In an unexpected twist early in the collegiate lacrosse season, the No. 25 Penn State Nittany Lions faced a tough defeat against the Drexel Dragons, marking a significant moment in their 2024 campaign. The Wednesday afternoon clash at Vidas Field ended with a score of 10-8, tipping the scales in favor of the Dragons and pushing Penn State to a 2-3 standing for the season. This game was particularly notable as it represented the first road test for the Nittany Lions, setting a tone for the challenges ahead in their schedule.
The game unfolded with Penn State seizing the initial momentum. Freshman attacker Kelly MacKinney opened the scoring for the Nittany Lions, which was soon followed by goals from Cam Evitts and Gretchen Gilmore, both benefiting from free position shots. This promising start, however, met with resilience from Drexel, who managed to even the score by halftime, setting up a tense remainder of the match.
Drexel's comeback began earnestly in the second quarter, marking three consecutive goals against Penn State. The Nittany Lions' response, a goal stemming from a Drexel turnover by Meghan Murray, briefly kept hopes alive. Yet, the Dragons maintained their pressure, ultimately taking the lead in the third quarter and holding onto it through the game's conclusion, despite Penn State's efforts to rally.
Meghan Murray emerged as a key player for Penn State, leading the scoring efforts with three goals and marking her eighth career hat trick. Sophomore Payton Wainman also stood out with two assists, continuing her season's trend as a critical setup player for the team. Despite these individual performances and a 25-18 advantage in shots, the Nittany Lions could not overcome Drexel's persistence.
This loss, while early in the season, presents a moment of reflection for Penn State as they assess their strategies and cohesion on the field. The defensive effort, highlighted by 14 ground balls scooped up, suggests a strong foundational team spirit but underscores the need for conversion in critical moments.
Looking ahead, Penn State is set to continue their road slate against Loyola on Saturday, March 2, at noon. This upcoming game represents an opportunity for the team to recalibrate and apply lessons learned from the Drexel encounter. As they move forward, the Nittany Lions' resilience and ability to bounce back will be under scrutiny, with the collegiate lacrosse community keenly observing how this talented team responds to early-season adversity.
