Jan. 24, 2012
By Cassie Speno, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- The Penn State women's lacrosse team practiced outside yesterday for the first time on the newly-built Penn State Lacrosse Field. The Nittany Lions are excited to have a new site to call home and are looking forward to the success it will bring the program.
"Having your own home is important," said head coach Missy Doherty. "Last year we played eight home games in three different sites on campus. It will be nice once we are done playing inside to have a place to call home and establish our own identity."
The game site is currently still in the works, but has the platform set with the field, lights and scoreboard all completed. Located directly next to the Ashenfelter Multi-Sport facility, this new field is on prominent display when driving down University Drive.
"When the plans for the new ice hockey rink moved to Bigler Field, our turf was taken away," said Doherty. "So, thankfully the University provided the resources to be able to move us to a new location. In order to continue to build the stadium and put all of the amenities we would like to have in place, the fundraising will be coming from alumni and other donors. We want to build the prominence of our program and hopefully excite a lot of people to contribute to our sport."
The fundraising from alumni and other donors will supply permanent stadium seating, bathrooms and a press box.
"Down the line with more efforts in fundraising we hope to provide the players with new locker rooms that could house a special training facility for the players," said Doherty.
While the team will split time between Holuba Hall and their new facility pending day-to-day weather changes in Happy Valley, Doherty prefers the game day atmosphere outside.
"If the weather allows us, I would prefer to be outdoors for the majority of the season," said Doherty. "Holuba Hall is great because it allows us to train at 100 percent in a world-class facility. We are never compromised because of the weather. However, in an overall game environment I would much rather be outside."
Penn State women's lacrosse will look to use the newly built facility at the home opener against Maryland on Feb. 19.
