Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 5/3/15
From Press Release
The No. 7 Penn State women’s lacrosse team won the inaugural Big Ten Tournament, 13-11, over No. 20 Ohio State on a sunny Sunday afternoon at High Point Solutions Stadium to earn the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Tatum Coffey scored four goals and defender Abby Smucker was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
“We’re really excited,” head coach Missy Doherty said. “This (tournament) is going to be one we’ll enjoy for a long, long time. It’s a product of the girls on this team. From day one they were just really fun, driven team to work with. And this is what happens when the girls have their priorities in the right place and enjoy each other and work hard.”
A 3-0 spurt midway through the second half propelled the Nittany Lions (14-4) to their first tournament championship, breaking an eight-all deadlock with 17:09 remaining. Despite OSU’s 3-1 ensuing run, Penn State would never relinquish the lead to beat the Buckeyes (13-7) for a second straight time.
Coffey was outstanding all tournament, finishing with seven goals in two games, while Smucker played on a makeshift defense that was comprised solely of midfielders. Penn State kept Ohio State below its season average in goals en route to the victory.
Coffey joined Smucker on the All-Tournament Team, while Jenna Mosketti and Emi Smith lso joined in the honors. Mosketti had two goals and a team-high six draw controls, while Smith made seven saves including a crucial stop late on Katie Chase to preserve the win. Chase had four goals and three assists for the Buckeyes.
Penn State’s balanced offense featured seven different goal scorers led by Coffey’s four and followed by Madison Cyr, Katie O’Donnell (Henderson) and Mosketti each scoring twice. Ally Heavens (Garnet Valley) had two groundballs, a draw control anda caused turnover and Cat Layne (Villa Maria Academy) added a groundball for the Lions.
Steph Lazo had a three-point day on a goal and two assists, while Maggie McCormick pitched in with a goal and an assist. Kristin Brent scored for a second straight game for the Lions.
Penn State out-shot the Buckeyes, 25-24, while coming up even in saves with seven apiece. Both teams had eight turnovers and Penn State cleared 9-of-10 times, while PSU’s ride caused five turnovers on 11 Ohio State clearing attempts.
Both teams picked up 13 draw controls and the ground ball battle was won by OSU, 10-8. Coffey led PSU with three grounders.
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