April 8, 2011
By Will Donley, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State's athletic facilities are second to none. Beaver Stadium, Rec Hall, the Bryce Jordan Center and Holuba Hall have been staples of the University Park, Pa. campus for years. Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, Beard Field at the Nittany Lion Softball Park and the Pegula Ice Arena are new or future facilities that are sure to become the envy of all other university athletic departments.
None of these facilities on campus, however, are as near and dear to the hearts of the seniors on the Penn State men's lacrosse team as Jeffrey Field.
Located alongside Park Avenue, Jeffrey Field is a picturesque stadium that serves the Penn State soccer and lacrosse teams. The stadium offers great views of the campus and the surrounding community. The grass playing surface is impeccable. In 2006, it was named the Collegiate Soccer Field of the Year by the SportsTurf Managers Association.
The facility serves its purpose, too. The Penn State men's lacrosse team is 7-4 on the grass surface since this year's seniors arrived on campus.
In 2008, Penn State was 2-1 on Jeffrey Field, including a 12-11 overtime win over Georgetown in the final game of the year.
In 2009, Penn State won every game it played on Jeffrey Field. The Nittany Lions finished the year 9-5, 3-0 on Jeffrey Field.
Last spring, the snow cleared quickly, the field thawed early and the Nittany Lions were able to play five games on Jeffrey Field. Penn State finished 2-11 on the season, and the team's record on Jeffrey Field reflected its struggles. The Nittany Lions were 2-3 on Jeffrey Field, including an 11-10 overtime victory over Hofstra.
Sunshine, rain or snow, this Saturday's game against Drexel is scheduled to be played on Jeffrey Field at 1 p.m. In their first game on Jeffrey Field this spring, the Nittany Lions look to continue their CAA winning streak.
Expect the game to play out similarly to the Nittany Lions' 2008 overtime victory against Georgetown. In a game that matched two quality and athletic opponents, Penn State won the match-up behind strong play at the face off and late-game goals.
Penn State and Drexel are evenly matched all over the field. The Nittany Lions cannot be afraid to make mistakes and play timidly in the fourth quarter. The outcome of the game is going to come down to the team that is willing to make plays at the end of regulation.
Will Donley, Senior Attackman, Penn State Men's Lacrosse Team, GoPSUsports.com
