Box Score
WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Claire Grimwood registered a hat trick, but No. 3 Lock Haven held sixth-ranked West Chester’s high-powered offense in check to successfully defend its PSAC Women’s Lacrosse championship on a hot and sufferable Saturday afternoon inside Vonnie Gros Field.
West Chester (17-1) suffered its first loss of the season while Lock Haven (16-1) won its second straight conference crown. It marked the fifth straight year in which these two PSAC powerhouses have met in the championship game. The Golden Rams won three straight from 2006 thru 2008.
West Chester was held to its lowest goal output on the year.
Lock Haven opened a 5-1 lead 20 minutes into the contest. The Lady Eagles’ potent attack scored on seven of their eight shots in the first half to take a 7-2 advantage at the break. Meanwhile, Lock Haven senior goalkeeper Kira Nuttall made six saves before halftime and finished the game with 12 altogether, stymieing the Rams’ best scoring opportunities all day.
West Chester made its only run of the game with 18 minutes remaining and trailing, 12-2. Lock Haven had strung together seven straight goals to take command of the tilt when the Golden Rams potted four consecutive tallies to momentarily crawl back into the contest.
Shannon Hayes assisted on two of the four tallies. Grimwood, Nicole Haines, Lauren Glassey and Julia Walsh also scored. Grimwood notched both of West Chester’s markers in the first half as well.
West Chester will wait until May 9 when the NCAA Division II Women’s Lacrosse selection show will reveal the six participants in the national tournament.
