What a break for The Haven

After two weeks of great soccer for the Lady Eagles the ball just didn't bounce our way last night falling 2-1 to Slippery Rock.

Both LHU and SRU came our running last night, and battled back and forth. With the help of the blistering wind SRU was able to curve a corner kick into the back post upper 90 about halfway through the first 45 minutes. Despite the score, at the end of the first half LHU and SRU were tied with 5 shots a piece....

Going into the second half Haven started pressuring right away, we had the wind and were hoping for momentum...but Slippery Rock wasn't backing down. Hayley Zinn came up with a few tremendous saves keeping LHU in the hunt to tie up the game, and that's exactly what happened. On a LHU counter Slippery Rock's keeper blocked a close range shot sending a rebound to the feet of Kellie Wieger 16 yards out. Wieger chipped the keeper, to make it even sweeter the ball sailed to the back of the net - upper 90. With about 9 minutes left Haven was back in it and the sweet taste gave us the momentum we were looking for.

With minutes remaining the Rock sent a ball deep into the Haven backfield. As the ball crossed the face of the goalmouth and a bit of miscommunication Haven's sweet taste turned sour with an own goal. LHU tried to find that wave of momentum for the last 2 or so minutes but couldn't breakdown the SRU defense.

LHU was led by Veterans Kellie Wieger, Caitlyn Slattery, Jessie Cox, and Arielle Gordon - all of which had outstanding performances.

Unfortunately such a great battle ended on a sour note, after battling back from a 1-0 deficit to tie it up 1-1 the Haven Ladies took a blow going down 2-1 on a tough break. As I have said in the past, our team is full of pride and has a dynamic like no other. The ladies walked off the field disappointed but positive about their fight and they way they bounced back. As a coach I'd rather get blown out of the water than lose on an unfortunate event like last nights... with just one game left Haven is 8-9-1 overall and looking to break even and finish with a win vs Lake Erie on Saturday.

The game vs Lake Erie is our senior game on which we will honor our two senior players: Lindsey Blessing and Heidi Weller. Please come out and support our seniors and the rest of the Lady Eagles in their last regular season home game. Saturday's game is a double header with the Men's team playing at 2 and Ladies at 4 both vs. Lake Erie - both teams will be celebrating their Senior Day, as well as selling merchandise - come our and support our teams!

Saturday - Semi Annual 4 v 4 Competition

Team Homecoming (up above)

Team BLS (above)

Team Fairy (The GKs) - above


The 4 v 4 Team Group Shot

Twice a year to break up the monotony of the practices, games, and rigourous schedule the Lady Eagles host an intersquad 4 v 4 competition. The team is broken down into groups of 4 or 5 - as assigned by the coaches and compete in a round robin. Each team picks a theme and dresses to it... and evey season there are some interesting outcomes. THIS YEAR we have this wonderful BLOG so that EVERYONE can see the beautiful themes they have picked....even the Athletic Trainers get involved! It is a great time to blow off some steam and get an hour of good soccer in.... (more pictures to come).

**Shout out to the men's soccer team because I KNOW you're reading this :o)

Game vs Edinboro

2 Well Deserved Goals Bring Haven to Victory Over The Fighting Scots!

Another match up that brought on overtime, and another win for the ladies of Lock Haven - with just 2 games remaining in our regular season not one team in the PSAC can say that LHU didn't give them a run for their money. With the win vs Edinboro on this past Saturday the Lady Eagles have reached 8-8-1 (500), a season goal. This win also brings LHU to 26 goals for and 28 against - with just two games remaining it is quite possible that with the way LHU has been playing we can finish over 500 with more goals for than against - quite a success with just a young team.

Saturdays game started out on a sour note when Edinboro capitalized on a Penalty Kick granted due to a foul against Jessie Cox. The score didn't change as the first 45 minutes came to a close. Both Lock Haven and Edinboro had a few opportunities but neither team finished their chances.

The second half was a different story - LHU came out blazing and didn't back down, towards the end of the half Sophomore Arielle Gordon challenged the Edinboro keeper with a hard struck ball, too tough to handle as the ball we deflected to the head of Senior Captain Lindsey Blessing. Blessing was able to head the ball to the feet of Gordon who put The Haven dead even with Edinboro. Gordon's goal would be the last goal of regulation.

