MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Behind a multi-goal game from Rachel Lane and a trio of assists from Natalie Rocuskie, Penn State Harrisburg's field hockey team opened conference play with a convincing 5-1 victory over United East foe Cedar Crest on Saturday morning, Oct. 5.

Lane had a career day, converting a pair of markers and adding two assists, while Rocuskie racked up a career-high three helpers. Sadie Cook netted the eventual game-winning goal, while Anna Moyer and McKenzie Grady each found the back of the cage for the first time in their young careers.

Lane got the scoring started with a line shot that beat Cedar Crest goalkeeper Shelby Heater in the seventh minute off a find from Gianna Grelli before playing the role of helper late in the second quarter when she found Cook for the next score in the 28th minute.

The Falcons (3-8, 0-1 United East) controlled possession for much of the first half but failed to take advantage and the Lions (7-3, 1-0 United East) made them pay after the break to the tune of two third quarter goals and another in the fourth.

Early in the third, Rocuskie connected with Lane for a long breakaway opportunity that the former finished off with a pretty stroke in the 33rd minute. Less than four minutes later, Penn State Harrisburg struck again when Moyer deflected home a Bailey Rucker attempt off a Rocuskie penalty corner insertion at the 7:32 mark. Grady put the finishing touches on the home team's scoring with her first career marker off another feed from Rocuskie with 11:56 remaining.

Cedar Crest avoided the shutout with a goal in the 53rd minute but the comeback effort proved far too little too late.

NOTABLES

- Saturday's contest was Penn State Harrisburg's first conference game in program history.

- Lane tallied six total points on the day thanks to a pair of goals and two assists.

- Rocuskie distributed well, tallying a career-high three helpers on the day.

- Cook netted the game-winning goal. Her marker was her third of the season.

- Moyer and Grady each converted their first goals on the year.

- Grelli and Rucker added one assist apiece.

- The Lions outshot Cedar Crest 12-6 overall and 9-4 in shots on frame.

- Saturday also served as the program's Pink Game and Umpire Appreciation Game.

WHO'S NEXT?

The Lions travel to Gwynedd Mercy for their final non-conference game of the season on Wednesday night, Oct. 9.

STAY CONNECTED 

Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.