Goal-scoring frenzy powers Penn State women’s hockey past Lindenwood

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Another Friday in Happy Valley calls for hockey. The Nittany Lions doused Lindenwood 10-1, setting the tone for the weekend series.

What appeared to be a competitive battle, turned into a blowout.

“Our team has been struggling to score goals,” coach Jeff Kampersal said, “and to have a nice offensive opening like we had today is definitely refreshing.”

Penn State struck almost instantly.

Tessa Janecke scored just 14 seconds into the first period, etching a new program record for the fastest goal scored to start a game.

Janecke’s hot start filled the offensive hole left by Julie Gough, whose timeline of return is uncertain. Yet, the sophomore forward took charge on the ice.

The blue and white dominated its opponent’s defensive zone, tallying numerous shots in an attempt to boost its 1-0 lead to two.

With a crisp assist from Maggie MacEachern, Brianna Brooks found the gap elevating her team’s score and the energy inside Pegula Ice Arena.

The second period proved detrimental for Lindenwood.

The Nittany Lions doubled the amount scored in the first and led by a whopping 6-0. However, it was not just star players on the scoreboard.

Katelyn Roberts had a pair of goals with Mya Vaslet and Janecke adding one each.

The variety of goal scorers spread into the third period when Stella Retrum, Maddy Christian and MacEachern got in on the fun.

Penn State relies on those team leaders such as Janecke, but Kampersal emphasized sharing the burden of scoring.

“It’s kind of neat, like four kids and a ten-goal plateau,” Kampersal said. “It was nice to have everybody sort of chip in and spread it out.”

Lindenwood was able to prevent the shutout, however. Sarah Davies was able to capitalize on a power play putting her team on the board.

Nonetheless, the Nittany Lions’ offensive strides could not be stopped.

Janecke continued on her historical night as she connected with the net for a third time, notching her third career hat trick.

With the plethora of point-talliers, the blue and white were up 10-1. Penn State may have dropped a dime on Lindenwood, but Katie DeSa also played spectacularly in between the pipes.

“She looked explosive and had presence,” Kampersal said. “You look down there and she’s on top of her crease.”

DeSa was definitely explosive. The sophomore goaltender noted 20 saves and an impressive .952 save percentage on the day. In addition, she collided with Rachel Goff for a huge save and controversial late hit.

Overall, the Nittany Lions dominated on the ice both offensively and defensively. However, Lindenwood is going to be hungry for a big win on Saturday.

Janecke applauded her team’s efforts on Friday, but emphasized the need to focus on one game at a time as the final few series approach.

“It’s a great win but we need to keep moving forward and playing the same way,” Janecke said.

Meghan Strange is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her email mgs5649@psu.edu.