LOCK HAVEN, Pa.  – The Lock Haven University women's basketball team is set to open its 2013-14 season.
 
The Lady Eagles open the season Saturday (November 9) at 2 p.m. at home against Wilmington (Del.).
 
Seventh-year head coach Jennifer Smith (Millersville '02) and fourth-year assistant coach Zack Smith (Penn State '08) couldn't be more excited for the start of the season.
 
"I have been very pleased with the team's focus and drive this pre-season," said Coach Jen Smith.  "Having an experienced group has helped set the tone with the new players."
 
"We are placing a bigger emphasis on defense this season. We need to be able to hold teams to under 55 points a game. I am confident that we can score 65-80 points a game this year so we need to work to keep teams under that 55 point mark," Jen Smith added.
 
Setting the stage:
The Lady Eagles finished (7-19 overall, 4-18 PSAC West) a year ago.
 
LHU was one of the most dominant teams on the glass a year ago.  LHU finished second in the conference in both rebounds per game (44.5) and offensive rebounds per game (17.7).  Lock Haven returns a full roster with talent and experience under their belt. 
 
Moyer leading team:
Marrysa Moyer, who transferred to LHU last season made an immediate impact for The Haven. Moyer averaged a team high 11.5 points per and ended the season with the 16^th best scoring mark in the PSAC.  Moyer led the Lady Eagles in rebounds (9.6 per game) and was ranked third in the conference on the glass.
 
Experience Returning:
Kelsey Ryan, one of Lock Haven's two seniors is looking to build on an impressive 2012-13 season. She averaged 10.2 points and 7.4 rebounds, and started in 24 of 26 games for LHU. 
 
A solid junior class, along with its top five scorers from last year and J.J. Hilliard will be crucial for LHU.  Hilliard averaged 8.5 points in 23 games and recorded 47 assists on the year.
 
Red-shirt Junior Emily Daugherty will look to build off a solid 2012-13 campaign.  Daugherty averaged 26.8 minutes per game while pulling down 5.1 rebounds and scoring 9.5 pointers per contest.  Daugherty shot a team-high 85% from the free throw line for LHU.
 
Junior guard Sami Lane made a huge impact for the Lady Eagles in only her second season.  Lane averaged 8.5 points per game and dished out a team-high 64 assists on the year.  Lane was fourth on the team in minutes played with 24.6 per game and looks to have another strong season with LHU.
 
Newcomers:
Lock Haven has five newcomers this season who look to add depth to this talented and experienced 2013 team.
 
Marissa Ward was a two-time league MVP at Bald Eagle Area.  During her time there she was honored with a First-Team nomination and honor. 
 
Sydney Morse was a First-Team All-American at Norristown High School and looks to bring her talent and experience to this team. 
 
Redshirt-freshmen Christin Dunkling was a First-Team East All-Star team selection.  Dunkling was a four sport athlete at Athens, Pa. and will be pushing for significant playing time this season. 
 
Dakota Farmery and Emily James look to add depth  to this Lady Eagles roster in 2013-14. 
 
Scouting Wilmington:
The Wilmington Wildcats finished the 2012-13 season 3-23 overall and 1-18 in conference play. 
 
Sophomore Tenicia Spence started in 22 of 26 games for Wilmington and led the team with 17.6 points per game. Senior Lauren Brown is behind Spence with an average of 6.9 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game.
 
The Lady Eagles have their goals high for the upcoming season and Coach Smith looks to keep LHU focused and ready for competition.  Looking forward coach Smith said:
 
"It is a long season; we have 26 games over a four month period. We need to be consistent, stay focused on our goals, and have faith that we can win some big games in the PSAC East."
 
The Lady Eagles open the season on Saturday February 9 (2 p.m.) against Wilmington (Del.) This season marks the first year for Lock Haven in the PSAC East.  The Haven opens conference play on Wednesday, November 20 at Shippensburg University.