Nittany Lions top Duke in College Cup final, earn first-ever national title

In 2012, the Nittany Lions couldn't finish the job, reaching the College Cup, but losing in the title game.

This time, they achieved their goal.

For the first time in program history, Penn State women's soccer are national champions.

The Nittany Lions defeated Duke 1-0 in the NCAA Tournament title game on Sunday afternoon in Cary, N.C.

This was the second time the two teams met in 2015. Penn State hosted Duke on Aug. 28, a game that ended in a 0-0 tie after two overtime periods.

For quite some time, it looked like regulation would be devoid of a score again.

But the decisive goal came, from none other than Raquel Rodriguez in the 71st minute. And it was worth the wait.

Fielding a deflected shot, Rodriguez settled in the box, created space with her second touch, and struck a screamer with her left foot. It was her sixth goal of the season, and the 23rd as a Nittany Lions, but no doubt, the most important of her Penn State career.

The score ended 181 straight scoreless minutes between the two sides.

Duke had opportunities, as well, tallying 10 shots on the game. Especially after Penn State's goal, the Blue Devils pushed the tempo in search of an equalizer.

But the Nittany Lion back line held firm, and goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom was active when necessary, securing three saves.

After blowouts in the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament, Sunday was the closest game Penn State had to play all tournament.

But it ended the same as the previous games: with a victory.

This story was originally published December 6, 2015 at 2:06 PM with the headline "Nittany Lions top Duke in College Cup final, earn first-ever national title."