LOCK HAVEN, Pa. –
Josey Shaffer (Westminster, Md./Manchester Valley) scored with just over a minute to play in regulation and the goal proved to be the difference as the Lock Haven University lacrosse team edged out visiting Kutztown University, 13-12, this afternoon in a thrilling Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East-West crossover.
With the win, Lock Haven moved to 2-1 on the season while Kutztown moved to 1-1.
Overall, standout-goalkeeper
Lauren Girardi (Watertown, N.Y./Watertown) made 10 all-important saves for Lock Haven and LHU's
Caitlin Morrow (Massapequa, N.Y./Massapequa) netted a team-high four goals.
Campbell Brant (Shoreham, N.Y./Shoreham-Wading River) scored twice and assisted three other LHU goals, to post a team-high five points.
Abby Katrinak (Strongsville, Ohio/ Strongsville) scored twice and added a helper and
Casey Hibbard (Ontario, N.Y./Wayne Central) tallied two goals.
Krysta Reading (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South) and
Kaitlyn Collins (Ringwood, N.J./Lakeland Regional) both scored once for Lock Haven.
Reading also recorded seven important draw controls and defender
Elizabeth Newman (Hummelstown, Pa./Hershey) was credited with two caused turnovers and three ground balls as she led a noteworthy defensive effort.
The game proved to be a tight contest throughout. LHU led 5-4 after the first quarter and led 7-6 at halftime. The second half proved to be just as close and came down to the final minutes of play.
Lock Haven held a slight advantage in draw controls, 15-14, but a key stat proved to be LHU's 22-12 advantage in ground balls.
Shaffer finished with two assists to go along with her game-winning goal. Her game-winning strike came with 1:05 left in the game and followed a long run that showed tremendous individual effort.
With 5:58 left in the game, Lock Haven led 12-10, but two straight goals from Kutztown tied the game at 12-12 with 2:53 left. The Bald Eagles got a defensive stop and Shaffer took over with just over a minute to play.
After dropping the season-opener, LHU has now won two straight games.
Lock Haven opened the 2022 season last week and went 1-1 overall. The Bald Eagles picked up their win last Sunday (Feb. 27) after a dominating effort vs. Ashland.
Looking ahead, LHU will get its first true road-test of the season as the Bald Eagles will travel to Shippensburg for a 4 p.m. game on Friday, March 11. The full 2022 LHU lacrosse schedule is available at GoLHU.com.
