Katie Evans, a 2019 graduate of Salem High, started her first collegiate soccer game in the goal for Penn State University last Sunday when the Nittany Lions hosted Michigan State. The Lions took a 3-1 win.
Penn State coach Erica Dambach started Evans in goal after keeper Kat Asman was injured in Penn State’s previous outing against Indiana. Evans, a 19-year-old freshman, recorded a lone save and conceded a goal in 90 minutes as she picked up a win in her Penn State debut.
Though two of Michigan State’s shots were on target, the Spartans only registered one other shot that did not reach the goal. Even so, Dambach was pleased with the performance from her young netminder.
“I think Katie showed her form today and stepped up and played a nice game for us,” Dambach said.
Evans finds herself in an unusual situation as a freshman goalkeeper, as many at her position take a redshirt year to start their college career.
“Katie Evans, since the day she arrived in August, has been tireless with her work ethic and her commitment to this team, and in so many ways earned this opportunity,” Dambach said.
Nittany Lion senior captain Frankie Tagliaferri, who scored a goal against the Spartans, echoed coach Dambach’s opinion:
“[Evans] has been a beast in the summer and the fall, this January, February, she has absolutely dominated every single opportunity that she’s been given in practice and I’m so happy that finally, she had an opportunity in a game against a great Big Ten opponent because it’s very well deserved,” Tagliaferri said.
With the win Penn State is now 3-1. They’ll play Ohio State in Columbus this Saturday