Penn State Women’s Soccer Wins Big Ten Championship

No. 15 Penn State women’s soccer won its seventh Big Ten tournament championship on Sunday in a 2-1 victory over Northwestern at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind.

Despite dealing with two separate weather delays and eventually moving the match inside, Erica Dambach’s Nittany Lions prevailed thanks to goals from Laura Freigang and Haleigh Echard.

Nia Harris gave the Wildcats a 1-0 lead with eight minutes left before the half, but Penn State would battle back following the delay, unfazed by switching over to turf. Sophomore Laura Freigang continued her torrid play of late, providing the equalizer in the 71st minute.

Freigang also scored the lone goal in Penn State’s thrilling 1-0 win over Ohio State in double overtime of the Big Ten semifinals on Friday. Then, in the 79th minute, Echard delivered an enormous strike to make it 2-1. The Nittany Lions soon flooded onto the field to celebrate their postseason title as time expired. Freigang, Emily Ogle, and Kaleigh Riehl were recognized as Big Ten All-Tournament Team selections.

Player Of The Match

Haleigh Echard | Senior | Midfielder

The Lebanon, Pa., native’s second goal of the season proved to be the game-winner.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions (12-4-4) await their seeding for the NCAA tournament, with first-round action getting underway Friday.