The Penn State Nittany Lions scored early - Emily Hurd in the 9th minute - and late - NCAA goals leader Maya Hayes in the 85th and 87th minute - to give them a 4-1 win over Marquette in the 2nd round of the 2011 NCAA Women's College Cup. The loss ends Marquette's season at 18-4-0, where all 4 losses came when the opponent scored first. This also marks the end of the Marquette careers of Natalie Kulla, Kerry McBride, and Lindsey Page.
Marquette showed signs of life late when McBride was able to convert on a free kick just outside the 18 yard box to make the score 2-1 in the 83rd minute. But the combination of Marquette pressing the attack for a chance to tie and the national leader in goals led to two breakaway goals by Hayes to put the game well out of reach.
Marquette had the advantage in shots in the match, 13-11, but that was bolstered by 10 second half shots as Penn State defended their two goal lead.
Kulla finishes her career with 43 career shutouts, one short of the NCAA record. Her career is one of the most prolific in Marquette history. In addition to finishing with Marquette's shutout record, Kulla finishes in the top 5 all time in goals against average (0.74, 2nd), saves (220, 4th), wins (58, 2nd) and minutes played (7835:04, 2nd).