Overtime was full of emotion for the lady eagles as Junior Heidi Weller went on a breakaway 1 on 1 with the Edinboro Keeper and tripped over the ball (in typical Heidi fashion)... although instead of laughing at herself she lay on the ground.... as LHU collected themselves - Heidi limped off the field (she's recovering now - no worries), The first 10 minutes of OT was over and the game was still deadlocked at 1 all. The last 10 minutes of the OT were different, Junior Kellie Wieger was able to put the game away with just a few minutes left on the clock.... Once again LHU came out with a win and once again proved themselves to be a team to battle with.

Game @ Clarion

It was a VERY VERY cold one last night... prior to the game it was hailing....like I said it was COLD.

The game was a back to back battle.... once again the girls gave it everything - 110minutes worth in fact. After going down just 15 minutes into the first half haven bounced back with two unanswered goals by rookie Bree Orth (off a cross from fellow rookie Carly D'Orsaneo) and Jessie Cox (off an AMAZING corner by senior captain Lindsey Blessing). Going into half we were up 2-1.

Going into the second half Haven wasn't done, the girls pushed forward and it paid off; Rachel Rorke found a split in the defense and sent a ball forward to oncoming Carly D'Orsaneo's feet. Carly snuck the ball by the goalkeeper near post. 3-1 in Haven's favor. Clarion wasn't backing down and certainly not done, the remaining part of the half was in their favor (as was the blistering wind). Clarion earned back to back goals both off of corners. At the end of regulation we were tied 3 all.

Going into the first OT we were going against the wind and pressured right away, once again. With the help of Caitlyn Slattery and Jessie Cox in defense and Hayley Zinn in net Lock Haven buckled down and come out of the first OT undamaged.

The second OT, with the wind in our favor, Haven went out blazing immediately putting pressure on the Clarion defense and goalkeeper. Despite our best efforts and push forward we were unable to score as the clock dwindled down. End result: 3-3 tie.

There is no doubt that the wind was a HUGE factor in last nights match, for both teams. After giving it our all we still came out with one psac point and frozen limbs...

The ladies have the day off - a well earned one considering we have not had a day off since prior to our Mercyhurst game. 2 wins and a tie in a week - not too shabby. Thursday will be another prep day of practice as we prepare to take on Edinboro at home on Friday afternoon (2pm); with just 1.5 weeks of regular season left we couldn't be more proud of the girls and are still sticking to our season goal of finishing over 500 (winning more games then losing).

Check back Friday night for a new post!

Game @ Cal U (PA)

Another great game for the Haven. After a VERY long bus ride and a hectic morning LHU took the field. The match was a battle from the very first touch of the ball, both teams were playing quite hard.

Lock Haven took to the scoreboard first - which proved to be the game winning goal. With just under 7 minutes left in the first half Kellie Wieger played an amazing ball to Carly D'Orsaneo - splitting the defense. D'Orsaneo forced the keeper to come out for a one on one, but quickly pushed past the keepers hands and finished the ball with her RIGHT foot into the back of the net. (If you know Carly you also know that she is much more keen to her left foot and it can sometimes be a struggle to shoot with her right.... but she did it like an expert!)

The final 7 min of the first half were back and forth, Cal never backed down and had a few scoring opportunities but starting keeper, Hayley Zinn, was quite persistent and once again put up a game changing performance.

The second half was no different from the first, our defense played amazing working together and was nearly undeterred by everything that Cal brought to the table. Every Haven player played a vital role in buckling down and pushing forward; LHU solidified the win with just under 15 minutes to play in the match. Alissa Gamelier was able to put the ball back into the box after a clearance off of a corner. Unlike any other player Alissa was able to pop the ball over her head and Cal's defense onto freshmen, Janine McCarthy's foot for a half volley sailing behind the keepers head. (Side Note: I don't think either of the girls could re-enact that one - it was creative but could never be considered graceful or tactical).

Leading the team to the win were Hayley Zinn in net getting her 2nd shutout of the season, senior captain Lindsey Blessing - who played an amazing (quite physical) game in the midfield, and Caitlyn Slattery who anchored the back line.

