LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Lock Haven University lacrosse team will open up the 2016 season at home on Saturday (2 p.m.) vs. Shepherd University on Charlotte E. Smith Field.
 
No. 7 to start:
The Bald Eagles were ranked No. 7 in the nation in the most recent Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches' Association (IWLCA) Division II poll.  Lock Haven is coming off back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Division II National Championship game and will be led by returning All-American Jenna Dingler.
 
PSAC poll:
On February 10, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) released its 2016 Preseason Coaches' Poll, and LHU was ranked No. 3. The Bald Eagles have won three of the last five PSAC Championships and have claimed the PSAC regular season title in four of the last five seasons. Lock Haven was 20-1 overall last season and made its third straight NCAA Tournament appearance. West Chester, LHU's biggest rival was picked as the favorite and Seton Hill checked in at No. 2. Lock Haven did however receive three first-place votes. Last season, Lock Haven beat Seton Hill twice, 11-7 in the regular season and 17-5 in PSAC Semifinals. LHU beat West Chester 10-3 last season.
 
2015 Season:
The 2015 season marked another memorable journey for the Bald Eagles, who earned a spot in their second straight NCAA title game after playing for the National Championship in 2014 as well. On May 17, 2015, LHU and Adelphi locked up for the National Title for the second straight season in what proved to be a game for the ages. LHU came up just short for a second straight time, falling to Adelphi, 5-4 in OT.
 
New era:
Saturday marks the start of a new era as Lindsay Reese takes over as a head coach in a return to her alma mater. Reese, formerly Rentel, was a former standout player for Lock Haven (2004-07). She's spent the previous three seasons at nearby Lycoming. Joining Reese is assistant coach Whitney Boshart
 
Seven rookies:
Lock Haven will feature some new faces this year including nine total freshmen, seven of which will look to break into the lineup and make an impact. Seven of the freshmen are from Pennsylvania, one comes from New Jersey and the group features one Australian.
 
Offensive Strength:
Lock Haven will be returning three of their key offensive players for the 2016 season. Jenna Dingler and Shannon Bissnette were both named All-American players for the 2015 season. Dingler is a strong two-way presence for LHU. She scored 19 goals last season to go along with six assists, 39 ground balls, 39 draw controls and 25 caused turnovers. Bissnette had seven goals and 52 assists last season. Alex O'Herrick returns after a strong season as well. She scored 16 goals last season.
 
Quick look at the schedule:
Lock Haven will play its first game of the season at home on March 5 (2 p.m.) versus Shepherd. Following Saturday's game, LHU will play three games in Colorado over Spring Break.