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Penn State Blanks Villanova for Second Straight Shutout

Penn State Blanks Villanova for Second Straight Shutout

By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | September 5, 2026 | Photo courtesy Jake Speicher

UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State field hockey continued its strong early-season response Friday afternoon, defeating Villanova 2-0 at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex.

After a scoreless opening half, Natalie Freeman broke the deadlock in the third quarter. Freeman found the cage at the 42:07 mark to give the Nittany Lions a 1-0 advantage.

Villanova applied pressure while searching for an equalizer in the fourth quarter, generating six shots and a pair of penalty corners. Penn State goalkeeper Aby Deverka and the defense held firm, turning away each opportunity to preserve the lead.

Josephine Purdy then provided the insurance goal with five minutes remaining. Freeman and Lara Pyle assisted on the play, completing the 2-0 victory.

Penn State finished with a 13-10 advantage in total shots and placed six attempts on goal. The Nittany Lions also earned four penalty corners to Villanova’s three.

Deverka made four saves while recording her second consecutive shutout. Villanova goalkeeper Maddi Sears also stopped four shots.

The victory improved Penn State to 3-1 and extended its winning streak to three games. The Nittany Lions have outscored their opponents 12-0 since suffering a 4-3 overtime loss to No. 5 Virginia in the season opener.

Penn State will return to action Sunday at noon when it hosts Delaware at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex.