The Penn State women’s ice hockey team delivered an outstanding season, achieving a record of 31 wins, 6 losses, and 1 tie, with an impressive 19-1-0 mark in Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA) play.
Throughout the season, the Nittany Lions showcased their prowess with a formidable defense and a highly effective offense. However, their postseason dreams were cut short for the second year in a row, as they faced St. Lawrence in the NCAA Tournament’s opening round.
Overcoming Early Challenges
The season commenced with a challenging two-game series against No. 13 Northeastern. After a tough 3-1 loss in the first game, the team bounced back to secure a 2-1 win in the rematch, highlighting their ability to recover—a recurring theme in their season.
A split series with No. 9 UConn followed, but the Nittany Lions soon found their groove, celebrating four straight victories over Union and Dartmouth. The standout defensive performance was a key aspect of their success, with goaltender Katie DeSa providing stellar support and the defense effectively limiting opposing teams’ scoring chances.
However, a 2-0 defeat at the hands of No. 11 Cornell on October 25 served as a pivotal lesson for the team. The Lions responded vigorously, dominating Stonehill with an 11-1 display of offensive talent.
Conference Excellence
As Atlantic Hockey action commenced, Penn State transformed into a dominant force, embarking on a remarkable 13-game winning streak that included sweeping series against teams like Syracuse, Lindenwood, and Robert Morris. Their defensive strength, backed by exceptional goaltending, routinely kept opponents below two goals per game.
DeSa became a formidable presence in goal, concluding the season with a remarkable goals-against average of 1.42, a .932 save percentage, and nine shutouts—ranking second nationally. Her consistent performance and timely saves were vital to the Nittany Lions’ successes.
Leading the offensive charge was Tessa Janecke, who finished with 24 goals and 53 points, earning her AHA Forward of the Year honors and being named AHA Player of the Year for the second consecutive year. Her knack for creating scoring opportunities and finishing plays proved essential for her team’s overall performance.
Additional scoring was provided by Maddy Christian and Katelyn Roberts, while Brianna Brooks stepped up with crucial contributions throughout the season.
A highlight of the season occurred in early February, when the Nittany Lions faced Mercyhurst in a much-anticipated two-game series. The first matchup was a nail-biter, with Penn State edging out the Lakers 4-3 in overtime on February 7. However, their perfect conference record was marred the following night when Mercyhurst handed them their only conference defeat of the season in a close 3-2 encounter.
Heartbreaking Postseason Conclusion
Despite their earlier challenges, the Nittany Lions entered the AHA Tournament as heavy favorites. They advanced through the semifinals with a victory over RIT before claiming a 4-1 triumph against Mercyhurst in the final, securing the AHA Championship title and an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.
With renewed hopes, the team geared up for what they hoped would be a lengthy postseason run. Yet, in the NCAA quarterfinals, they met a formidable St. Lawrence team. Despite outshooting their opponents, the Nittany Lions were unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, ultimately falling 4-1, thus ending their championship aspirations.
A Promising Future
Even with this heart-wrenching conclusion, the Penn State women’s hockey team firmly solidified its status as a major force in college hockey. Their strong regular-season performance, key goaltending, and potent offense demonstrated their ability to compete with the nation’s best teams.
With a robust core of returning talent, including Janecke, DeSa, and Christian, the Nittany Lions are determined to build on this season’s accomplishments. As they look forward to the next season, it’s clear that Penn State women’s hockey is poised to continue making its mark.
