The player profile in Friday's Penn State field hockey program highlighted junior Shaun Banta. Fittingly enough, she became the most valuable player this past weekend.

Banta scored two goals in Friday's 4-0 win against Lafayette, and capped off the weekend with a hat trick yesterday, helping to defeat West Chester, 6-0.

The weekend games mark only the fourth and fifth time Banta has scored at least two goals in a game. Yesterday's game was also the first hat trick of her career.

Banta's performance puts her at the top of the list for goals scored (seven) and points this season. This is nothing new for Banta, who led last year's squad in the same two categories. Not only did she lead the team last year, but her 17 goals made her No. 15 in the nation and second in the Big Ten in goals.

Banta is a key component in the Lions' offense, and has helped to create a plethora of scoring opportunities from the right side. On the field, she is either racing down the sidelines or in front of the goal fighting for the ball. With her speed and threatening shot, Banta is constantly a target.

"Shaun had great focus in the first half [against Lafayette]," Penn State coach Char Morett said. "She's around the goal, and she's dangerous around the goal so hopefully we will get her scoring some more goals throughout the season."

With a lack of an offensive spark in the first games of the season, Morett said she used last week's practices to teach her players to shoot whenever they see an opportunity. This year Banta has been shooting at more opportune times, and Morett has seen the improvement.

"She's really been using her stick skills to get the shot off," Morett said. "Sometimes she forces her shot, but I think she's been more patient."

When asked about her stellar play this weekend, Banta remained modest, crediting her success with her teammates and a few lucky touches.