LOCK HAVEN, Pa.  – The Lock Haven University lacrosse team is set to begin the 2013 season.

The Lady Eagles open the season on Saturday, March 16 at Shepherd University. LHU will play four games next week, including a matchup with perennial national power and rival Limestone College. 

The 2013 roster is full of youth and experience, returning 17 players and adding a strong freshmen class of seven to assist the Lady Eagles through another successful season.

Last year, the Lady Eagles finished the season with an overall record of 11-6 and went 9-2 in PSAC play.  Upon making it to the 2012 PSAC tournament, the Lady Eagles fell to conference-rival Mercyhurst, ending LHU's season.

In 2011, the Lady Eagles won the PSAC Championship and in 2010 LHU advanced to the Final Four.  The 2009 season was a historic one for The Haven, as they reached the NCAA Division II title game. 

The Lady Eagles return All-American, All-Region and All-Conference talent, which has created a lethal squad for the 2013 season.

LHU head coach Kristen Selvage couldn't be more excited about what this season could bring and has high expectations of her team to continue a tradition of excellence. 

“This team is well balanced with talent on all areas of the field.  We have depth and options at every position,” said Selvage.  “Our staff is very proud of what this team has learned and accomplished. We are jazzed about what this team can achieve together and cannot wait to get started with our season.”

Lady Eagles in the rankings:
The No. 11 Lock Haven University lacrosse team received one first-place vote and the Lady Eagles were picked second in the 2013 PSAC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

The Haven will be looking to build off of the foundation of the past few seasons, advance to the conference tournament and add another title to their tradition-rich program.

OFFENSE:
Coach Selvage looks to unleash another lethal offensive attack that has grown to become a fan favorite.

Leading the way will be junior Chelsea Borrino (Webster, N.Y./Webster Thomas).  Borrino is coming off of a solid sophomore season where she scored 26 goals and dished out 13 assists.

“Chelsea is one of the most solid attackers I have ever had.  She is strong, quick and powerful, very perceptive and she is our offensive quarterback,” said coach Selvage.

Sophomores Jill Murray (Kennett Square, Pa./Unionville) and Taylor Klunk (Forest Hill, Md./Bel Air) will look to be an offensive threat from behind the cage and make an immediate impact for the Lady Eagles.

Senior captain Emily Cilla (Kings Park, N.Y./Kings Park) and Sam Hurley (Churchville, Pa./Council Rock South) will bring poise and leadership to this young offense. 

Cilla ended her 2012 season with 23 goals and two assists ranking her in the top five on the team.

“Emily is a consistent, level-headed leader.  She is versatile and ready to capitalize on this senior season and end her career on a high note,” said Selvage.

MIDFIELD:
Lock Haven is loaded with talent in the midfield, as the Lady Eagle's transition game and two-way play are always major parts of the team's game plan. The Lady Eagles will also field an explosive midfield with great depth coming off the bench.

Leading the way in midfield is Jessica Pandolf (Holbrook, N.Y./Sachem North), who is back in action after an early injury cut her 2012 season short. 

As a freshman, Pandolf led that team with 67 draw controls and was second on the team with 37 goals and five assists.  She was named the PSAC Freshman of  the Year in 2011. 

Coach Selvage is very excited to see what Pandolf does this season.

“She returns with passion and commitment and has developed into a much better leader with great speed and chemistry with the rest of the offense,” said Selvage.

Sophomore-captain Kelly Hamilton (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South) will look to build off of her outstanding freshman campaign.  She scored 15 goals and tallied nine assists, while collecting 24 ground balls and 15 draw controls last season.

Coach Selvage has great things to say about Hamilton.  “Kelly is the offensive and defensive dominator for us.  She is a fast, feisty and hardworking leader, who is capable of playing any role on the field.”

Sophomores Rachel Ward (Fishers, Ind./Bishop Chatard) and Aubrey Buss (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphlin) will provide great depth to the midfield position.

