Principe's overtime goal seals victory over Penn State York

Hazleton, Pa. - Penn State Hazleton resumed Penn State University Athletic Conference play on rainy Saturday afternoon as they battled 2014 PSUAC runner-up Penn State York. Both teams fought through a difficult rain, and would need extra time to settle the affair following a stalemate through 90 minutes of regulation. It took Hazleton just 30 seconds in overtime to break the tie as Junior Kyle Venditti (Berwick, Pa.) found Sophomore Steven Principe (Jim Thorpe, Pa.) for the winning goal. The 1-0 victory over York puts the Nittany Lions at 3-1 on the young season and 2-0 in conference play.

Penn State York kept the ball in Hazleton territory for much of the contest, racking up 18 shots to just 11 for Hazleton. Early in the second half, the Lions survived a close call as a score from York's Steve Miller was waved off for a handball violation, keeping the score knotted at zero a piece. Despite pressure from the York offense, goalkeeper Jimmy Fisher and the Hazleton defense limited the opponent to just four shots on target, all of which were collected by Fisher. Penn State York started the overtime period with possession, when a quick turnover put the Lions on the attack. Dribbling on the right wing, Venditti found his teammate with a crossing pass in the box, and Principe was able to place the ball in the back of the net for the game winning score.

Ethan Fair led the York attack with two shots on goal, while goalkeeper Paul Ambrose saved six of seven shot attempts by the Hazleton offense. Ben Pasukinis led the Lions with three shots on goal, but Principe's lone shot proved to be the difference-maker.

Next up: Penn State Hazleton resumes conference play on Thursday, Sept. 17 when they travel to Dunmore, Pa. to take on Penn State Worthington Scranton, before returning home for a three game homestand.