College Field Hockey
Lock Haven University 4, Rider University 1
LAWRENCEVILLE?The Broncs lost to first-place Lock Haven in a Northeast Conference game Friday afternoon. “We had plenty of opportunities to score and we couldn't cash in on them and they did,” said head coach Lori Hussong.
For Rider (6-7, 3-1 NEC), senior Stephanie Walker (Lyman, Maine/Massabesic) scored her fifth goal of the season two minutes into the second half to cut the Bald Eagle lead to 2-1. Sophomore Erin McGinniss (Newton, N.J./Kittatinny Regional) assisted on the goal, her first of the season.
Walker moved into sixth place all-time with 34 goals and is also sixth with 84 career points.
Lock Haven (10-5, 5-0 NEC) scored 12 minutes into the game and added a second goal on a penalty stroke to lead 2-0 at the half.
“I never thought that we weren't going to be able to win the game,” said Hussong of the 2-0 deficit at the half. “I knew if we could get it to 2-1, we would have a chance to score another goal. We had the chance but we just couldn't convert. Defensively we gave Lock Haven an easy corner and they cashed in on it to get the two-goal lead back. When they [Lock Haven] get corners, they execute and that was the biggest difference today.”
The Broncs held a 17-11 corner advantage, including 11-5 in the second half.
The Bald Eagles added back to back goals with 24 and 22 minutes remaining for the final score.
Bronc senior goalie Jen LoCastro (Cherry Hill/Camden Catholic) made eight saves as Lock Haven out-shot Rider 16-11.
Rider hosts Saint Francis-Pa. in a critical Northeast Conference game on Sunday at 11:30am. Prior to the game, the three Bronc seniors, Walker, LoCastro and Emily Egan (Gibbsboro, N.J./Eastern) will be honored as part of senior day festivities.
“Lock Haven is very experienced and our goal is to bounce back and qualify for the playoffs,” Hussong added. “With them moving to 5-0 in the conference it looks like we won't be able to host the playoffs so we have to concentrate on the last three NEC games, qualify for the playoffs and then see what happens from there.”
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