LHU Women’s Soccer Celebrates Homecoming, Senior Day
LOCK HAVEN – The Lock Haven University women’s soccer team (10-3-1, 10-3-1 PSAC) celebrated Homecoming and Senior Day in a big way as the Bald Eagles soared past Mansfield University (1-13, 1-13 PSAC), 6-0 in Saturday conference action. The win led to LHU clinching a spot in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) postseason tournament for first time since the 2006 season.
Prior to kickoff, LHU head coach Kathy Brown and the Bald Eagles honored their 11 graduating seniors: Jordan Shoff (York, Pa./York Suburban), Janelle Swartz (Mifflintown, Pa./Juniata), Carly Spinuzza (Williamstown, N.J./Williamstown), Gabby Kishbaugh (Berwick, Pa./Berwick), Kara Waskiewicz (Harleysville, Pa./Souderton), Emily Vitale (Rockaway, N.J./Morris Hills), Zoe Shelly (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley), Ella Jones (Mohnton, Pa./Reading Area C.C.), Makayla Dickey (Lock Haven, Pa./Central Mountain), Bree Hilty (Lock Haven, Pa./Central Mountain) and Haley Predix (Lewistown, Pa./Mifflin County).
Leading the way was Marah Foltz (Mountville, Pa./Hempfield), who had another two-goal game. She now has 15 goals on the season, the second-most ever recorded by a LHU women’s player during a single season. For her career, Foltz now has 21 goals, which now ranks No. 9 on the all-time career scoring list.
As of press time, Foltz led the PSAC in goals scored and ranked among the top-seven in all NCAA Division II women’s soccer. Saturday was her sixth two-goal game of the season.
Also finding their way onto the score sheet in an offensive explosion for the Bald Eagles was Haleigh Swam (Westminster, Md./Winters Mill) who opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a long range effort placed into the bottom corner. Josie Swartz (Mifflintown, Pa./Juniata) picked up a loose ball just minutes later and smashed home her effort off the near post and rattled home. In the second half Vitale hit a 25 yard shot over the keepers head and found the back of the net with style. Finishing out the scoring on senior night was senior left-back Janelle Swartz who collected a pass from Foltz in the 89thminute and calmly slotted the ball home for the picture perfect ending to her senior night.
Another stingy defensive effort for the Bald Eagles allowed only 3 shots. Led by seniors Jordan Shoff and Janelle Swartz. Bree Hilty pitched another clean sheet and was forced into only one save.
The win, LHU’s 10th of the season marked the Bald Eagles first 10-win season since 2004. With the win, Lock Haven clinched its first trip to the conference postseason tournament in 12 years.
Just two regular season games remain for the Bald Eagles. LHU will host Millersville University on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. in the team’s final home game of the regular season campaign. Lock Haven will close the regular season on Saturday, Oct. 27 at California (Pa.).
