The Eagle Eye

Issue date: 4/9/09 Section: Sports

Leigh Titus shoots past opposing players. Titus was PSAC West Lacrosse player of the week.

With five games left in the season, the No. 8 Lady Eagles (8-1, 4-1 PSAC West) made a strong push for the post season in their most recent games, cruising past Seton Hill (3-10) on Saturday and upsetting No. 6 Gannon University (9-3, 3-2 PSAC West) 9-8 on Wednesday. Both wins extend the Lady Eagles current winning streak to three.
With both Gannon and Lock Haven ranked among the top 10 in the nation, this match was sure not to disappoint fans as both teams are trying to make a strong playoff push. The Lady Eagles didn't let the fact that they were the visiting team stop them.
"There was nothing more important than winning that game. It was the only thing that was going to keep us surviving in the conference and in the country, if we want to go to the NCAA, it means pretty much winning the conference or taking second in the conference and I say winning the conference because what is the point, if you can't win it all," said Head Coach Kristen Selvage.
Gannon struck first scoring their first goal almost seven minutes into the match. Less than a minute later Allison Berger tied it up for Lock Haven. Gannon proceeded to come right back jumping out to a 3-2 lead, eventually turning into a 6-3 lead.
The Lady Eagles quickly changed the momentum of the game with 46 seconds left in the first half, as Kayleigh Johnson scored the first of six unanswered goals for LHU. Amber Hoch would put the Lady Eagles within one as they entered half time.
With the momentum firmly behind them Lock Haven let loose on the Lady Knights. Leigh Titus scored the first goal of the second half to tie the match at six apiece. Hoch and Titus combined for the next three goals to put LHU up 9-6.
With 7:05 left to play the defense for Lock Haven really stepped it up. With Gannon pulling to within one, the Lady Eagles shut down Gannon for arguably the most important victory of the season.
"We played smart and composed when we needed to, which was something we had been working on," Johnson.
Leading the attack for the Lady Eagles was Hoch, with her team high four goals. Titus provided three goals and the only two assists for the Lady Eagles that day. The Lady Eagles had a combined 16 shots on the Gannon goal.
When Lock Haven needed their defense they showed up. Katie Zichelli and Krystalle Neighbor turned out solid performances, with each forcing a turnover. Heather Sacko played the entire match for the Lady Eagles. She had five saves, two in the first half and three in the second half, while only allowing eight goals.

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