CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's field hockey team secured a decisive 4-0 victory over conference opponent Wilson on Saturday afternoon, October 18.


Ami Mattingly netted a pair of goals, the first of which marked the game-winner for the Lions. Charlotte Grove and Sadie Cook both added a goal each, while Cook, Bailey Rucker, and Faith Musser provided the helpers on the afternoon. Macenzie Mulholland earned the shutout for the visitors, tallying five saves.


Penn State Harrisburg (10-2, 2-1 United East) began the first quarter with aggressive play, quickly earning a penalty corner executed by Victoria Castano. Despite early attempts, including a shot by Alexis Nasuta that went just wide and another by Mattingly that forced a defensive save, the squad was unable to convert these opportunities into points early. The visitors continued to press offensively, with Nasuta taking multiple shots, one of which was saved by Wilson's goalie, Erin Sullivan. The defensive effort by Mulholland kept the Phoenix (5-7, 2-0) off the scoreboard, maintaining a balanced competition through the quarter's close.


The Lions took the lead early in the second quarter when Mattingly scored the first goal of the game, assisted by Sadie Cook at the 16-minute mark. The team capitalized on the momentum with a penalty corner by Cook and a subsequent shot by Mattingly, though it was saved by Sullivan. The Phoenix attempted to respond with a penalty corner and a shot by Kate Seymour, but the attempt was saved by Mulholland which kept the score in favor of Penn State Harrisburg going into halftime.


In the third quarter, the Lions capitalized on a penalty corner in the 38th minute, resulting in a goal by Charlotte Grove, pushing the score to 2-0. Just minutes later, Cook extended the lead for Penn State-Harrisburg with a goal assisted by Bailey Rucker and the offensive burst concluded the quarter with a 3-0 advantage for the visitors, solidifying a commanding position as the match went into the final quarter.


Penn State Harrisburg opened the fourth quarter with another scoring push, as Mattingly found the back of the net once again which was assisted by Faith Musser and extended their lead to 4-0. Despite multiple attempts by the Phoenix, including a penalty corner and consecutive shots saved by Mulholland, the Lions' defense held strong. Castano added pressure late in the quarter with three quick shots on goal, all saved by Sullivan and the visitors secured the United East Conference victory.


NOTABLES
- Mattingly netted a pair of goals against the Phoenix, giving her 21 total markers this season alone. 
- Cook tallied a goal and an assist for the Lions.
- Grove recorded her first goal of the season against Wilson.
- Musser and Rucker both added an assist each. 
- Nasuta had five attempts, three of which were on frame. 
- Mulholland earned the shutout for the visitors, totaling five saves.
- The Lions outshot the Phoenix 20-8. 


WHO'S NEXT? 
Penn State Harrisburg concludes their regular season on Wednesday night, October 22 with a conference contest at Lancaster Bible at 6 p.m.


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