The No. 5 Lady Eagles kick off their 2008 season on Thursday at Pfeiffer.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - The No. 5 Lock Haven University lacrosse team is set to begin their 2008 season and they do so with big plans for the upcoming season as they are primed for a championship run.

Last year the Lady Eagles final game was played in Salem, Va. at the NCAA Division II Final Four as they fell to West Chester University ending their season leaving them hungry to get back to that spot as they continue to climb to the top.

In 2007 LHU went 16-4 overall and 12-2 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). All four losses came at the hand of West Chester, including losses in the PSAC championship game and NCAA semifinals.

It’s hard to believe given the Lady Eagles recent run of success, but this could be one of their most talented teams to date.

LHU head coach Kristen Selvage, who’s entering her seventh season and is already the winningest coach in school history calls this year’s squad disciplined, versatile and says their work ethic is unparalleled.

Those three simple characteristics could spell success for the Haven.

Four losses to West Chester last season, including the one in the Final Four have certainly left a bitter taste in the Lady Eagles mouth, according to Selvage.

There is plenty of solid experience returning on this year’s squad and combined with a talented cast of newcomers it gives LHU exactly what it needs to make a run at a championship season.

According to Selvage, her experienced team has learned from their past mistakes and is motivated to get to the top.

“Nothing motivates a team more than getting there and not succeeding,” Selvage said of her team that is extremely confident that they can get the job done this year.

This team is talented up and down the field, in every position particularly in the midfield, where they have a cast of exceptional athletes.

A huge strength of this team is also its speed, which is a huge benefit for the highly offensive team.

Attack/Midfield:

It’s hard to believe that an offense that outscored their opponents 374-176 is better, but that’s exactly the case as the Lady Eagles will field an explosive attack that has more fire power than last season’s.

A large part of LHU’s success on offense is built from their incredible play in the midfield and that of their transition game.

This year’s midfield unit for the Lady Eagles is arguably the best ever.

Leading the way will be junior midfielder Jessica Blickenstaff (Thurmont, Md./Catoctin), who was named the 2007 Division II midfielder of the year for her efforts in leading the Haven.

Last season she led LHU in every major offensive category including goals, assists and total points with 69, 43 and 122, respectively. She now has 135 career goals and 199 total points in her sensational career as she continues to climb the ladder in the Haven record books.

Blickenstaff, a two-time All-American will look to once again control the midfield and direct the offense.

She is the total package, according to Selvage and will get the job done everywhere on the field including on defense.

“She’s smart, strong and fast,” said Selvage. “She can run up and down the field and her work ethic is unstoppable.”

Other key contributors will be sophomore Leigh Titus (Pine Brook, N.J./Montville), junior Amber Hoch (Harleysville, Pa./Souderton Area) as well as seniors Rachael Williams (Gettysburg, Pa./Catoctin) and Caitlyn Watts (Willow Grove, Pa./Archbishop Wood).

Titus enjoyed a sensational season during her rookie campaign and was awarded for her efforts having been named PSAC Rookie of the Year. Last season she was major offensive threat and looks to do so again. A year ago she tallied 56 goals, 28 assists and racked up 84 total points.

Selvage says that Titus is ready for another big season after improving her game even more soduring the offseason. Her biggest asset is her blazing speed that has the ability to destroy defenses. She’s a fearless attacker who will go right at the defense and has a rocket shot.

“She will be even more of a playmaker for us this year,” said Selvage.

Hoch was a key contributor last season on attack and will look to do more of the same this season. Last year she scored 52 goals and dished 27 helpers and her explosiveness on offense will be a big key for LHU this season.

Watts and Williams were both key components of LHU’s midfield last year and will again play a huge role in its success this season.

Watts had 12 goals and 18 assists last season while Williams scored 16 goals and set up seven others.

Watts brings tremendous stick skills to the field and has the ability to catch and pass at full pace. Her aggressiveness in the middle of the field will be a big key for the Lady Eagles says Selvage.

