WEST CALDWELL, N.J.- Caldwell University women's lacrosse junior Arden Kassaleh (Pompton Plains, N.J.) tallied four points as the Cougars fell to Lock Haven University 24-9 in their home opener.
 
The Cougars fall to 1-2, while the Eagles improve to 2-3.
 
The Eagles took the early lead with four goals to start the game. Kassaleh netted a pair of goals to close the gap to 4-2 at the 21:09 mark.
 
Lock Haven pushed ahead 7-2 but Caldwell answered with a pair of goals. Freshman Jenna Steelman (Mays Landing, N.J.) and senior Jessica Collum (Wayne, N.J.) each netted a goal to help the Cougars cut the score to 7-4.
 
The Eagles extended their lead to 11-4 late in the first half. Collum and Steelman each netted late goals to help Caldwell cut the score to 17-6 at halftime.
 
In the second half, Steelman netted a pair of goals, while Kassaleh added one for the Cougars.
 
Kassaleh totaled three goals, one assist, nine draw controls, two ground balls and two caused turnovers. Steelman tallied four goals and three ground balls. Collum posted two goals and seven draw controls.
 
Freshman Mia Monacelli (Egg Harbor Township, N.J.) recorded eight saves in the first half of play. Senior Nancy Benedetto (Jupiter, Fla.) came on for the second half, recording six saves.  
 
Caldwell opens Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference play on Saturday, March 16 as they host Georgian Court University at noon at Essex Valley School in West Caldwell.