Penn State looks to continue its unbeaten streak against Princeton

The Penn State Nittany Lions will look for their sixth-straight victory on Thursday night against the Princeton Tigers in their final non-conference matchup this season.

This is just the fourth Penn State squad to remain unbeaten through its first six contests alongside the 1996, 1998 and 2005 teams.

The Nittany Lions were dominant both offensively and defensively in their most recent 4-1 win over the Monmouth Hawks. In the high-scoring affair, four different Penn State players found the back of the net including Cori Dyke, Olivia Borgen, Riley Gleason and Olivia Damico.

All season, the Nittany Lions have been exemplary defensively, allowing just two goals in six games. This match was a breakout performance offensively as the blue and white fired nine shots on target, four of which found the netting. Penn State somewhat struggled earlier in the season to capitalize on shots on target, but that wasn’t the case on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Katherine Asman has been unstoppable all season. She is yet to surrender a goal at home in five starts and has registered 17 saves on the season.

This was the fifth straight win over the Hawks for the blue and white, improving their series record to 5-0.

The Princeton Tigers have started off the season identically to Penn State. They also remain unbeaten through their first four matches for the second time in three years.

Princeton will test the Nittany Lions defensively as they are relentless when it comes to firing shots on net. Earlier this week, the Tigers ranked sixth in the nation with shots on net, averaging 22, and fourth in points per game, averaging 10.

Pietra Tordin is a force to be reckoned with for Princeton up top. She’s already tallied seven goals this season in four games and averages seven shots per game.

She’s been a phenom for the Tigers since she arrived last year as a freshman. In 2022, she led the team with eight goals scored in 17 games played, nine games started and was named Rookie of the Year.

The relentless offense of Princeton will head straight into the unbreakable defense of Penn State in their toughest competition yet.

This is the third-ever meeting between these well-established programs. Historically, the Nittany Lions have gotten the better of the Tigers with a 2-1 lead in the series.

It’s been 20 years since these two powerhouses met in the 2002 NCAA postseason where the Nittany Lions ended Princeton’s season with a 2-0 victory.

Kickoff is set for Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Jeffrey Field.

Cailey Thalman is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email cmt6182@psu.edu.