The Lindenwood women's hockey team (3-22-0, 3-8-0 CHA) fell in the series opener to No. 12 Penn State (19-8-2, 9-1-1 CHA) by a score of 5-1 from University Park, Pa.

GAME OVERVIEW
Penn State got on the board first, finding the back of the net on the man advantage just before the halfway point of the opening period. The Nittany Lions doubled their lead going up 2-0 three minutes later. Despite the early deficit, Julia Maguire made 13 saves during the first 20 minutes of play, but the Lions trailed by a pair after 20 minutes of play.

Lindenwood outshot Penn State 5-2 in the early stages of the middle frame. The Lions penalty kill was strong in the period, killing both chances, including a brief 5-on-3 opportunity. The Nittany Lions maintained its two-goal advantage throughout the period, and they added a late goal to extend their lead to 3-0 after two periods of play.

Penn State added two more quick goals to begin the third period to extend its lead to 5-0 on the night. Lindenwood kept battling, however, as the Lions found the back of the net late in the final frame when Thea Jorgensen threw the puck towards the net which found the stick of Morgan Neitzke. With the goal, Neitzke extended her point streak to six. That would be as close as Lindenwood would get, seeing Penn State pick up the win in the series opener.

GAME LEADERS
Neitzke (one goal, eight shots)
Quinn McLaren (four shots, one blocked shot)
Jorgensen (one assist)

UP NEXT
Lindenwood and Penn State will close out its series tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 p.m. CT from Pegula Ice Arena