Hazleton drops home season opener to Lehigh Carbon

Hazleton, Pa. - The Hazleton Nittany Lions got off to a tough start on Tuesday night at the campus athletics and recreation field, falling to the Cougars of Lehigh Carbon Community College by the score of 9-1.

The Cougars controlled the ball for much of the game, reeling off 16 shots on goal compared to just two attempts for the Hazleton squad. Hazleton kept the game close early, but in the 19th minute of the game, the Cougars broke the ice with their first score of the evening. Lehigh Carbon gained momentum and proceeded to tack on four more scores over a 12 minute stretch of play to take a 5-0 lead. Hazleton's Mac Kline got the Lions on the board late in the period with a successful penalty kick attempt to inch the Lions closer by the end of the half. 

The second half was competitive but the Lions were held in check as they attempted to push the ball into the opponent's 18, ultimately earning just one shot on target in the second frame. Meanwhile Lehigh Carbon took full advantage of their chances in Hazleton territory, notching four goals in the half to pull well ahead of the Lions. 

Hazleton will look to make adjustments and get back on track in the their next contest on Thursday, September 12 when the Lions host Williamson College of the Trades in a 6:00 p.m. game on the Hazleton Campus.