After a dramatic overtime win against West Virginia on Friday, Penn State women’s soccer had a quick turn around as it faced Pitt on Sunday.
The No. 8 Nittany Lions rolled against the Panthers shutting them out 3-0. The Lions' offense was in control from start to finish with six shots on goal.
Top performers for the Lions were redshirt junior Tani Costa with one goal and an assist, as well as Maddy Evans and senior Christine Nairn with one goal apiece. Nairn has started the season on quite a tear with seven goals in six games, she kicked the game-winning goal in the West Virginia match.
“She’s just getting better every game right now on the field as a leader,” head coach Erica Walsh. “She’s determined to drive the team this year.”
A depleted Penn State defense was able to hold strong against Pitt. The group is missing starters Raquel Rodriguez and Bri Hovington. Rodriguez competed for the Costa Rican national team this weekend and did not travel with the team. Hovington was injured against West Virginia when she got hit while in the air, injuring her neck. Though she was not able to play against Pitt it does not seem as if her injury will be long-term.
Whit Church and Bri Garcia led the defensive charge for the Lions, though Pitt was able to attempt 10 shots and only four of those shots were on goal.
“We needed players to step up,” head coach Erica Walsh. “Garcia, Church and [Kori] Chapic were the three we relied on.”
The Lions resume action next week at BYU.
