The energy was high at one of the first games of Big Ten Play over the weekend, as The Penn State Nittany Lions beat the Vermont Catamounts in an exciting opening match 15-8.
PSU started out strong, leading the Catamounts 5-0 until the end of the first period.
Redshirt Sophomore Connor Darcey had his first win with the Nittany Lions, and it was well deserved as he stopped 15 shots in Saturday’s competition.
Three Lions earned hat tricks during the game, to put the team ahead. TJ Sanders was on fire, recording the 19th multiple-goal game during his career with the Blue and White.
Although Vermont recorded more shots than Penn State, the quality behind the shots truly made the difference in the scoring. Quality shots are going to put Penn State at the top this season.
Both Vermont and Penn State caused two turnovers each. Vermont and Penn State’s stats were extremely close, especially winning face-offs 13-14, respectively.
Ian Mackay and James Barlow were the stars for the Catamounts during Saturday’s match. Together, they recorded 6 goals of the 8 goal game. Mackay, the current America East Rookie of the Year, will have another standout season, as proven by his performance on Saturday.
The Catamounts will have their home opener against Colgate on Saturday, and the Nittany Lions will head to Loyola on the 14th.
