Penn State dominates Stony Brook 8-1 in NCAA women’s soccer first round

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State women’s soccer opened their NCAA tournament run in compelling fashion, steamrolling Stony Brook 8-1 at Jeffrey Field on Friday night.

The Nittany Lions displayed a comprehensive team effort, with six different players finding the back of the net and freshmen making significant contributions on the big stage.

The match began with Penn State asserting control, outshooting the Seawolves 14-2 in the first half. Kaitlyn MacBean opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a header to the top left corner, assisted by Bella Ayscue and Jordan Fusco.

It was a familiar sight for Nittany Lions fans, as MacBean continued to deliver in key moments.

Ayscue, who emerged as a breakout star in the match, doubled the lead just six minutes later. The freshman capitalized on an assist from Amelia White to slot a low shot into the bottom right corner. Her first career goal for Penn State set the tone for an evening of milestones.

Penn State’s offensive surge continued in the 34th minute when Julia Raich added a third goal, driving a shot into the top left corner with an assist from Rebecca Cooke. Moments later, Cooke joined the scoring frenzy herself, burying a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner off a perfect setup by Raich, giving Penn State a 4-0 lead at halftime.

The second half showcased the team’s depth and persistence. Katie Scott, another freshman, recorded her first collegiate goal in the 55th minute with a header assisted by Ayscue.

While Stony Brook’s Luciana Setteducate managed to pull one back for the Seawolves in the 58th minute, it was a mere blip in an otherwise dominant Penn State performance.

Cooke added her second goal in the 66th minute, bringing the score to 6-1 after a precise assist from Kaelyn Wolfe. Freshman Aubrey Kulpa rounded out the Nittany Lions’ scoring with two late goals, both assisted by Olivia Damico, with Natalie Wilson also recording an assist on the first.

Kulpa’s contributions underscored Penn State’s promising future, as the freshmen class accounted for four of the eight goals.

Statistically, the Nittany Lions overwhelmed Stony Brook in every category. Penn State registered 28 shots to the Seawolves’ six, and while Stony Brook’s goalkeeper Nicolette Pasquarella made eight saves, she couldn’t withstand the relentless pressure.

The Nittany Lions also dominated on corner kicks, 7-3.

“I thought our group came out with a real professional approach tonight and great aptitude. We went at them early, and often. I’m just really proud of the way they worked from start to finish. We got a huge contribution off the bench tonight.” head coach Erica Dambach said post-match.

The win propels Penn State to the second round of the NCAA tournament, where they will face No. 5 seed TCU in Tallahassee next Friday.

The Nittany Lions’ high-powered offense will be tested against tougher competition, but their balanced attack and depth give them reason for optimism.

With contributions from seasoned veterans like MacBean and Cooke and the rise of young talents like Ayscue, Scott, and Kulpa, Penn State is peaking at the right time.

The journey to Cary is just beginning, but Friday’s emphatic victory leaves no doubt: the Nittany Lions are a force to be reckoned with.

Carson Schuler is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email cts5357@psu.edu.