Lock Haven ushered in a new era in Division II field hockey with a 2-0 win over Bentley for the national championship crown November 5 at Lock Haven.

Four-time defending champion Bloomsburg did not qualify for the championship and Lock Haven seized the opportunity to regain the crown it had relinquished in 1996. The title is the fifth for the Lady Eagles.

In the first half, Lock Haven battled Bentley for control of the ball as both teams gave strong defensive efforts. The scoreless half was broken at the 11:24 mark when Shanna Vitale, on an assist from Liz Marionni, scored on the Lady Eagles' second penalty corner attempt.

"Our corners are always huge for us," said Lock Haven coach Pat Rudy. "Vitale is extremely dangerous on those, and it's a major part of our game."

Despite continued tough defense by Bentley, the second half saw Lock Haven seal the victory with a goal at the 54:48 mark by Amy Hale, who redirected a shot by Vitale.

Bentley earned a penalty corner with 12:30 remaining, but couldn't find the box.

"They were just attacking us very strongly all game," Bentley coach Kelly McGowan said.

It is the second consecutive runner-up finish for the Falcons. "I'm proud of the team for getting here again," McGowan said.

The two newcomers to the tournament were St. Michael's and Indiana (Pennsylvania). Lock Haven defeated Indiana, 2-1, and Bentley handed St. Michael's a 1-0 loss in the tournament's semifinal matches.

Named to the all-tournament team were Sarah Alves and Morgan Phillips of St. Michael's, Bethany Caputa and Jen Lawler of Indiana (Pennsylvania), Kristyn Bates, Allyson Bunce, and Ann Marie Sheridan of Bentley, and Lock Haven's Jen DeNault, Shannon Spease and Shanna Vitale.

Semifinals

Second half: B -- Allyson Bunce (Ann Marie Sheridan), 49:44.

Shots: Bentley 8, St. Michael's 9; Goalkeeper saves: Bentley (Liz Novis) 8, St. Michael's (Megan Scalley) 5. Penalty Corners: Bentley 4, St. Michael's 10.

Second half: LH -- Shannon Spease (Michelle Hickey), 37:05; I -- Julie Hess (Michelle Benko), 53:41; LH -- Erika Grap, (unassisted), 61:30.

Shots: Lock Haven 49, Indiana (Pa.) 4; Goalkeeper saves: Lock Haven (Tara Beach) 0, Indiana (Pa.) (Jen Lawler), 29. Penalty Corners: Lock Haven 20, Indiana (Pa.) 2.

Championship

First half: LH -- Shanna Vitale (Liz Marionni), 11:24.

Second half: LH -- Amy Hale (Shanna Vitale), 54:48.

Shots: Lock Haven 17, Bentley 3; Goalkeeper saves: Lock Haven (Tara Beach) 1, Bentley (Liz Novis), 8. Penalty Corners: Lock Haven 8, Bentley 2.