Lehigh University
Delaware State
Mountain Hawks win in record fashion
10/22/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Bethlehem, PA - The largest victory in school history could have been even more Wednesday night for the Mountain Hawks, as they scored early and often to rout the visiting Delaware State Hornets 9-0 at the Ulrich Sports Complex. All nine goals came in a first half that saw Lehigh pulling players off the field in an effort to minimize the lopsidedness of the final scoring margin.
Freshman Gina Lewandowski led the scoring for Lehigh (8-7, 1-3), netting her first career hat trick in just 11 minutes of action. She now has 10 goals on the season to lead the team. Sophomore Beth Mackeverican scored a pair, and senior Anne Johnson chipped in with three assists. With their eighth win, the Mountain Hawks have already tied the most victories in a season in school history, with still four games to play.
Delaware State (0-9, 0-4) came into the game short one player, and played with only ten players to start. By the end of the game, both teams were down to six field players and a keeper.
Coach Manny Oudin was pleased to be able to give playing time to some players who haven’t seen the field as much this season. “I thought we did a good job early on, and it allowed us to do some things,” said Oudin. “We were able to rest some players who were a little banged up, and I thought it was valuable playing time for some of the backups.” Two of those players, senior Lauren Rybas and freshman Diana Moffa, each contributed a goal and an assist in their first action of the season. The fact that the game was decided so early allowed for some interesting matchups, as goalkeeper Ruth Solomon came on to play midfield in the second half as freshman defender Molly Luft played in goal. The Mountain Hawks spent the entire second half playing keepaway, determined not to run up the score any further.
The win snaps a four game losing streak for Lehigh, and gives the team some momentum heading into a crucial Patriot League contest with Navy on Friday night at Ulrich. That game will be broadcast live on Lehigh’s website at www.lehighsports.com. Game time is set for 7:00.
