First goal vibes for Cooper Cutchins gives Penn State field hockey another home win; Penn State 2, Bucknell 1

The No. 17 Penn State women’s field hockey team are 3-0 at home. Photo: Sydney Madden

Cooper Cutchins tallied her first collegiate goal for Penn State field hockey in Friday’s matchup against Bucknell, and it was a shot to remember.

Cutchins, a freshman midfielder from Virginia, ripped a backhand shot one to two feet inside the circle that careened off the top frame of the cage just over the Bison keeper.

In the blink of an eye, the ball darted into the bottom of the cage, making the score 2-0.

The No. 17 Nittany Lions hosted unranked Bucknell at the Char Morett Curtiss Field Hockey Complex, where parents, students, and fans packed the stands.

The Penn State field hockey team are currently 3-1. Bucknell is 2-3.

Both teams shared nearly equal possession of the ball and were impressive using strong passing sequences and clean, well-timed interceptions.

Penn State struck first when sophomore Katelyn Strawser intercepted a Bucknell backfield pass across cage. She dove and tipped the ball into the backboard for an unassisted goal.

Later in the half, Penn State earned a penalty stroke, but Ella Jennes’ deceptive push to the bottom left corner was denied by Bucknell goalkeeper Sarah Althouse.

At halftime, the Nittany Lions led 2-0.

The second half saw Bucknell come out with renewed energy, earning their first penalty corner early in the third quarter.

However, Penn State goalkeeper Aby Deverka reacted quickly to make the save and keep the Lions in the lead.

The Bison continued to press and finally broke through in the fourth quarter when junior Kira Leclercq, assisted by Nicky Punt, fired a shot off a penalty corner into the backboard.

That goal brought the score to 2-1 with just 10 minutes remaining, but it was Bucknell’s only breakthrough of the night.

Penn State is 3-0 at home.

The Lions have welcomed USA Field Hockey Olympian Ally Hammel, who played in the 2024 Paris Olympics, as an assistant coach.

And, on the other side of the pitch, Bucknell also has a depth of field hockey IQ in coach Kelsey Kolojejchick, who played for the red, white, and blue at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The Nittany Lions will host Kent State on Sunday at noon. Bucknell travels to Delaware to play the

Thank you for reading Female Athlete News. Sydney Madden is student-intern at Penn State University.