Penn State women?s soccer coach Paul Wilkins wanted a hostile environment for her team as the nationally ranked Nittany Lions prepare to play in the Big 10 and NCAA tournaments.
What No. 9 Penn State got Thursday night at No. 14 Navy?s Glenn Warner Soccer Facility was more than it could have expected as the Midshipmen?s defense stifled the Nittany Lions dangerous offense en route to a 1-0 victory. The performance was far different that the previous three meetings between the two schools as Penn State won each contest by a combined score of 11-1, including 5-1 in the 2003 NCAA tournament.
The upset win represented the latest accomplishment for Navy (19-0), which hosts Bucknell Sunday where the Mids either need to win or tie to host the Patriot League tournament next weekend.
However, the Bison ? who would host the event if they win ? appear to have their work cut out for them against a Midshipmen defense that has not allowed a goal in more than 940 minutes, has shutout their last 10 opponents, has 15 shutouts on the year and have outscored their foes 66-3.
Anchoring that unit is sophomore goalie Lizzie Barnes, who had four saves in the Penn State win, including two in a row on shots at point-blank range by Ashley Myers (John Carroll) and Aubrey Aden-Bule. Through 18 games, Barns has 56 saves while allowing just one goal.
“Defense has been our staple for a long time,” said Navy coach Carin Gabaarra after Thursday?s win. “I tellour team it takes 11 to defend and 10 to attack. Lizzie doesn?t have to make a lot of saves because of how strong the defense is in font of her. Tonight, she stepped up and made some big saves.”
Kristi Coonfare, a senior, is just as quick to praise Barnes who she believes is a key player in Navy?s chances of winning the Patriot League and getting back to the NCAA tournament for the first time in three years and second time in school history.
“Our goalkeeper was amazing tonight,” said an elated Coonfare after Thursday?s win.
