CALIFORNIA Pa. – The Lock Haven women's soccer team opened the 2023 season by visiting the California (Pa.) Vulcans on Thursday night, Aug. 31, where The Haven fell 2-1 in non-conference action.
 
Thursday night marked the start of a new era for the Bald Eagles, as it served as the debut for first-year head coach Sunny Gelnovatch.
 
Evelyn Ciaccia (Levittown, Pa./Pennsbury) scored the first Bald Eagle goal of the season, firing past the keeper top-right in the 88^th minute.
 
The first half featured a defensive battle as neither team could find the back of the net through 45 minutes. The Haven fired off the only two shots of the half, while leading in corners 7-0.
 
The Haven continued to fight for opportunities, improving their corner-kick total to 10-1 on the night, but the Vulcans' offense started to pick up momentum, going from zero shots to six in the second period.
 
Cal broke the scoreless-tie in the 49^th minute before adding to their lead in the 85^th minute to all but put the game out of reach.
 
Ciaccia, who led The Haven with three shots on goal, helped cut the deficit in half, but the Vulcans shut the door from there on out to secure the victory.
 
Goalkeeper Megan Miller (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) made one save in 90 minutes for The Haven.
 
NEXT UP
 
The Bald Eagles travel visit Mansfield at 4 p.m. on Wednesday (Sept. 6) for their Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Eastern Division opener.