LATHAM, N.Y. – Penn State Harrisburg will make its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship after capturing the program's first United East Conference title. The Lions (12-5) will travel to face nationally ranked No. 6 Salisbury University (15-3) on Wednesday, November 11, at 3:00 PM in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
Penn State Harrisburg earned the United East's automatic qualifying bid following a thrilling 2-1 shootout victory over No. 2 St. Mary's College of Maryland in Saturday's conference championship. The victory marked a historic milestone for the Lions, who will represent the United East on the national stage for the first time in program history.
After a scoreless first half, Harrisburg broke through in the 34th minute when Alysa McCarthy found the back of the cage off an assist from Sadie Cook. St. Mary's responded just two minutes later as Safi Stimely evened the contest at 1-1. Neither team could find the game-winner through the remainder of regulation or two overtime periods, sending the championship to a shootout.
The Lions prevailed 3-1 in the shootout, with Anna Moyer, McCarthy, and Kasey Toth each converting their attempts. Goalkeeper Macenzie Mulholland made three shootout stops to secure the championship for Harrisburg. Moyer was named the United East Championship Tournament MVP after recording six shots, including five on goal, and converting her shootout attempt.
Penn State Harrisburg entered the conference tournament as the No. 1 seed after completing a perfect 6-0 United East regular season. Following a first-round bye, the Lions defeated No. 5 Wilson College, 5-2, in the semifinals to advance to the championship contest.
The Lions will face a formidable opponent in Salisbury University, which enters the NCAA Tournament ranked No. 6 nationally after capturing its second consecutive State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) Championship. The Sea Gulls earned their automatic qualifying bid with a 4-2 victory over No. 23 Cortland on Saturday, November 7.
Salisbury was led by SUNYAC Tournament MVP Dakotah Trader, who recorded two goals and an assist in the championship victory. The Sea Gulls have been powered offensively by Layla Kent, who leads the team with 14 goals and 15 assists for 43 points this season. Salisbury has outscored its opponents 61-22 through 18 contests and enters the national tournament riding a six-game winning streak.
The winner of Wednesday's matchup will advance to the second round of the NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship on Saturday, November 14.
NCAA Division III Field Hockey Championship – First Round
Penn State Harrisburg (12-5) at No. 6 Salisbury University (15-3)
Wednesday, November 11 – 3:00 PM
Salisbury, Md. – Sea Gull Stadium
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The United East Conference consists of 13 NCAA Division III full-member institutions: Cairn University, Cedar Crest College, Gallaudet University, Keystone College, Lancaster Bible College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Penn College, Penn State Abington, Penn State Berks, Penn State Brandywine, Penn State Harrisburg, St. Mary's College of Maryland, and Wilson College.