The 12th-ranked University of Louisville field hockey team fell 5-0 to No. 6 Penn State in the first round of the NCAA tournament Friday afternoon at Michigan’s Phyllis Ocker Field.
The Cardinals finish the season with a 12-8 overall record after making their fourth straight and 11th overall NCAA appearance.
In the game, Penn State (16-3) held a 19-8 advantage in shots and a 12-7 edge in shots on goal while earning 10 penalty corners to Louisville’s four. Sasha Elliott registered seven saves with Penn State’s Brie Barraco and Lauren Delgado combining for seven stops.
Anna Simon and Sophia Gladieux each tallied a pair of goals while Jemma Punch also scored for the Nittany Lions. Simon got the offense started in the 13th minute of the game and Gladieux pushed the lead to 2-0 with six seconds left in the first quarter. Punch opened the second quarter with a penalty corner goal and Gladieux added her second score of the game four minutes later.
Louisville managed three shots on goal and earned three penalty corners in the first half, but the Cardinals were unable to capitalize on the opportunities as Penn State took the 4-0 lead into halftime.
After earning a corner in the closing seconds of the third quarter, the Nittany Lions completed the scoring with Simon’s second goal of the game which came as time expired in the frame.
The Cards delivered four shots on goal in the second half, but Penn State’s defense kept them at bay.
Head Coach Justine Sowry on the Game
“That was a tough way to end the season. Penn State came to play and were the better team. They kept the pressure on for the majority of the game and we were unable to respond the way we know how.
As I reflect overall on the season, we had some great moments, learned valuable lessons and identified areas that need attention as we strive to be a consistent elite performing team.
I am proud of and honored to have coached our seniors who have ended their careers, Sasha, Kelsey, Mattie and Katie. Team first, leadership and amazing representatives of Louisville Field Hockey.”
| Lori Korte HarmonAssistant Sports Information Director | Louisville Athletics |