All-League teams announced; Lehigh preps for tourney
11/2/2005 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Iannarone emerged as Lehigh’s most potent player on offense this season, leading the Mountain Hawks in assists and points, and tying for the team lead in goals. Her three game-winning goals also led the Brown and White, with two of those winning scores coming versus Patriot League opponents. Iannarone ranked among the Patriot League leaders in several categories as well, including ninth in points and goals, seventh in assists and fourth in game-winning goals.
With a career high in points, and the second most goals on the team this year, Harrington had a solid senior season for the Mountain Hawks. The
Gove established herself as one of the best goalkeepers in the entire Patriot League this season, as she finished the regular season with 164 saves, 10.25 saves per game, and a save percentage of .800. She ranks second in the Patriot League in each of those categories, and led the league with two shut outs, including an 18-save gem versus Brown in mid-September. The
In just her second season as a Mountain Hawk, Smith made quite a name for herself, utilizing blazing speed to notch three goals, and eight points. The Downingtown,
Lehigh and its four All-League selections will travel to
Senior Chelsea Erdmanis discusses being part of back-to-back postseason qualifying teams. “It is a huge honor to be a part of a team making school history. Every athlete wants to leave a legacy behind, and for the seniors, this is part of ours. It feels great to know that the Lehigh Field Hockey program is making such great strides, and I know that it will go even further in the future.”
Mazer knows that Saturday presents her team with a tall task, but she is looking forward to taking on the challenge. “Obviously, American has a very good team. They are well-coached and have tremendous players at many positions.” Mazer continues, “But we have nothing to lose going into this game, and that’s how we’re looking at it. This presents us with a tremendous opportunity and we’re going to make the most of it.”
The Mountain Hawks, who enter the tournament as the number-four seed, have played American once already this season, dropping a 9-1 decision in mid-October. That game was also played in
Mazer continues, “I feel as though we’ve done a much better job in the games since our last meeting (with American) with our ball control, and on limiting shots and defensive corners. Those are areas that we’ve focused on in practice and it’s really carried over into the games.”
Besides Gove’s injury, the Mountain Hawks have had to deal with the loss of senior Mary Beth Kuenne, who injured her knee versus Rider and is done for the year. “We’ve been up and down throughout the season, battling adversity and injury. We’re trying to use all of that to our advantage this weekend.” Mazer concludes, “We stepped up the schedule this year as well, playing tougher opponents, and I know it’s made us stronger. Now we just have to put it all together this weekend.”
“We have a big challenge facing us on Saturday,” explains Erdmanis. “American is a very strong team but if we play our game, there is no reason we shouldn't be able to compete with them. We will need to play really disciplined defense against a team with such a strong offense, but I have no doubt that we are up to the challenge.”
Saturday’s game is scheduled to get underway at 11:00 AM in D.C. American will be broadcasting the game live on its website. Fans can listen, by clicking on the link above. The other semifinal will pit the second seeded Bucknell Bison against the Holy Cross Crusaders, who enter the tournament as the third seed. The two semifinal winners will then matchup on Sunday in the Patriot League Championship, scheduled for a noon start.
