Neilye Stoner isn't the most physically intimidating player on the field, but Saturday afternoon against Iowa, she was one of the most important.

The true freshman from Manheim had assisted on 2 goals earlier in the season, but never tallied one of her own, that is, until the 4:45 mark of the first half of the game.

The rebound goal by Stoner put the Lady Lions up 1-0, but more importantly, provided Stoner with a well-deserved sense of satisfaction.

"I've been trying (to score a goal) for seven games," Stoner said.

She then added her second career goal later in the match, but it was her first that carried the greatest importance. With Iowa's Saleema Rogers providing perfect goaltending until that point, the goal proved to be a key, as it provided the Lady Lions with a hard-fought lead for the first time in the contest.

"I think it's just my teammates. They're so positive. If you make a mistake, they always say it's alright."

Penn State field hockey coach Char Morett says of Stoner, "Neilye's biggest strength is ball distribution and a strong passing game. We may look to her to hold down the center of the field."

Morett has been so impressed with Stoner's play this season that she is the only true freshman to receive significant playing time, as well as the only freshman to start.

Following Saturday's game, Morett commented, "She's sneaky. Neilye gets back into the play. You think she's out, but she gets a jab in there, she gets a stick in there. For a freshman, she plays with a lot of poise and skill and that's nice as a coach to have that confidence as a player."

Senior co-captain Traci Anselmo added: "Last week, I asked her how many goals she was going to score and she said, 'I think I'll score two.' She wasn't very confident. But today she said, 'I think I'll score 20.' You could just tell she was confident and I like that better."

In addition to both coaches and teammates' praise, Stoner has garnered numerous high school honors, including two-time Lancaster/Lebanon Conference All-Star as well as 1999 Most Valuable Offensive Player at the league All-Star game.

Stoner's style of play isn't flashy or selfish. But she does go out and get the job done.

"I just go out there and play."

If that continues, the Lions program and Morett can expect great things for the future.