LOCK HAVEN, Pa. — Mercyhurst University (0-1) fell to Lock Haven University (1-0) with a final score of 5–2 on Friday at Charlotte Smith Stadium. Victoria Campana made 12 saves despite the loss, facing 25 shots on goal throughout the match. This game marked her first career start in goal, and she impressed with her performance despite the challenging circumstances.
The game opened with a series of fouls by Lock Haven, but it was Bald Eagles offense that pressured early with multiple penalty corners. Campana, made crucial saves against shots from Lock Haven's attackers. Despite Mercyhurst's defensive efforts, Lock Haven capitalized on a penalty corner to take a 1-0 lead at 12:52. The Lakers attempted to respond with Kailyn Smith's penalty corner leading to a shot by Anna Napolillo, but it was saved by Lock Haven's goalkeeper. The first quarter ended with Lock Haven maintaining its 1-0 advantage.
Mercyhurst capitalized on its opportunities in the second quarter, overcoming an early defensive stand by Lock Haven. Ava Jones leveled the score at 1–1 in the second period, assisted by Anna Napolillo. This goal marked Jones's first of the season, following her score against Lock Haven in last year's season finale. Finja Wunner netted the go-ahead goal for Mercyhurst shortly after, with an assist from Rachel Kosowski, marking her first goal of the season. Despite Lock Haven's multiple penalty corners and a series of shots on goal, a strong defensive performance, including several saves by Campana, kept the Lakers ahead 2-1 at halftime.
Lock Haven equalized the contest at 2–2 with a goal in the third. The quarter featured a strong defensive effort from Mercyhurst's goalkeeper, Campana, who made multiple saves against Lock Haven's attackers. Lock Haven applied consistent pressure, earning several penalty corners, but Campana's performance kept the score level. As the quarter concluded, both teams remained tied, setting up a crucial final period.
Lock Haven extended its lead early in the fourth quarter, moving the score to 3–2. Mercyhurst's Ally George attempted to respond with a shot nearly two minutes into the quarter, but it was saved by Lock Haven's goalkeeper. Lock Haven further capitalized on the momentum by converting a penalty stroke seven minutes in, increasing the lead to 4–2. Another goal shortly after sealed the match at 5–2 for Lock Haven. Despite penalty corners by Mercyhurst's Lola Williams and Kailyn Smith, Lock Haven maintained control, aided by defensive stops and timely scoring.
Wunner scored one goal and was accurate with both of her shots on goal. Jones found the back of the net as well, converting her only shot into a goal. Kosowski contributed with an assist, adding to the team's offensive efforts. Campana made 12 saves over the course of the match, facing 25 shots in total.
Up next, the Lakers continue their road trip at St. Louis on September 6th at 11 a.m.
