Lehigh University
UMBC
Lehigh wins home opener 3-1 over UMBC
9/13/2006 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
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The Mountain Hawks struck first at the 18:34 mark as freshman Lindsey Smith made a brilliant run through the Retriever defense and beat Kat Tag for her first career goal to put Lehigh up 1-0.
Five minutes before the half, UMBC tied the game off a penalty corner, as Jessica Smith found Kristi Troster, who beat Lehigh goalkeeper Stephanie Palmieri to even the game going into the break. The Retrievers out shot the Mountain Hawks 4-2 in the opening half and had three corners to just one for the Brown and White.
Lehigh picked up its level of play in the second half and took the lead for good in the 41st minute as junior Marny Hearn found sophomore Kara Zweizig, who one-timed the ball into the back of the cage for her team leading third goal of the season. The Mountain Hawks would add an insurance goal in the 57th minute as freshman Kelly Fox got her stick on a ball on the goal line and poked it home for her first career goal. Hearn was credited with her second assist of the night on the play.
“We connected with each other really well tonight,” said head coach Julie Mazer. “We knew were the passes were going to go and where the shots were going to be. We used our spacing really well.”
After being out-shot in the opening half Lehigh came back to out-shoot UMBC 8-1 after halftime and had a 10-5 advantage on the night. The Mountain Hawks also held a 6-3 advantage in penalty corners, including a 5-0 advantage after halftime.
“After halftime we were more organized on defense,” said Mazer. “We still have some work to do, but I’m pleased with the effort. We have some big challenges this week and we’ll need to be ready.”
Palmieri anchored Lehigh’s defensive effort, making three saves on the night.
The Mountain Hawks will return to the turf on Saturday, when they will play host to
