KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. – All-American Kathleen Zichelli (South Orange, N.J./Columbia) of the Lock Haven University lacrosse team was named Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Division II Defender of the Year for her amazing efforts in 2009, which helped lead the Lady Eagles all the way to the National Championship game.

Zichelli, a sophomore was First Team All-American and led the nation in ground balls and caused turnovers.

Zichelli was a huge reason behind The Haven’s success, as she was a game-changer on the defensive side of the ball in every game for LHU.

Her defensive presence and leadership on the field helped Lock Haven go 18-4 overall and advance to the 2009 D-II National Championship game after a truly amazing stretch of play to close out the season.

Zichelli had 97 ground balls and caused 51 turnovers, with both of those numbers leading the nation in their respective category. Zichelli also chipped in offensively with two goals and recorded 39 draw controls.

Lock Haven was 18-4 overall and fell in the National Championship game. The Lady Eagles were Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Champions and won the PSAC West regular season title by way of their 7-1 conference mark.