UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The no. 10-ranked Cornell women's ice hockey team fell 1-0 to the no. 4-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions on Tuesday night at Pegula Ice Arena. The Big Red dropped to 10-6-1, while the Nittany Lions improved to 18-1-0 on the season.

Avi Adam and Piper Grober led the way in regards to Cornell shots-on-net with six, but nothing would prevail. The Big Red boasts the nations top power-play unit, but went 0-for-3 on the night.

Annelies Bergmann earned 31 saves in the game and held Penn State scoreless for 55 minutes, but would give up the game-winner late in the third period during a Penn State major power-play.

Matilde Fantin scored the game-winning power-play goal for the Nittany Lions, as her tally was dealt from Maddy Christian and Sophie Morrow. The Big Red out-shot Penn State, but Katie Desa stood to task earning a 35-save shutout victory on home-ice.

Cornell started the game applying pressure and generating high-grade chances in the Nittany Lions' end. Late in the first-period, Cornell was tabbed with two penalties, coming one minute apart, leading to a 5-on-3 advantage for Penn State. The Big Red stood tall and kept the game at bay.

Midway through the second period, Cornell saw itself on its first power-play of the game. The Big Red operated a crisp power-play, generating four chances, but failed to break open the scoring. Cornell produced it's highest shot-total in the second frame with 13.

In the third period, both squads made a strong push toward the go-ahead tally. Cornell saw itself on two power-plays, but was held off of the board by the Penn State penalty-kill. 15 minutes into the third stanza, Avar was booked for hitting-from-behind, which was reviewed and confirmed to be a five-minute major. Fantin registered the go-ahead goal for the Nittany Lions 2:32 into the major-advantage.

In desperation mode, the Big Red pulled net-minder Bergmann in search for an equalizer. Penn State held strong again with a woman-down as Penn State narrowly skated away with a 1-0 victory over Cornell, snapping a three-game skid against the Big Red. With the loss, Cornell dropped three games in a row for the first time since the beginning of 2023.

Top Performer: Katie Desa (PSU) - Season-high 35 saves including nine saves during Cornell's three power-plays, seventh shutout victory on the year.
Winning Goaltender: Katie Desa (PSU) - Season-high 35 saves including nine saves during Cornell's three power-plays, seventh shutout victory on the year.

Next Up
The no. 10-ranked Cornell women's ice hockey team will return to Lynah Rink on Friday, January 9th against ECAC Hockey foe Clarkson. Puck drop is slated for 3:00 p.m. at Lynah Rink. Game action will be broadcast on ESPN+.