It will be the first time since 2007 that Penn State Field Hockey will reach the semifinals of an NCAA Tournament.After winning both opening matchups against Louisville And quarterfinal game over Albanythe Nittany Lions are just two wins away from their first NCAA National Championship victory.
The opponent is the Tar Heels, the undefeated No. 1 seed from North Carolina, who are chasing their fourth title in the last five seasons.
Penn State head coach Char Morett Curtis told the media on Tuesday about what it would take to beat the undefeated Tar Heels.
“We have to make sure we are connected as a team,” says Morett-Curtiss. “Attacking the inside 25 is a really big part of our focus this week.”
Another big part of the Nittany Lions’ game this season is the dominant scoring threat from the penalty corner. Penalty corners have been a big part of Nittany’s Lions offense this season, largely due to the success of seniors his Mackenzie his Alessi.
Although she’s not the dominant goalscorer these days, Alessi has been scoring points from assists this season. A large part of that comes from the set up of her corner on serves and penalties.
She was described by Moretto Curtis as being a quiet leader, but she shows great personality on the field during games.
“She has that competitive spirit that you see on the field. It really shows her leadership style,” Morett Curtis said. “She’s a consistent player, she sticks to her game plan, she’s out there to help offense and help defense, I think.”
Alessi scored arguably the biggest goal of her career in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Albany. It was her first goal since 21 October against the Nittany Lions. Maryland.
That goal was huge for the team, but senior goaltender Brie Barraco’s outstanding play has also been key to Penn State’s success.
With her stellar performances this year, especially in the last few games, the Nittany Lions have been thriving in nearly every game. In 20 games this season, Barraco has allowed only 21 of her goals and leads the Big Her Ten in save percentage (. 802).
Barraco has eight shutouts this season, the most recent two in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Morett-Curtis spoke about how her leadership on defense this year has led to her season-long success.
“Brie was out,” Morett Curtis said. She said, “She’s not trying to be the hero of the game, but she’s settled into a position where she really guards the goal line.”
No matter what happens this weekend, it will be remembered as one of the most successful seasons in the history of Penn State field hockey.
An emotional Morett Curtis held back tears as he talked about how proud he is of this team and what they have been able to represent throughout the season.
“This season has been fun from start to finish,” said Moret-Curtis. “They’re a group of women who really care about each other, love each other, and play for each other, and I think that says a lot about their style of play.”
Penn State will attempt the unimaginable, knocking out undefeated North Carolina on Friday, November 18 at noon. You can watch the game on ESPN+.
