Women's hockey falls 3-1 to Lindenwood

The outcome was too familiar for Penn State, but under different circumstances.

The Nittany Lions (7-20-1, 1-13-1 CHA) fell to Lindenwood (4-23-2, 4-9-2 CHA) during a Friday afternoon matchup, 3-1. Unlike most losses, though, Penn State initially held a lead against the Lindenwood before dropping the contest.

After a pass from Birdie Shaw in the left wing connected with Emily Laurenzi's stick in transition, the freshman put away the Nittany Lions' only goal with a top-shelf score in the first period.

“[Shaw] made a beautiful pass back and I don't know how I got it into that top corner,” Laurenzi said. “It was pretty lucky.”

The lead would hold until the back end of the second period, when Lindenwood scored within a minute of its second power play attempt.

The other penalty committed by the Lions in the second frame, a tripping minor by Taylor Gross, proved to be another difference-maker. Her penalty extended into the final period of regulation, and 37 seconds after play resumed, Lindenwood took the lead.

Two power play chances by Penn State following the goal yielded nothing, and its own power play unit finished 0-for-4 on the day. In contrast, the Lindenwood's power play unit finished 2-for-4.

Coach Josh Brandwene said the team played a fantastic first period, but needs to be more consistent and sustain the rhythm it was in.

Goaltender Nicole Paniccia, who recorded 42 saves, said she thinks that rhythm was broken because the Lions got too comfortable with their lead.

“We're just going to try and put it behind us and get ready for tomorrow's game, learn from today and not do that,” Paniccia said.

The teams' two-game series will wrap up tomorrow at 2 p.m., in what will be the Lions' final home game at Greenberg Ice Pavilion.