Defense lifts No. 22/13 LHU Women’s Basketball to PSAC Championship game, Bald Eagles down Cal (Pa.) at home in Semifinals

LOCK HAVEN – For the first time since 1991, the Lock Haven women’s basketball team is heading to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Championship after taking down California (Pa.) in a gritty, 54-51, semifinal victory inside Thomas Fieldhouse on Saturday (March 9).

The 2023-24 Bald Eagles continue to make history this season and with the semifinal victory, have earned a trip to the PSAC Tournament Championship vs. the Western Division top seed and the No. 4/3 ranked team in the country-Gannon tomorrow afternoon (March 10) inside Thomas Fieldhouse.

With the victory, Lock Haven improves to 28-2 overall, expanding on its current program record for single-season victories.

Lock Haven also remains unbeaten at home to expand its program-record with 15 straight victories inside Thomas Fieldhouse.

With the loss, California (Pa.) ends the season at 23-8 overall.

The Bald Eagles’ defense powered the winning effort and held Cal to 30 percent (21-of-68) shooting on the night. Lock Haven knocked down one additional shot from deep and held a 10-6 free-throw advantage in a very physical contest.

After a low-scoring first half, the Bald Eagles carried a 24-17 advantage into the break. The Haven held the Vulcans to just seven makes (21 percent) in the first half.

The Bald Eagles used a 16-10 run in the second quarter to build the first-half lead.

After an even 14-14 third period, the Vulcans knocked down three shots from behind the arch in the fourth quarter to pull within one, 52-51 with six seconds remaining.

Graduate senior Taylor Leidy (Alexandria, Pa./Juniata Valley) knocked down two clutch free throws on the ensuing possession to set up a dramatic finish.

California (Pa.) broke through the Bald Eagles press to heave up a three-pointer to tie the game, but the shot fell short and Lock Haven held on for the victory.

Alana Robinson (Rockaway, N.J./Pope John Paul II) led the Bald Eagles’ offense with 18 points to go with nine rebounds, two blocks and a steal.

Jenadia Jordan (York, Pa./Linden Hall) finished with 13 points, five assists and five rebounds, while knocking down two shots from behind the arch.

Rhlyn Rouse (York, Pa./York Tech) chipped in a team-high 10 rebounds to go with seven points off the bench, while Olivia Smith (Alexandria, Pa./Juniata Valley) did a little bit of everything on both ends and finished with five points and five rebounds.

NEXT UP

Tomorrow (Sunday, March 10) the Bald Eagles will take on Gannon in a battle of the best from the PSAC East and West at 3 p.m. inside Thomas Fieldhouse.

Tickets for tomorrow’s Championship can be purchased here.

https://fan.hudl.com/usa/pa/lock-haven/organization/163984/pennsylvania-state-a/tickets

This will be a cashless event, tickets must be purchased at the link above.