MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – The Immaculata University field hockey team opened its inaugural United East Conference campaign Friday evening, battling Penn State Harrisburg through three quarters before the Lions pulled away late for a 3-0 victory at the Turf Complex.
The Mighty Macs (2-8, 0-1 United East) entered the fourth quarter trailing just 2-0 and mounted a strong offensive push in the final 15 minutes. Immaculata generated six shots and six penalty corners in the fourth quarter while limiting Penn State Harrisburg to just one shot.
HOW IT HAPPENED AGAINST PENN STATE HARRISBURG
- The Mighty Macs created an early scoring opportunity in the opening quarter when Alexis Andrada put a shot on goal, but Penn State Harrisburg goalkeeper Nisa Kece made the save. Annamae Jones made one save for Immaculata in the opening 15 minutes as the teams remained scoreless after one quarter.
- Immaculata continued to generate opportunities early in the second quarter, with Andrada recording back-to-back shots, including one on goal that was saved by Kece. The Lions broke through at 18:40 when Lily Howry scored to give Penn State Harrisburg a 1-0 lead.
- The Mighty Macs remained within one goal entering halftime and continued to battle defensively in the third quarter. Jones made a pair of saves early in the period to keep Immaculata within striking distance.
- Penn State Harrisburg extended its lead to 2-0 at 40:49 when Astrid Comp scored. Comp's initial attempt was denied by an outstanding defensive save from Kayla Ledbetter, but Comp converted on the ensuing opportunity.
- Immaculata answered with a scoring chance of its own later in the quarter as Andrada put a shot on goal following an Immaculata penalty corner, but Kece made the save to preserve the Lions' two-goal advantage.
- The Mighty Macs mounted their strongest offensive push of the evening in the fourth quarter, generating six shots and six penalty corners while holding Penn State Harrisburg to just one shot.
- The Lions added their third goal at 46:41 when Sara Yeselavage converted a penalty-corner opportunity.
- Immaculata continued to pressure Penn State Harrisburg late in the contest. Alexa Marczak hit the post at 49:50, while Kece made saves on consecutive attempts from Morgan Barnes and Maria Berenato during an extended Mighty Mac offensive sequence.
- Friday's contest marked Immaculata's first United East Conference field hockey game as the Mighty Macs begin their inaugural season as a United East member.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Alexis Andrada led the Mighty Macs with five shots, including two on goal.
- Immaculata generated six shots and six penalty corners during its fourth-quarter offensive push.
- The Mighty Macs earned seven penalty corners overall, matching Penn State Harrisburg's seven.
- Annamae Jones made five saves in 52:18 of action.
- Kayla Ledbetter recorded a defensive save in the third quarter to keep Immaculata within two goals.
- Immaculata finished with multiple quality scoring opportunities in the fourth quarter, including Alexa Marczak's shot that hit the post.
LOOKING AHEAD
Immaculata returns to action on Wednesday, October 7, when the Mighty Macs travel to Lancaster Bible College for a 4 p.m. United East Conference matchup.
