SALEM, Va. – The No. 3 Lock Haven University lacrosse team (18-4) fell 16-4 to top-ranked and undefeated Adelphi University (18-0) in today’s NCAA Division II National Championship game.

Four different players scored for Lock Haven and Haven goalie Kira Nuttall (Towson, Md./Loch Raven) was nothing short of spectacular, but it wasn’t enough as LHU fell to No. 1 AU.

Lock Haven head coach Kristen Selvage was pleased with her team’s effort, but knows it will leave a sour taste in her young team’s mouth.

“This was an important step for us,” Selvage said. “We won a lot of great games to get here,” she added, while also noting that her team could have done a better job early in today’s game.

Kayleigh Johnson (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport), Allison Berger (Oreland, Pa./Springfield – Delco),

Amber Hoch (Souderton, Pa./Souderton) and Kate Smyth (Levittown, Pa./Pennsbury) all scored goals for Lock Haven.

Johnson led LHU with two points, as she also added one assist in the loss.

Amber Hoch (Souderton, Pa./Souderton), Lock Haven’s lone senior made her final game in crimson and white a memorable one. Her goal with 19:10 left in the game ran her career total to 211, which puts her atop The Haven’s all-time career goal list.

Hoch surpassed the mark set by former All-American Jessica Blickenstaff (2006-08).

Nuttall, who made her third straight start between the pipes was sensational for Lock Haven and kept The Haven in the game. Her 20 saves set a new record for most saves in NCAA D-II tournament game.

Over the last three games in the NCAA tournament, Nuttall has made 43 saves, which is also an all-time D-II NCAA tournament record.

“I’m really proud of Kira (Nuttall),” Selvage said. “She kept us in the game today.”

Adelphi led 9-2 at halftime after Lock Haven looked to take the upper hand early in the first half.

The game started a bit slow for both teams, but 5:12 in, Johnson was awarded a free-position shot.

She wasted little time in putting LHU up 1-0, as she beat AU goalie Caitlin Fitzpatrick over her left shoulder on a bounce shot.

The Panthers were quick to respond and just 10 seconds later the game was knotted at 1-1.

Marissa Mills took control of the ball of the ensuing draw control and darted in toward the goal, where she beat Nuttall.

Berger put The Haven back on top 2-1 when she scored a goal off an odd-man rush.

Lock Haven freshman Clare Gaeng (Frederick, Md./Gov. Thomas Jefferson) collected a ball in the midfield and quickly moved forward, giving LHU the advantage on the odd-man rush.

As LHU moved in on the two-on-one, Gaeng dished the ball to streaking Berger, who used a body fake to the left to move Fitzpatrick, allowing Berger to tuck in past her on the near post.

The Panthers answered with eight straight goals to take the 9-2 halftime advantage and they picked up right where they left off in the second with a goal just over five minutes in giving them the commanding 10-2 lead.

Hoch’s goal 10:50 into the second made it 10-3 and Smyth added a goal with less than five minutes to play.

Following the game Hoch discussed how much it’s meant to her help the team make this run.

“Knowing that I helped get the team here and to this level is special,” Hoch said.

Johnson added that she’s been a great team leader.

Erica Devito led all scorers with a game-high four goals.

Kathleen Zichelli (South Orange, N.J./Columbia) led Lock Haven on the defensive side of the ball. She scooped three ground balls and caused a trio of turnovers.

Lock Haven advanced to today’s National Championship tilt, by way of a thrilling 13-12 win over No. 4 Limestone yesterday.

Titus scored the eventual game-winner with just 55 seconds left on the clock to send the Saints home. The win avenged an earlier season loss for LHU, who fell to Limestone back on March 6, 11-10.

- Championship Game Notes:

Hoch, Titus and Johnson all earned a spot on the All-Tournament team.

Adelphi took down No. 2 C.W. Post 15-10 yesterday to earn its way into the title game.

Lock Haven caps off the season with 18-4 overall record. LHU went 7-1 in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division play, claiming the regular season title.

The Lady Eagles also claimed their fourth PSAC Championship, downing rival West Chester (2008 National Champions) 13-10 in the conference championship game (4/25).

LHU began the 2009 season ranked No. 5 in the nation (tied with Stonehill), while Adelphi was ranked 3 in the Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) D-II Preseason Poll.