Lock Haven, Pa. - Georgian Court University looks as if it will be making its presence known in 2018 as the Lions refused to be pushed around in an eventual season-opening setback Tuesday afternoon at Lock Haven University.

The Bald Eagles, ranked #23 nationally in the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Preseason Poll, were able to stave off GCU for the hard-fought 16-10 non-conference triumph, improving to 1-0 to start the year.

LHU escaped the first half with a slim 10-8 advantage with neither squad taking a lead higher than two goals at any point during the initial 30-minute session. The Bald Eagles soared to a 13-8 surplus to start the second session, and outscored GCU by a 6-2 margin in the half, to secure the home win.

Alex O'Herrick (Sr.-Barto, Pa.) paced the Lock Haven offense with a team-best four goals. Katie Costanza (Sr.-Denver, Pa.) followed with the opening day hat trick. Xena Valenzuela kicked off her senior season in stellar fashion by leading the Lions with four goals in the contest. Lauren Onnembo and Arianna Quinlan followed with two goals apiece.  

Lock Haven out-shot the Lions 38-21 overall with a 29-15 surplus regarding shots-on-goal.

Lauren Marte (Jr.-Stevens, Pa.) earned the win between the pipes for the Bald Eagles with five saves in the complete-game effort. Amber Neumann did her part in keeping the Lions close as the junior goalkeeper registered 13 saves in a full 90 minutes in net.

GCU (0-1) faces another formidable opponent this Saturday as the Lions travel to #16 West Chester University Saturday at 1:00 p.m.