UPDATE: Thursday, March 6 (5:25 p.m.) - Friday's (March 7) game at Tiffin moved to 5:30 p.m. start.

The No. 5 Lock Haven University lacrosse team opens the 2014 season this weekend with a pair of games in Ohio.
 
Lock Haven opens the year on Friday, March 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Tiffin and takes on Findlay on Sunday (March 9) at 2 p.m.
 
Top-5 to start:
When the Lady Eagles take to the field on Friday, they will carry with them a No. 5 national-ranking. The Lady Eagles were listed fifth in the latest IWLCA poll, which came out Monday.
 
Picked as favorite in PSAC:
LHU was picked as the favorite to the win the PSAC, earning eight-of-13 first-place votes in the coaches' poll. Last season, LHU went 15-3 overall and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. The Lady Eagles were 11-0 in PSAC play on the way to the regular season title. Lock Haven's biggest rival, West Chester earned the remaining five first-place votes in the poll and was picked second in the PSAC. The Golden Rams were 10-1 in PSAC play last season, losing to LHU. West Chester however, avenged that loss in the PSAC Championship game.
 
D2 Midfielder of the Year returns:
Redshirt-junior Jessica Pandolf returns to lead Lock Haven. Following a tremendous 2013 season, Pandolf was named the Division II Midfield of the Year. Last season, she led LHU with 64 goals, which was tied for 11th best in all of Division II. She also led Lock Haven with 61 draw controls, 46 ground balls and 21 caused turnovers. She added four game-winning goals and four assists.
 
Tewaaraton Award Watch List:
Last week, Pandolf was placed on the 2014 Tewaaraton Award Watch List. The prestigious award is given annually to the nation's best collegiate male and female lacrosse player. Pandolf, the 2013 Division II Midfield of the Year is a returning First Team All-Conference, All-Region and All-American selection.
 
All-PSAC players in the lineup:
All seven of Lock Haven's All-Conference players from last year return including Pandolf, Chelsea Borrino, Kelly Hamilton, Christina Hawkins, Chrissy Baffuto, Rachel Ward and Melinda Wojt.
 
Borrino, an assist machine:
Last season, Chelsea Borrino, an All-American led Lock Haven with 80 points, including a sensational 62 assists. The 62 helpers were an LHU single-season record.
 
Goal-scoring duo returns:
Last season, Kelly Hamilton and Rachel Ward combined for 81 goals, scoring 46 and 35 respectively. Along with Borrino and Pandolf, they'll carry the offensive load in '14.
 
Sophomore-pair back for more:
Both Jenna Dingler and Kelly Close gave Lock Haven tremendous minutes last season as true-freshmen. Both will be counted on this year to lead the midfield and defense. Dingler had 22 goals.
 
Walbrandt in the middle:
The speedy and athletic Lindsay Walbrandt will be Lock Haven's leader, along with Pandolf and Hamilton in the midfield. Last season, Walbrandt had three goals, 20 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers.
 
D-FENCE:
Lock Haven returns a sensational defensive unit led by All-PSAC players Christina Hawkins and Melinda Wojt, along with Close. The trio combined for 80 ground balls and 45 caused turnovers.
 
Baffuto, the backbone:
Redshirt-sophomore Chrissy Baffuto was named All-PSAC last year after a tremendous rookie season. She started all 18 games, going 15-3 with 104 saves. Baffuto recorded a .479 save-percentage and 6.75 goals against average.
 
Six rookies:
Joining the Lady Eagles in 2014 will be six freshmen, all of whom are ready to make an impact on the program.
 
Quick look at the schedule:
Lock Haven opens PSAC play on Sunday, March 23 at No. 15 IUP (1 p.m.). The Lady Eagles home-opener is set for Thursday, March 27 vs. Lake Erie (4 p.m.).
 
Up next:
Following Sunday's game at Findlay, Lock Haven takes on No. 3 Limestone on Thursday, March 20 in Salem, Virginia.