The 2-0 win over Cal gives Haven a 7-8 record with just 4 games remaining, it also gives us an outside chance of making post-season play!

Together we fly by Mercyhurst!

Mercyhurst College – a tough and very skilled team, ranked among the top 30 in the country: a difficult feat in itself… but AT Mercyhurst was even more of a feat. However, without our entire team effort we would not have been successful. Going into the game we were 5-8-0 but our girls spirits were high and we had finally begun to blend and BELIEVE entirely in each other – this made all the difference!

The first half started out with a BANG just 6 minutes into the game Lock Haven caused a bit of ciaos in front of the net forcing Mercyhurst to clear the ball to Alissa Gamelier’s feet who played the ball to the top of the box, the ball deflected off of Mercyhurst defender falling onto the foot of freshmen Carly D’Orsaneo. D’Orsaneo was able to take on the GK and bury the ball in the back of the net… GGGOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!

Haven buckled down and had a few MAJOR bounces go their way, 2 opportunities and some breaks in our defense gave Mercyhurst some great opportunities, both of which they put off the post and in front of our net… scary but no damage done.

Second half was another tight battle. Mercyhurst came out blazing putting immediate pressure on Lock Haven’s defensive third; which resulted in a corner that was served across the front of the net. Mercyhurst’s Sarah Powell volleyed the ball past Haven keeper Hayley Zinn’s outstretched hands…. With 30 min left the score was tied 1-1.

The final 30 minutes was back and forth, both teams leaving it all on the field, and in true Haven fashion we never backed down. At the end of regulation the game was tied 1-1, we were off to overtime (OT) – first team to score wins (golden goal).

Overtime was our time – with some luck, some heart, and a few chances we had multiple corners and two very important free kicks. The first corner was sent right into the mix, Kellie Wieger went up and challenged the keeper and flicked the ball into the middle of the goal – just as Alissa Gamelier went up to head the ball into the back of the net Haven was called for a foul. Later, Lindsey Blessing went up for a 50/50 ball in the air and was fouled from behind, setting up a free kick – although there was no scoring opportunity, instead another foul from behind on Mercyhurst just at the top of the 18. Courtney Johnson stepped up to the plate, and on a Game Winning attempt served the ball behind the Mercyhurst keeper’s hands (Rebecca Heintzman) to the crossbar, which (once again) bounced our way straight down behind the goal line! GOLDEN GOAL…. A 2-1 win for Lock Haven in overtime!!!

Some notable points: an amazing job of support from our bench who were on their feet the entire second half and overtime, Alissa Gamelier had a stellar performance, as well as, the entire back line! Hayley Zinn came off her goal line time and time again keeping LHU in the game with some spectacular decisions; Kellie Wieger added energy to the front line when we needed it most. Lastly, our two goal scorers Carly D’Orsaneo and Courtney Johnson who literally left it all on the field and were spent after the game.

SUCH a proud moment for both Coach Davis and myself, I am so impressed with out efforts today… now its back to the drawing board as we head to California University of Pennsylvania for a match on Sat at 3pm!

Game vs IUP

What a great game! For those of you that were there - you saw an amazing game! Those that couldn't make it... you missed a great one! Despite losing 1-0 this game was a memorable one.

The first half was great soccer... the girls played together as a TEAM, we changed our approach and all focused in on our goals. We immediately put the pressure on their defense spending much of our time in our attacking 3rd. Unfortunately despite numerous attempts to score we couldn't find the back of the net, and in IUP's few scoring opportunities they did.

The second half was even better soccer and we never let down, regretably I left at half for recruiting in Maryland, however from what I am told we played amazing - despite some injuries we still buckled down and got some shots off. The final score was 0-1 but I couldn't be more proud; we needed to come together and just go for it... and in this game we did, and left it all on the field! Great job ladies!!!

Next game is away at Mercyhurst 4pm on Wednesday... should be a tough game but we're ready for the challenge.

