Freshman Ashley Wallach was just glad to be in the game.
But the Tuscon, Ariz., native made her presence felt, scoring a game-winning goal in double overtime as Penn beat La Salle, 2-1.
It was Wallach's first career goal with the Quakers.
Originally, the game was scheduled to be played at La Salle's home field, McCarthy Stadium.
It was moved to Chestnut Hill Academy several days ago because of poor field conditions at La Salle.
After the remnants of Hurricane Jeanne soaked the Philadelphia area last night, Chestnut Hill Field was also deemed unplayable. The game was moved yesterday afternoon to Rhodes Field, where Penn had the uncommon experience of playing as the away team in its own stadium.
It was a game the Quakers expected to win, but the result was in doubt until the very last moments.
"It showed a lot of perseverance," Penn senior goalie Anna Halse said.
"I can't say we were happy with the way we played. But, we were happy with the result.
"We just didn't come out mentally prepared and we never really found our rhythm throughout the game," Halse added.
"It was a game we struggled to get a hold of and to find a rhythm for [us] early," Penn head coach Darren Ambrose said in a press release. "I give a lot of credit to the team for hanging on and finding a way to win."
Penn opened the scoring with a goal from senior Rachelle Snyder, with the assist coming from Penn forward Katy Cross.
After that, however, Penn had trouble with La Salle's 5-2-2 zone, and the energized Explorers took shot after shot at Halse.
Halse successfully stopped these shots until La Salle was finally able to score the equalizer at the 69:18 mark.
It was then up to the Red and Blue to make something happen.
Wallach was ready for her chance.
When Cross broke free with six minutes left in the second overtime, Penn finally was able to take advantage of a scoring opportunity.
Cross passed to her classmate, Snyder, who then fed a wide open Wallach.
The freshman sent her first goal to the far post, out of the reach of La Salle goalie Kerry Schamberger.
"It was just awesome," Halse said. "She really took advantage of her opportunity in the game."
Her coach agreed.
"What a great opportunity for Ashley," Ambrose said. "She got on the field for 15 minutes and was able to stick one in the net."
The goal could not have come at a more important time.
"We needed everyone to step up and take advantage of their opportunities, and she did it," Halse said.
The game will go down in the win column for Penn and hopefully, the Quakers will take the lessons of the game back to the Ivies.
At the very least, the game gave one freshman a dramatic boost in confidence.
PENN 1 0 0 1 -- 2 La Salle 0 1 0 0 -- 1
First Half -- 1. Snyder (P) 40:22 (Cross)
Second Half -- 2. Eisele (L) 69:18
(Linsun)
Second Overtime -- 3. Wallach (P) 103:26 (Snyder).
