BETHLEHEM, Pa. – As Lehigh prepares for the second half of its season, specifically the start of Patriot League play, the Mountain Hawks continue to gain recognition for their record start. This week Lehigh moved up four spots to number nine in the Mid-Atlantic region, according to Soccer Buzz magazine. In addition, after an 8-1-1 start highlighted by a school record eight shutouts, freshman goalkeeper Julie Kafka and the Lehigh defense find themselves near the top of several NCAA statistical categories.
The Mountain Hawks appeared in the regional rankings for the first time in school history at No. 13 on September 12, and remained there after a week in which they posted a 1-1-1 record. This week, bolstered by a pair of shutout victories over Binghamton and Temple, Lehigh rose to No. 9 in the region, one spot ahead of Patriot League foe Navy. Colgate and Army are also regionally ranked by Soccer Buzz, with the Raiders voted eighth and the Black Knights 15th in the Northeast region.
As a team, Lehigh ranks in the top three nationally in save percentage, goals-against average and shutout percentage. Mountain Hawk keepers have turned aside 45 of 47 shots this season to lead the nation. With Sunday’s victory over Temple, Lehigh has now pitched shutouts in eight of ten games this season, which ranks second in the nation. In goals-against, Lehigh ranks third with a 0.195 average. Only Boston College (one) and BYU (two) have allowed as few or fewer goals this season than the Brown and White.
Individually, Kafka has been reaping the benefits of what has been exceptional team defense so far this season. Kafka ranks second in the NCAA with a .951 save percentage and fifth in the nation with a miniscule 0.22 goals-against average.
Lehigh is also currently 20th in the nation with an .850 winning percentage. The Mountain Hawks have completed non-conference play and will open up their Patriot League slate at home on Saturday night against archrival Lafayette. Game time is set for 7:00 and the game will be broadcast online at lehighsports.com with streaming audio and video provided by Yahoo! Sports.
