Babbitt’s Two Goals Not Enough in 3-2 Loss

Wednesday, September 27

Syracuse, NY

4:00 p.m.

Syracuse University

Penn State

Up next, the Orange travel to UMass on Friday, September 29 at 3 p.m.

9/27/2006 6:26:36 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Sophomore forward Alison Babbitt (Spencer, N.Y.) scored two goals, but it was not enough as the Syracuse University field hockey team dropped a 3-2 decision to No. 9 Penn State on Wednesday at Coyne Field. SU’s fourth consecutive loss drops the Orange to 4-6, while the Nittany Lions’ ninth consecutive win improves them to 9-2.

“We played like a different team than we did over the weekend. We came out confident with a goal in mind and played hard.” SU head coach Kathleen Parker said. “I am really happy with the way we played. We were a lot more focused, we played better zone defense and were moved the ball better.”

For the first time since September 10 against Lafayette, Syracuse scored first when Babbitt put home a rebound from a SU penalty corner at the 4:37 mark.

The 9^th-ranked Nittany Lions responded three minutes later as Annelise Legel sent a cross to Shaun Banta who put the ball past sophomore goalkeeper Heather Hess (Lititz, Pa.) at the 7:55 mark.

The game remained scoreless for the rest of the first half.

The Orange took a 2-1 lead at the 41:02 mark when Babbitt broke free from the Penn State defense and beat PSU keeper Jen Beaumont for her second goal of the day.

The Nittany Lions tied the game at 2-2, converting on a penalty corner at the 49:10 mark. Kiersten Wood scored and Jen Long and Allison Scola were each credited with an assist.

PSU’s Natalie Blasco tallied the game winner by deflecting Wood’s shot past Hess with just over 12 minutes remaining.

Penn State outshot Syracuse, 13-5 and held an 8-2 advantage in penalty corners. Hess made four saves for SU. Beaumont made two for the Nittany Lions.

Up next, the Orange travel to UMass on Friday, September 29 at 3 p.m.