EASTON, Pa.- The Lafayette field hockey team hosted No. 5 Penn State on Friday night, falling to the Nittany Lions 3-1 and ending their five game win streak. The Leopards are now 10-3 overall and 3-1 in Patriot League play.

"Penn State is obviously a great team. We knew the level of play would be fast as they have some dangerous players on the field," said head coach Jennifer Stone. "There were situations where we were right in it. I am really, really pleased with the team's performance. The outcome is not what you want as a coach, but there are so many positive things we can take from this."

Lafayette showed grit, determination, and concentration on the field, holding Penn State scoreless for most of the game. The Leopards made great connections throughout the midfield and the defensive line corralled the Nittany Lion offense to force shots from wider and more unfavorable angles.

Rappolt had a full house tonight, which erupted when junior defender Simone Hefting struck first at 42:09 in the third quarter on a corner, assisted by freshmen India Ralph and Filine Gerbrandij, to give Lafayette the lead.

The Nittany Lions were then able to score three unanswered goals at 46:39, 47:24, and 53:42 in the fourth quarter.

Penn State held the advantage in both corners (12-4) and shots (23-6). The pair of senior captains, Molly McAndrew and Audrey Sawers, took most of Lafayette's shots for the night during corners and expertly timed fast breaks that caught PSU off-guard.

"Our defense line was very sound and solid tonight and the strikers got really good looks at the net tonight to put up a competitive battle," said Jennifer Stone. "The team really stepped up."

Lafayette senior goalkeeper Hailey Abbott put on a stellar performance for the huge crowd, making 13 saves which came in crucial moments to shut down Penn State's offensive line. Her Nittany Lion counterpart, junior Brie Barraco made four saves in the victory.

The Leopards remain at home on Sunday at 1 p.m. against Drexel to celebrate the senior class.