Finocchiaro closing down an attacking forward

CALIFORNIA, Pa. – The Lock Haven University women’s soccer team (8-7-1, 3-3-1 PSAC West) picked up a crucial three-points on the road today by way of beating California (Pa.) University (3-12-1, 1-6-1 PSAC West) 2-1 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West action.

The three points are very important for a Lady Eagle squad that entered today tied with Clarion University for third in the chase for the final playoff spot as both teams entered today’s action with seven points.

LHU found itself down early, but quickly battled back.

In a goal very similar to the one California scored senior-captain Kyleigh Roth (Elysburg, Pa./Southern Columbia) was able to find the back of net giving the Haven the equalizer, knotting the game at 1-1.

Roth found herself in all alone behind the CAL defense after freshman Arielle Gordon (Ephrata, Pa./Ephrata) lofted a ball into a streaking Roth. Roth left no doubt and poked the ball in the right corner.

The first 45 minutes of action came to close with both teams tied at 1-1.

In the 55th minute senior forward Collen Kafka (Candor, N.Y./Candor) put the Lady Eagles up 2-1, scoring what would prove to be the eventual game-winner.

Kafka, the team’s leader scorer with nine goals sent a shot far post beating California goalie Erin Cook after a very strong offensive buildup from the Haven.

Gordon continued to make her presence felt on the field working hard down the right side of the field. Gordon hit midfielder Bekah Stonecypher (Johnstown, Pa./Westmont Hilltop) with a ball sending her in toward goal where she slid a ball to the left to Kafka who was making a run toward goal. Kafka capped off some pretty ball movement by sending it far post for the goal.

Junior Jenny Finocchairo (Pilesgrove, N.J./Woodstown) provided the Haven with a strong defensive effort while also showing her ability to go forward helping the Lady Eagles create several solid scoring chances.

Senior Emily Wagner (Brick, N.J./Brick Township) the Haven’s all-time career saves leader made three saves in the win.

The Lady Eagles are back in action on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. when they play host to Edinboro University in a key PSAC West match up.