LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University women's lacrosse team dropped its second straight conference game with a 13-7 loss at No. 23 Lock Haven University Tuesday afternoon in Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference action.
 
The Rock drops to 4-2 overall and 0-2 in league games with their second straight loss to a nationally ranked opponent after also falling 12-6 to No. 13 West Chester last Saturday. Lock Haven improves to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in PSAC games as Tuesday's game was the Bald Eagles' conference opener.
 
Slippery Rock struggled significantly for the second straight game in the draw circle as Lock Haven won eight of the first nine draws and finished with a 16-6 advantage in draw controls, which led to an advantage in possession time. The Rock were outdrawn 17-3 by West Chester last Saturday and have now been outdrawn 33-9 in two PSAC games.
 
SRU had chances throughout the game despite the lopsided numbers in the draw circle as Lock Haven turned the ball over 26 times, but The Rock turned the ball over 23 times, failed on nine-of-26 clear attempts, fired 12 shots off target and converted on just 3-of-13 free position shots.
 
Lock Haven finished the game with advantages of 32-27 in total shots, 21-15 in shots on goal and 16-6 in draw controls. The Rock posted advantages of 25-21 in ground balls, 11-8 in caused turnovers and 13-5 in free position attempts. LHU was 17-of-22 on the clear, while SRU was 17-of-26.
 
Emily Bitka, who entered the game with the best save percentage in the nation, made nine saves in goal for Slippery Rock, but allowed a season-high 13 goals. Most of the LHU goals came from wide open cutters in front of the net where she had little to no chance to react and make a save. Lock Haven was credited with assists on 10 of its 13 goals and scored just one free position attempt in the game.
 
The Rock attack was paced by Bre Vodde with two goals and Jasey Sanders and ShyAnne Toomer with one goal and one assist each. Ally Culhane, Tori Penders and Francesca Lindelow each scored one goal to cap the scorers for SRU.
 
Danie Porath led the SRU defense with three caused turnovers and two ground balls.
 
Lock Haven was led by Hayley Kilian with nine points on one goal and eight assists. Kate Hooper scored four goals and Katie Costanza added a hat trick.
 
Lauren Marte earned the win in goal after recording eight saves on 15 shots on goal.
 
Slippery Rock will look to bounce back and find its first PSAC win of the season when it travels to Kutztown University this Saturday for 1 p.m. start.
 

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