The Lindenwood women's hockey team was defeated 4-1 on Friday evening by the Penn State Nittany Lions at Lindenwood Ice Arena in Wentzville, Mo. Junior forward Britannia Gillanders notched the lone score for Lindenwood, her team-leading fifth goal of the season.

Lindenwood came out strong to begin the first period, controlling the pace of play early. However, it was Penn State that would strike first, taking a 1-0 lead at the 8:46 mark of the first period. Laura Bowman was credited with the goal for the Nittany Lions.

Lindenwood would respond quickly, tying the game 43 seconds later on the strength of a Britannia Gillanders even-strength score. The Gillanders goal helped Lindenwood snap a scoreless streak dating back to January 14 at Robert Morris. Sarah Bobrowski and Tae Otte registered the assists on the Lady Lion score.

Penn State would find the back of the net once more before the close of the first period, bringing a 2-1 lead into the first intermission. Bowman again was the goal scorer for the Nittany Lions.

Lindenwood controlled the shot category after 20 minutes of play, outshooting Penn State 12-7. Gillanders, Holly Dietzler, and Lillian Marchant each had two first-period shots to pace the Lady Lions.

The two teams skated even during the middle period, despite Penn State holding a 16-2 advantage in shots on goal. Jolene deBruyn sparkled in net during the second period, stopping all 16 shots sent her way. Penn State maintained its one-goal lead after two periods of play.

The Nittany Lions would net two insurance goals in the final period, including an empty-net goal late in the third period, extending the Penn State lead to a three-goal margin.

Lindenwood outshot Penn State, 11-5 in the third period, but failed to cut into the Nittany Lion lead.

deBruyn ended the game with 24 saves in goal for Lindenwood.

For the game, Penn State held the edge in shots, 28-25. Cierra Paisley and Gillanders each totaled a team-leading three shots on goal.

Lindenwood failed to convert on its only power-play chance, while holding Penn State scoreless on both of its chances.
 
Following the loss, Lindenwood moves to 5-19-2 and 3-11-1 in conference play. With the win, Penn State improves to 7-17-5 and 6-7-2 from within the CHA. The two teams will return to Lindenwood Ice Arena to conclude the season series tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m.