LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Lock Haven University lacrosse team (5-4, 2-3 PSAC West) capped a four-game homestand this afternoon by hosting Slippery Rock University (6-4, 2-3 PSAC West) in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division action and the Bald Eagles picked up an all-important victory, downing the visitors, 19-14.
 
Lock Haven benefitted from a total team effort that saw a number of individuals stand out on both sides of the ball.
 
Lock Haven goalkeeper Lauren Girardi (Watertown, N.Y./Watertown) made 14 saves and a six-goal effort from Krysta Reading (Warrington, Pa./Central Bucks South) was only part of her tremendous performance.
 
Reading scored six crucial goals, but she also had eight draw controls, seven ground balls and four caused turnovers to lead the way for Lock Haven.
 
Caitlin Morrow (Massapequa, N.Y./Massapequa) turned in a five-goal, one assist (6-point) outing, and both Abby Katrinak (Strongsville, Ohio/ Strongsville) and Casey Hibbard (Ontario, N.Y./Wayne Central) netted hat tricks.
 
Josey Shaffer (Westminster, Md./Manchester Valley) and Gracie Chaires (Darlington, Md./Harford Techincal) each scored once, and Campbell Brant (Shoreham, N.Y./Shoreham-Wading River) dished out three assists.
 
Morrow added three caused turnovers and defender Shannen Roy (Doylestown, Pa./Central Bucks West) recorded three caused turnovers and two ground balls.
 
Slippery Rock, who received votes in this week's Division II national poll, was led by Emily Benham's six-goal performance.
 
Lock Haven scored less than one minute into the contest and never trailed. The Bald Eagles led 5-4 after the opening quarter and The Haven led 9-6 at halftime, before the two teams combined for 13 goals in the third quarter.  For LHU, the win snapped a three-game PSAC West losing skid and provided a huge divisional victory in standings.
 
Lock Haven will return to action when the Bald Eagles hit the road for a Tuesday (April 5) PSAC West contest at Edinboro University (4 p.m.).