LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Lock Haven University softball team is set for the 2018 season as The Haven opens up this weekend with six games at the Snow Bird Freeze Out in Myrtle Beach, S.C. This marks the third straight season the Bald Eagles will open their season at this tournament.
 
BUILDING OFF 2017 PLAYOFF RUN:
Last season, the Bald Eagles capped the season with a thrilling Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) postseason run. They went 3-2 overall with all three wins coming in elimination games after LHU opened the tournament with a loss. They finished the season winning 11 of their last 15 games, bringing their record to 28-21 with a 13-7 conference record.
  
PICKED SECOND IN PSAC Central:
LHU was picked to finish second in the PSAC Central Division. Bloomsburg was picked ahead of Lock Haven, however both teams received three first-place votes. West Chester was picked as the favorite in the East and Seton Hill currently tops the West.
 
RETURNING ALL-CONFERENCE POWER:
The Haven will benefit from two returning All-Conference student-athletes from last year's roster as junior pitcher Bekah Slattery and junior shortstop Faith Ceely return. Slattery is now a two-time All-PSAC honoree and was named the 2016 Pitcher of the Year. The gunslinger had a 16-11 overall record while striking out 134 batters last season. Ceely was a force at the plate last year as she hit .309 while accounting for 34 runs and stole 11 bases.
 
ALL-STAR POTENTIAL:
Senior outfielder Moriah Lindsey looks to continue her success from last year as she totaled 36 hits and drove in 14 runs. She also has speed as she recorded six doubles, one triple and was a perfect 6-for-6 stealing bases. Junior utility player Becca Caputo will also help the Bald Eagles at the plate, on the mound and in the outfield. Caputo had 38 hits and 13 RBIs last season to go along with her three home runs. She also pitched 10 1/3 innings where she only allowed five earned runs.
 
COACHING SUCCESS:
Head Coach Kelly Shannon was named the PSAC Central Coach of the Year last season for her tremendous efforts. It marks the first time in her eight-year career she was awarded with that honor. Shannon also surpassed the 200-win mark in her career last season.
 
OPENING WEEKEND:
Friday, February 16 – Molloy (12:00 p.m.)
Friday, February 16 – Georgian Court (2:00 p.m.)
Saturday, February 17 – Merrimack (10:00 a.m.)
Saturday, February 17 – Le Moyne (12:00 p.m.)
Sunday, February 18 – Wilmington (Del.) (10:00 a.m.)
Sunday, February 18 – Southern New Hampshire (12:00 p.m.)
 
ROAD AHEAD: 
· Spring break: LHU is scheduled to play 10 games on its Spring Break trip to Clermont, Florida.
· Home opener: The Bald Eagles will open play at home on Friday, March 23 vs. Millersville.
· Full schedule: Available at www.GoLHU.com.