threes for Lions' Larson

By BRAD STRATTON
Collegian Staff Writer

Penn State midfielder Tracey Larson has become accustomed to dishing out three assists a game. Three times this season, Larson has accomplished this feat.

Yesterday, against Ohio State, things came in threes again for Larson.

But they were goals — not assists.

Larson's three goals helped guide her team to victory as the No. 4 Lady Lions dominated No. 12 Ohio State 4-1 yesterday in Columbus, Ohio.

With the win, the Lions swept the Buckeyes in their season series and kept pace with No. 3 Iowa in the Big Ten. The first-place Hawkeyes defeated second-place Michigan 1-0 yesterday.

The Lions (14-3, 6-2 Big Ten) were more than a match for Ohio State (10-5, 3-5), outshooting the Buckeyes 12-1. In both games between the two teams this season, Penn State has outshot the Buckeyes, 35-2.

"We played great," Penn State field hockey coach Char Morett said, "with lots of intensity for 70 minutes."

Larson started her first career hat trick with an unassisted goal less than 10 minutes into the game. Little would develop after that, as the half ended with Ohio State one goal behind.

As the second half began, Larson and other Penn State field hockey players wasted little time in putting away the Buckeyes.

Six minutes and nine seconds into the second half, the Lions were awarded a penalty stroke after an infraction by Ohio State goalkeeper Allison Blanton. Larson converted on the play, pushing the shot past Blanton and into the goal.

With 16:18 remaining, the Lions scored once again, this time on an unassisted goal by redshirt sophomore Lindsey Gehris.

Larson completed her hat trick -- the first of her career -- less than five minutes later on a penalty corner, which was assisted by redshirt junior Traci Anselmo.

Ohio State made its way onto the scoreboard 30 seconds later when forward Deanna Menichini took the Buckeyes' only shot of the game and snuck the ball past Lions redshirt freshman goalkeeper Heidi Leuchte.

Blanton did her best to keep Ohio State in the game, making five saves. But her effort was in vain as the Buckeyes could not solve the Lions defense.

With the victory, the Lions moved up to second place in the conference, a half-game ahead of Michigan. Those two teams will meet Friday afternoon in Ann Arbor, Mich. But before Penn State travels to face the Wolverines, it will host Pennsylvania in the Lions' final home game of the regular season. The game is at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Bigler Athletic Complex.