LHU Lacrosse opens season with road victory at Ashland

ASHLAND, OH – On an afternoon that featured 30 mph winds, the Lock Haven lacrosse team soared to a 10-7 season-opening victory on the road over non-conference foe Ashland on Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 28).

The Bald Eagles stormed out to a 4-1 lead through the opening nine minutes thanks to goals from Josey Shaffer (Westminster, Md./Manchester Valley) and Makayla Kelly (Kennett Square, Pa./Kennett) and a pair of scores by Emma Williams (Garnet Valley, Pa./Garnet Valley).

Ashland (2-2 overall) cut the Bald Eagles’ lead in half heading into the break with a goal at the 5:23 mark in the second quarter.

However, the Bald Eagles opened the second half with four-unanswered goals to push their advantage to 8-2 with a minute remaining in the third. During the run, Shaffer connected for her second goal on the day, while Williams secured the hattrick and Kaitlyn Collins (Ringwood, N.J./Lakeland Regional) and Gabby Gunnip (Elbridge, N.Y./Jordan Elbridge) each found the back of the net for the first time.

Ashland built momentum in the final period by outscoring the Bald Eagles, 5-2, but the clock was no longer on their side and Lock Haven held on for the victory.

Abby Katrinak (Strongsville, Ohio/Strongsville) scored her first goal and Kelly added her second of the game to round out the scoring for Lock Haven.

Mackenna Brown (Rochester, N.Y./Aquinas Institute), Katrinak, Grunnip (two) and Williams all dished out assists, while Williams totaled four points and a hat trick to lead the offense.

Shaffer and Gunnip led the offense with six shots, while the team led 27-18 in shots on the day.

Dana Mirigliano (Springfield, Pa./Springfield) earned her first goalkeeping victory on the season and finished with six saves.

UP NEXT:

The Bald Eagles host Daemen at Charlotte E. Smith Field on Saturday, March 2 at 2 p.m. for their home opener.