LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The No. 5 Lock Haven University lacrosse team (7-2, 3-1 PSAC West) was edged by No. 6 Mercyhurst College (6-0, 4-0 PSAC West) 13-12 in a thrilling Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division matchup tonight on Charlotte E. Smith field.

The battle between two of the nation’s premier Division II women’s lacrosse programs certainly didn’t disappoint, as the game was not decided until the final minutes.

The Lady Eagles fought back from three-goal halftime deficit, to tie the contest at 10-10 with 21:22 to play in the second half.

Mercyhurst began their scoring run early in the game after scoring first, less than one minute into the contest.

The Lakers quickly added to their early lead and led 3-0 before Lock Haven finally found the board.

With just over 20 minutes to play in the opening half, it was 6-1 MC, but the Lady Eagles rallied, trailing by only three at the half with MC up 10-7.

Less than five minutes into the second half Leigh Titus (Towaco, N.J./Montville), cut the MC lead to 10-8. Titus’s goal started a three-goal run for Lock Haven.

Following a goal by Clare Gaeng (Fredrick, Md./Governor Thomas Johnson), Titus struck again to knot the game at 10-10.

The Lakers would fire right back and regain the lead, before Jamie Uzalkio (Lima, N.Y./Honeoye Falls-Lima) responded for The Haven.

With 11:07 left in regulation the Lady Eagles took the lead for the first time on a goal from Amber Hoch (Souderton, Pa./Souderton).

The Lakers tied the game with just over five minutes to play and with 1:17 left, Kristen Toomey netted the game-winner for Mercyhurst.

Lock Haven freshman Kayleigh Johnson (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport) scored a team-high four goals and also added one assist.

Titus finished with three goals, while Hoch added a pair.

Heather Sacko (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport) got the start in net, but gave way to Kira Nutall (Towson, Md./Loch Raven).

Nuttall was solid for LHU and made seven saves.

Kathleen Zichelli (South Orange, N.J./Columbia) led a tremendous defensive effort for LHU. She led the way with seven ground balls and six caused turnovers.

The Lady Eagles return to action on Saturday, March 28 when they host East Stroudsburg at 1 p.m.