Freshman Nadeem Shakshir scores a goal against Penn State Greater Allegheny in the PSUAC playoffs October 27.
Men’s soccer excels this fall
Penn State Beaver’s men’s soccer team lost it’s bid for a Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) championship to reigning champs Penn State Brandywine in a semifinal match October 30. Brandywine went on to win the PSUAC championship for the fifth-consecutive year.
In the 6-2 loss, Brandywine dominated throughout with 21 shots on goal compared to just 4 for Beaver. Beaver’s Mishael Garcia, a junior, scored just 10 minutes into the first period with an assist from junior Ethan Paxton. Freshman Nadeem Shakshir scored the final goal unassisted near the end of the second period.
Beaver holds a 12-6 record overall, 7-3 in PSUAC conference play. Beaver’s strong performance this season secured the team a bid to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division II national championship in Virginia Beach Nov. 12 to 14. Follow the team’s progress online.
Women’s sports face tough losses
Meanwhile, women’s soccer ended the season with a 2-11 record, 1-7 in conference play.
Beaver’s two wins came from forfeits from Villa Maria College Sept. 21 and Penn State Scranton Sept. 25.
Women’s volleyball experienced a rebuilding year under the new leadership of Coach Sean Cleary. With the cancellation of fall 2020 PSUAC sports, 2021 was the first season Cleary has led the team in competition.
The team earned a 6-18 record overall, 3-9 in the conference.
Two of Beaver’s three conference wins came against Penn State New Kensington with a 3-0 win on the road Sept. 22 and a 3-1 win at home Oct. 16. Beaver also beat Penn State Shenango 3-0 at home Sept. 27.
Beaver had great success at the PSUAC Volleyball Crossover Tournament held Oct. 10 at the University Park campus. The team won all three match ups 3-0, beating Penn State Wilkes Barre, Scranton and Lehigh Valley.
Basketball teams ready to play
Men’s and women’s basketball kicked off their seasons in early November, with conference play beginning Nov. 16 at Penn State Greater Allegheny. You can follow their seasons and check out the rest of the athletics department at psubeaverathletics.com.