Penn State field hockey weekend preview

After a tough 0-2 start to the season, Penn State will be looking to rebound this weekend against the Saint Joseph’s Hawks and the Delaware Blue Hens.

The Nittany Lions fell short in very difficult matchups to start the season.

They first suffered a tough 2-1 loss to No. 3 Virginia in Penn State’s home opener.

The Nittany Lions were only able to muster six shots on goal the whole game, which did not help with the look on the scoreboard.

The defense stepped up big for the Nittany Lions.

The team had 11 saves, which was able to help keep them in the game to make up for the lack of offense.

The offense did not get better in the next game against No. 10 Syracuse. Falling to them by the same score 2-1.

Penn State was once again able to score one goal, and that was thanks to Sophia Gladieux.

She was the main contributor by putting up a team-leading four shots on goal.

If Penn State wants to gain their confidence back, they must rebound this weekend by being more consistent on the offensive front.

It doesn’t get any easier for the Nittany Lions though.

No. 13 Saint Joseph’s will be looking for back-to-back wins after a 4-2 win against New Hampshire.

Despite a crushing opening overtime loss against UConn, the Hawks look to be consistent on the offensive side.

The Hawks were able to score four goals in each of their games to start the year, so they will be looking to pounce on Penn State on Friday afternoon.

After Saint Joseph’s, Penn State will then travel to Delaware to take on the Blue Hens Sunday at noon.

Delaware also lost their opener to Lafayette 1-0.

Despite the Blue Hens putting up a solid ten shots on goal, they were not able to put anything in the back of the net.

The Blue Hens play Friday night against Bucknell in hopes of rebounding from a shutout loss.

Delaware will then have their home opener against the Nittany Lions.

Penn State will be looking to rebound on Sunday with an offense that also seems to be figuring things out.

The road doesn’t get any easier on Friday, as they are going to need a huge win against Saint Joseph’s.

Going into this game ranked No. 16 in the country, the Nittany Lions falling to 0-3 would be the farthest thing from ideal.

This will be an important weekend for this Nittany Lions squad. Beating a ranked opponent after suffering two heartbreaking losses to start the year will be huge for their confidence.

It will also help when feeling good against an unranked team in the Blue Hens, who will be searching for their first win of the young season.

Will Penn State get back on track this weekend? Or will the Nittany Lions' skid against ranked opponents continue?

Only time will tell.

Ben Barker is a second-year majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him, please email bsb5566@psu.edu.