Penn State Women had a busy on and off field week culminating with recognition of their 2016 National Championship win on Saturday during the Penn State vs Minnesota football game in front of a home crowd of 95,000 fans. The program was grateful to be included in the Athletic Departments “State of Excellence” week celebrating four aspects of student-athlete success and experience — cultural, social, academic and athletic. Read more about it at http://www.gopsusports.com/ot/state-of-excellence.html
Prior to the teams National Championship recognition the women kicked off against Life University, arguably their toughest collegiate competition of the year. The 10am kick off was marked by wet over cast skies and slippery conditions. The game met everyone’s expectations of being a physical back and forth battle ending in a 10-10 Tie. Captain Gabby Cantorna said “It was a great game for us to have in the fall, both teams left trys on the field and we are excited to see them again in the spring for what will definitely be another competitive match.”
Life University started the scoring 25 minutes into the first half with some great attacking decision making by Life’s scrumhalf at the edge of the ruck. The try would go unconverted and Penn State would close the gap with Tess Feury slotting a penalty giving Life a 5-3 lead into the half. Weather conditions continued to worsen as the 2nd half kicked off and both teams struggled for continuity in the rain. Penn State would finally take the lead with 10 minutes left in the game after freshmen scrumhalf, Ellie Fromstein quick taps a penalty 5 meters out from the try line and dives in for the score. Tess Feury would go 2 for 2 in conversions moving the score to 10-5. The next ten minutes saw Penn State play relentless physical defense and get marched towards their try lines plagued by penalties. Life would drive over the line with no time left on the clock for the games final points and a 10-10 finish.
Penn State Women also overcame Big Ten competitor Ohio State on Friday evening 34-5. The try zone was found by Gianna Solomn, Corinne Heavner, Madison McCormick, Emily Barton with Corinne Heavner converting 2 of 6 kicks. Coach Daley said, “We gave quite a few of our younger players an opportunity to start and step up against Ohio State. Those players were assisted by the leadership of a few experienced players and I was very proud of Corinne Heavner and the leadership she was able to provide at flyhalf.” The win moves Penn State to 3 and 0 in the Big Ten East conference and they become the only undefeated team as they take to the road for 3 weekends of away games.
This weekend sees Penn State with another double header weekend with a 7pm kick off Friday at Rutgers followed by Army at Noon on Saturday.
Penn State 10 – Life 10
Tries: Fromstein
Conversions: Feury
Penalties: Feury
Penn State 34 – Ohio State 5
Tries: Heavner (2), Solomon (2), McCormick, Barton
Conversions: Heavner (2)
