Jen Long and Ali Scola (above) were both named to the USA Field Hockey U-21 National Team for the second straight year. They will both be members of the team for the 2006-07 season.

Colorado Springs, Colo.; July 27, 2006 - Two members of the Penn State field hockey team have been named to the United States Field Hockey Under-21 National Team, which was announced yesterday by USA Field Hockey. Jennifer Long (Doyelstown, Pa.) and Allison Scola (Hummelstown, Pa.), who will both be sophomores on this year's team, were both named to the U-21 National Team for the second straight year following trials at the Junior National Camp in Virginia Beach, Va.

Long and Scola were two of 11 selections returning from the 2005-06 U-21 team. While playing for the Big Ten champion Nittany Lions last year, Long compiled three assists while playing a back position, mostly sweeper. She helped the Penn State defense rank among the Big Ten leaders in nearly every defensive statistical category and was also the only freshman to start every game for the Lions last year. Scola scored five goals, including two game-winners, while playing in 20 games and starting 18. Penn State went 17-4 overall last year, including a perfect 6-0 in the Big Ten and 10-0 at home.

Members of the U-21 National Team will continue training at regionally located High Performance Centers throughout the year in preparation for the Pan American Junior Championships in 2008 as well as the Junior World Cup in 2009. Members of the team will also have a chance to be named to the U.S. Olympic team for the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China. Long, Scola and the rest of the defending Big Ten champion Nittany Lion field hockey squad will open its 2006 season on Saturday, August 26 vs. Old Dominion at 1:00 p.m. on Astroturf Field on the Penn State campus. The Lions will also play a Monday matinee home contest against Ohio on August 28 at 1:00 p.m.