Drexel University Athletics
Drexel University
2-0
Penn State
0-1
Dragons Secure First Program Win Over No. 25 Penn State
2/16/2022 5:49:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
PHILADELPHIA – The No. 19 Drexel Dragons took down No. 25 Penn State on Wednesday afternoon with a consistent offensive effort, becoming the first team in program history to beat the Nittany Lions. Hayleigh Simpson and Karson Harris drove Drexel's scoring, each with three goals and an assist on the afternoon. The Dragons improve to a perfect 2-0 to start the year while giving Penn State a season-opening loss.
The Dragons maintained composure against a strong Penn State team, holding onto a lead through all four quarters. Both teams battled early to see who would set the pace offensively. Harris stepped up as Drexel's offensive catalyst, putting the Dragons on the board in the 14th minute off a free-position effort. Despite a response from PSU, Drexel proceeded to sink three consecutive goals to give them an early 4-1 lead.
The second quarter saw a constant change in goal success, putting the game at a three-point margin with 30 minutes to follow. The Dragons defense came back from the half hungry, holding the Nittany Lions to a lone goal on nine total shots faced. Belle McHugh spearheaded Drexel's defensive effort with two caused turnovers. The strength of the defense allowed the Dragons to execute offensively with two goals from Harris and Allison Drake, giving the Dragons their second-largest lead of the day heading into the final stretch.
Drexel closed out a well-rounded day with three consecutive goals from Colleen Grady, Simpson, and Lucy Schneidereith. Simpson's four goals marked a career-high for the senior midfielder, while Grady and Schneidereith each added a pair of goals.
HIGHLIGHTS
- This is the second consecutive season that the Dragons have started the year 2-0.
- Zoe Bennett earned her second win of the season while stopping 11 shots.
- The Dragons held things down in the circle, taking a 13-9 advantage on the draw.
- Drexel's offense continued to be a dynamic effort as six different players recorded scores.
- Harris had another well-rounded performance on both ends of the field, finishing the day with three goals and an assist. The graduate midfielder also picked up two ground balls and snagged six off the draw while forcing two caused turnovers.
- The Dragons are averaging 34 shots per game and a .721 shot on goal percentage through two games.
THOUGHTS FROM HEAD COACH KIM HILLIER
"This win for our team is extra special for this program because they bought in and earned it. They continue to work extremely hard each day which is what allows us to fight through all four quarters against good teams. This Penn State team is well coached and has a ton of excellent players so a win against a team like that feels great. Our defense anchored down, led by our goalie Zoe Bennett who was lights out in net. Hayleigh Simpson had a great game top to bottom as well. The belief I have in the capabilities of this entire team is something that I continue to stress to every player on our roster. Having six different goal scorers helps when we talk about using more depth. Players who may not get the starts are able to step in and get the job done while also supporting the rest of their teammates. There are certainly areas that need work but that's the exciting part. On to the next challenge."
UP NEXT
The Dragons are back on home turf this Sunday, Feb. 20, against Lafayette. Opening draw is scheduled for 11 a.m., and the game will be streamed on FloLive.