Williams, a smart player who sees the field well can be dangerous off “quick sticks” plays.

Two newcomers looking to jump right in and contribute in the midfield are freshmen Jamie Uzialko (Lima, N.Y./Honeoye Falls-Lima) and Katie McConnell (Cinnaminson, N.J./Holy Cross).

McConnell will play d-wing and adds a strong offensive mind to the midfield. She’s fast and smooth on the ball and Selvage notes one of her biggest strengths being her ability to pass and feed or shoot quickly.

Uzialko adds height to the Haven’s lineup and is a strong finisher, which will help the Lady Eagles explosive scoring punch as she has the ability to punish defenses.

Freshman Elizabeth McAuliffe (Long Valley, N.J./West Morris Central) is another rookie who adds depth to the midfield. She’s another hard-working athlete who brings both an offensive and defensive mind to the middle.

Freshmen Alexandra Cross (Owego, N.Y./Owego) and Kari Sielski (Jackson, N.J./Jackson Memorial) along with sophomore Sandy Drobnich (Morrisville, Pa./Pennsbury) will all look to make a difference on attack and in the midfield for the Lady Eagles.

Cross has strong stick skills and the ability to move goalies while Sielski has the ability to change gears well in transition play. Drobnich is a hardworking defender who adds skill and depth to the midfield unit.

Defense:

Not only will the Lady Eagles be able to fill the net, but they will also be able to shut their opponents down as their defensive unit looks solid.

This year’s defensive unit will always be looking to make that big play as they have athletes in every spot.

Watts will certainly play a huge role on defensive side of the ball contributing from her midfield spot as will McConnell.

Anchoring the defensive unit will be senior Christina Fried (Montville, N.J./Montville), who adds leadership and experience to the back. Fried is smart player and versatile defender.

Sophomore Krystalle Neighbor (Dunellen, N.J./Rutgers Preparatory) started last season as a rookie and will again be looked about to help lead the Haven’s defense. She is tremendous at anticipating plays and plays in-your-face defense causing opponents to turn the ball over, which will be key.

Looking to make an immediate impact will be freshman Kathleen Zichelli (South Orange, N.J./Columbia), who will see time at low-d and the midfield. She will be huge key on ground balls and adds quickness to the defensive side of the ball.

Also looking to make her mark is junior Lynnette Reitz (Williamsport, Pa./Montoursville), who is making the transition from the soccer field to the lacrosse field. The 2007 All-PSAC soccer player is in her first year of lax, but is transitioning well, according to Selvage.

Reitz has great defensive instincts according to Selvage.

Rookie Ashley Redding (Ocean City, Md./Stephen Decatur) will also look to contribute on defense. Her movement is key and she is a good pressure defender, according to Selvage.

Goalie:

Returning to lock down the spot between the pipes is sophomore Kira Nuttall (Towson, Md./Loch Raven), who saw significant time last year as rookie and quickly made her mark in net.

Nuttall is an explosive goalie, who plays with a lot of confidence and has the ability to make that game changing save. She has great instincts and often acts as an extra defender for LHU as she is always aware of her opponents.

According to Selvage she has really become a leader on the back line for the Haven and communicates well with the defense, which will certainly pay off.

“She’s stellar and ready to be our big game goalie,” said Selvage.

Freshman Allison Garcia (Buckingham, Pa./Central Bucks East) is a solid goalie that will be ready to contribute if called upon.

Others have certainly taken notice of the Haven as it enters the fresh season with a No. 5 national ranking.

They were picked to finish second in the PSAC behind only West Chester.

On paper the Lady Eagles look like a blueprint for success.

They begin at quest for championships success on Thursday, March 13 at 4 p.m. on the road at Pfeiffer University.

Just two days later they take on No. 3 Limestone College. The Lady Eagles begin conference play on Wednesday, March 19 on the road at Indiana (Pa.) University and play their first home contest Saturday, March 22 at 1 p.m. On March 22 the Lady Eagles take on their arc-rival in the form of West Chester, the nation’s second ranked team.