LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Lock Haven field hockey team fell to Rider, 5-3, in a back-and-forth non-conference affair at Charlotte Smith Field on Sunday afternoon (Sept. 22).
 
Lock Haven found the back of the cage three times and fought back from a 3-1 deficit, but Rider used three goals in the third period and one in the fourth to withstand the relentless Bald Eagles and hang on for the road victory.
 
After back-to-back yellow cards by Rider with under four minutes to play, The Haven went on the attack with an 11-to-9 advantage, but Rider was able to withstand the pressure.
 
Melanie Beal, Brooke Hofsass and Gracyn Catalano scored for The Haven, while Catalano, Elien Bos and Hofsaas all dished out assists.
 
The Haven defense was strong down the stretch and were led by a pair of defensive saves by Alexis Kern and Megan Beppler to keep the Bald Eagles within striking distance in the final quarter.
 
Despite a 20-14 shot-advantage by Rider, The Haven defense turned in another strong effort.
 
Kelsey Felix made five saves in cage for Lock Haven, before turning over keeper duties to Maja Halasz, who added a save.
 
Hofsass continued to lead the attack for Lock Haven as she scored, notched an assist and fired off a team-high five shots with three on target. Counterpart Catalano also scored and dished out a helper to go with three shots (2 on goal).
 
With the decision, Lock Haven moves to 2-6 on the year and Rider improves to 4-3.
 
Earlier this week (Friday, Sept. 20), the Bald Eagles took down La Salle, 1-0, in a thriller to open Atlantic-10 (A-10) Conference play.
 
NEXT UP
The Bald Eagles hit the road and will visit VCU on Friday (Sept. 27) at 3 p.m. for an A-10 Conference battle.