Montclair State University Athletics

Montclair, NJ – Powered by a hat trick from ISABELL KRONOW, the Montclair State University Women's Soccer team surged past Penn State Berks 7-1 in its season opener on Tuesday night at MSU Soccer Park.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Red Hawks (1-0-0) broke the scoring open in the 12th minute, as GIANA DIFEBBO collected the ball from 30 yards out and slotted a feed to CARLY GUZZARDO, making a run on the far touch line. The defender took one touch and sent a ball into the box that was sent in by KAYLEE LAUBER right in front of the keeper. Following the first shot of the night from Penn State Berks, the Red Hawks doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute, as Kronow drew a foul in the box and tucked in a penalty kick.
• Two minutes later, Kronow rang the woodwork with a header off a ball from the near corner and capitalized on a loose ball to push the difference to three. As the half eclipsed the 30-minute mark, Kronow made a run down the near side of the 18-yard box and slotted a centering ball that was pushed into the net by the Nittany Lions to make the halftime score 4-0.
• Montclair came out of the break on the front foot, finding the back of the net once again in the 50th minute. Following a corner kick that was defended out by the visitors, GIANA CONELLI pushed towards the edge of the box with a one-time shot that deflected off a defender and past the keeper. Penn State Berks struck for their goal of the night immediately following the restart to trim the margin back to four. 
• MACKENZIE SIBELLO notched a trio of saves as the second half progressed to maintain the lead for the home side, who were able to put two more in during the waning minutes. In the 84th minute, Lauber collected a ball off a throw-in and made a run into the box on the near side, ripping a low right-footed shot past the keeper to the far post. Two minutes later, MARY LANE placed a corner kick from the far side of the field that was headed in immediately by Conelli to make the final margin six.

INSIDE THE RESULTS

• Montclair recorded seven goals in a contest for the first time since September 20, 2024.
• The hat trick for Kronow was the first of her career, finishing the night with four goal contributions, also a career-best. It was the first hat trick for Montclair since KYLIE PRENDERGAST on October 11, 2025.
• Lauber and Conelli each notched a brace in their collegiate debuts, with DiFebbo and Lane each notching their first career assists. 
• The assist for Guzzardo marked the ninth of her collegiate career in just 20 games.
• Sibello tallied three saves in net for the Red Hawks.
• The Red Hawks held a 16-6 advantage in shots, including a 8-4 mark with shots on goal. 

FROM THE FIELD

"Certainly a crazy way to kick off the new season. I thought our kids did a great job of dealing with the delay and distractions of the first game and coming out with a really complete performance." - Head Coach Pat Naughter

UP NEXT

The Red Hawks will remain home to take on the University of Hartford on Friday, September 4. Kickoff from MSU Soccer Park is scheduled for 3:00 PM.