Side note: I missed the parents food on sat and was NOT happy about it - we need another one soon :)

Game 12 vs Gannon

Briefly

today's game was quite a task for us and individually I feel that we had to push through some walls... eventually we worked things out for the second half but not before the damage was done. Gannon scored with 32 min left off a cross and then again off a corner. Lock Haven's freshmen class again came up huge, Raquel Alton came off the bench with fresh legs and made a weakside run and was able to capitalize on a deflection from Angie Rineer's initial shot. However, Gannon was not done and with less than 5 minutes left Gannon scored once more with a ball served into the 18 yard box which was headed by keeper Hayley Zinn. Lock Haven fell to Gannon 3-1, through this we hope that we can learn and move forward. We had a much more productive second half and was able to pressure the Gannon keeper much more... just didn't finish. We are a good team, with a tough schedule - more so we are tough on ourselves... believing in ourselves is implemental to the remaining part of our season. Personally, I have no doubt that we will be successful!

Game 11 - Mansfield

Today's game was a good gritty win for LHU. The lady eagles were able to come out of today's match up with a 1-0 win scoring late in the game.

Mansfield played a tough, hard hitting, and scrappy battle today, however, our players were able to find the holes in the defense. Carly D'Orsaneo on the left was able to expose their right side - time and time again. Just 15 minutes into the match she sent a ball off the crossbar, immediately challenging the keeper. Despite our efforts the first half ended 0-0 with a great effort from both teams.

Our defense continued to lock down and stay strong through the second half as we changed our formation, pushing up for a more offensive presence. The change of formation worked wonders as Janine McCarthy was able to break free on the right side setting up Arielle Gordon for a chip shot that sailed over the keeper with 21 minutes left. Mansfield never backed down, playing until the final minutes. Other players making a great effort for Lock Haven today were Rachel Rorke (who came up with some serious offensive plays), as well as Courtney Johnson (who also was able to add to LHU's attack)

We take the field again on Tuesday for a home match against Gannon. Great win today!

Note Worthy

Quick Statistics up to date that are impressive:

We are currently ranked 2nd out of all the PSAC teams with number of saves : our GK's have recorded 66 saves in 9 games making our average 7.33%

Arielle Gordon is currently ranked 19th in all of the PSAC for goals per game. She has played 9 games, scoring 4 goals averaging .44%.

Our GK's are also doing great, despite Kim Bentleys injury that has kept her out of the last two weeks of games she is still currently ranked 10th in the PSAC for goals against. Kim has played in 6 games (404:13 min) with an average of 1.34 goals against. She is also ranked 6th with save percent with 29 saves and an average of .829%. Lastly she is also ranked 5th in the conference for saves per game with an average of 4.83 per game. Recently in the line up freshmen keeper Hayley Zinn is also ranked in number of saves; Hayley is ranked as #14 in the PSAC playing in 4 games with 29 saves and an average of 6 saves per game.

Congrats Ladies!

Game vs Mansfield: Change~

Hey all -

Change of schedule the game vs Mansfield had been changed to an 11:30am kickoff on saturday (10/4) at HOME. Mansfield is having problems with their field.

Thanks - stay tuned for the update immediately after the game.
:o)

Game vs Mercyhurst

What an effort... definitely a game of two halves... Coming into this game Mercyhurst was coming off of a 24th nationally ranked week - but what we learned from this is that from top to bottom there is not much difference in the PSAC. Mercyhurst scored off a free kick with 5 min left in the first half; the free kick was placed practically perfectly into the center of the 18 yard box, Mercyhurst's forward Sarah Powell was able to head the ball into the back corner of our net- an unfortunate play. Coming into half we had a few changes to make, which made ALL the difference - we came into the second half ready to press and determined not to lose our focus. We were able to change our formation and catch Mercyhurst off guard about half way through the second half... the change gave LHU multiple chances: Kellie Wieger, Melinda Dodson, Bree Orth, and Arielle Gordon all had phenomenal opportunities to finish the ball; however, despite the effort we weren't able to finish. A great showing for Janine McCarthy (who made her first collegiate appearance), Hayley Zinn, and Alissa Gamelier.

Today's loss is frustrating for everyone on the team - but that is how we played... as a TEAM; the game showed us that we can and will OUTWORK other teams, and more so that we will BATTLE... and never give up.

If we play with the fury and heart that we played with today the second half of our season is going to be one for the books!