DEFENSE:
The Lady Eagles will be very young on defense this year.  Although they are young, the LHU coaching staff firmly believes they have the skill set and discipline to shut down opponents.

Leading the way is junior-captain Lindsay Walbrandt (Souderton, Pa./Souderton) who will look to assist this young defensive group through another successful season. 

“Lindsay has great strength and leadership on defense.  She is a great communicator and has excellent speed,” said Selvage.

Sophomore Melinda Wojt (Telford, Pa./Souderton) is returning to the field with a successful freshman year under her belt.  She started 15 of 16 games and scooped up 33 ground balls, placing her second on the team.  Wojt also added five draw controls.  Wojt's speed and excellent one-on-one defense will be a key part to The Haven defense.

Sophomores Christina Hawkins (Havre de Grace, Md./Havre de Grace) and Leah Peppelman (Downingtown, Pa./Bishop Shannahan) will look to make an immediate impact defensively and both should see significant time at the postion.

Redshirt-freshman Lauren Ivancich (Beach Haven, N.J./Southern Regional) brings a strong work ethic and confidence to this defense, creating depth for the Lady Eagles.

GOALKEEPERS:
The Haven goalie spot is wide open but they have a pair of talented athletes looking to make their mark on the program.

Chrissy Baffuto (Long Valley, N.J./West Morris Central) and Cassidy Novotny (Springford, Pa/Springford) will battle to be the wall between the pipes for LHU.

Baffuto, a red-shirt freshman and Novotny, a true freshman both have been solid in net this preseason.

FRESHMEN:
Hope Thomas (Carmel, Ind./Carmel) will look to assist the fast moving offense.  Coach Selvage is excited to see what Thomas brings to the table with her fast first step and pinpoint shooting ability. She challenges and works off the ball, creating movement.  Thomas is a very intelligent attacker, who was a high school All-American out of Indiana.  She will contribute significantly on the field this season.  Not only is she quick, but aggressive with a great work ethic. 

Marissa Haring (Irving, N.Y./Lakeshore) is a very smart attacker, looking to assist the Lady Eagle offensive with her one-on-one challenge and feed.  She keeps defenders on their toes, with her ability to be unpredictable and is a quiet threat.

Jenna Dingler (Washington Township, N.J./Washington Township) is an incredibly versatile midfielder who will make an immediate impression with this year's attack and defense. Her deadly drive and effortlessly smooth stick skills will help her contribute greatly offensively, while her tremendous drive and work ethic will contribute significantly to this year's strong defense. 

Kelly Close (West Chester, Pa./Unionville) is another versatile freshman who will immediately impact the Lady Eagles midfield.  She has incredible endurance and speed, and will be another strong option for the center draw.  Kelly is terrific on the back check and re-defend, which will make her a fabulous midfield threat.  Her work ethic and positive attitude is what makes her a perfect fit for Selvage's team. 

Sarah Houde (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial) will look to add depth to this fast midfield, especially defensively. Although in high school she was an attacker, the coaching staff sees strong defensive skills growing and will use her in all aspects of the game.  Houde is a coachable player with a positive attitude and a great team player.

Lara Ringgold (Oderton, Md./Arundel) is a very smart and feisty defender. She has quickly applied all of the Lady Eagles defensive skills to her game and is growing accustomed to this team's defensive sets.  She has a great work ethic and positive attitude, adding to this solid freshman class.

Cassidy Novotny will look to be a key contributor alongside Baffuto between the pipes. She is a fearless goalkeeper with fast hands. Novotny is great on free positions and will be pushing for significant playing time this season.

A glance at the 2013 schedule:
The Lady Eagles will begin the 2013 season Saturday, March 16 against Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

The Haven opens PSAC play on Wednesday, March 27 at Shippensburg and the Lady Eagles hit the turf at home on Charlotte Smith Field for the first time on Tuesday, April 2 vs. Millersville.