<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3MuGve_0wOUcsrF00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3MuGve_0wOUcsrF00" width="1763" height="1175" ><figcaption>Midfielder Jordan Fusco (11) attempts to steal the ball during the Penn State women’s soccer game against Rutgers at Jeffrey Field on Thursday, Oct. 4, 2024 in University Park, Pa. The Nittany Lions and the Scarlet Knights tied 1-1.&nbsp; Megan Miller</figcaption></figure>The Nittany Lions wrapped up their regular season in Columbus, Ohio facing off against the Buckeyes.No. 15 Penn State fell short to No. 21 Ohio State, losing 4-1.Penn State made the first move, taking two strong shots at Ohio State goalkeeper Molly Pritchard just minutes into the game.A few minutes later, Kayleigh Herr’s foul almost gave the Buckeyes an early lead, however, Ella Giannola was too heavy-footed for her proximity to the net and booted the ball over the net.Ohio State began to step up its attack, earning the first corner kick of the game. The Nittany Lions’ high traffic in front of the net denied a Buckeyes’ goal as Jordan Fusco cleared the ball.While Ohio State had possession the majority of the half, the blue and white defense halted its momentum, forcing it to reset its plays.Less than 20 minutes into the game, Sydney Jones took a shot at the goal as Mackenzie Gress made a diving block. Gress hit the ground as freshman Jacinda Bonham followed through on the rebound and secured the Buckeyes first goal of the game.Kailyn Dudukovich was determined to get a touch on the ball to score her 16th goal of the season, setting an Ohio State record.Kaitlyn MacBean, Penn State’s top scorer, saw little action in the first half, getting just one shot.The Nittany Lions attempted to respond with a game-tying goal, but failed to get shots on goal past the Buckeyes’ backline.With a little over two minutes in the half, Ohio State took another corner kick. The ball bounced around, similarly to the Buckeyes’ first goal, however, Penn State was able to clear it.In the first half, Ohio State outshot Penn State 9-4.The Nittany Lions went into halftime down one with no goals.Penn State came into the second half ready to feed MacBean scoring opportunities. However, Ohio State remained consistent with its coverage on MacBean.The Nittany Lions got their first corner 11 minutes into the half. Taken by Fusco, the blue and white were unsuccessful in capitalizing on a goal.Ohio State cushioned its lead with just under 30 minutes left in the game.It was Deja Vu for Gress who made a save and again had no time to get up and prepare for the follow up shot from a Buckeye.Jones recorded her first goal of the season, as the clock ticked down and the Nittany Lions were running out of time.Mieke Schiemann took a shot that was destined to get Penn State on the board, however Pritchard quickly responded, tipping the ball just over the net.The blue and white remained resilient, not letting the deficit destroy its spirit. The Nittany Lions managed to get the ball in front of Ohio State’s net but struggled to get strong shots on net.After Ohio State scored its third goal from a corner, MacBean responded seconds later and scored the first goal for Penn State.As the clock dwindled, the Nittany Lions turned up the heat with some close scoring opportunities.Dudukovich made history against the blue and white, scoring her 44th career goal and becoming the leading scorer in Ohio State history.Unfortunately, for Penn State it was now down by three goals with just over six minutes left.The Nittany Lions were unable to close the gap, ending their regular season with an 11-5-3 record.The Big Ten Tournament will begin on Thursday in Minnesota.MORE SOCCER CONTENT</div></body>

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No. 15 Penn State women's soccer falls to No. 21 Ohio State in regular season finale

The Nittany Lions wrapped up their regular season in Columbus, Ohio facing off against the Buckeyes. No. 15 Penn State fell short to No. 21 Ohio State, losing 4-1. Penn State made the first move, taking two strong shots at Ohio State goalkeeper Molly Pritchard just minutes into the game.