Lehigh University
Columbia
Lehigh upended by Columbia, 2-0 on Wednesday
10/22/2008 7:45:00 PM | Field Hockey
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – In its final home non-league game of the season Lehigh fell to Columbia 2-0 Wednesday night at the Ulrich Sports Complex. After struggling with ball possession Saturday against Lafayette, the Mountain Hawks improved their play, especially in the midfield, but the Lions capitalized on two of their three first half penalty corner opportunities to earn the win, as Columbia improves to 9-3 on the season, while Lehigh falls to 3-11.
“We played with more composure and poise,” said Lehigh head coach Julie Mazer. “It was a big improvement from Saturday night.”
Mazer was especially pleased with her midfield, where sophomore Katey Fardelmann enjoyed a strong game and senior Jennifer Cochran and freshman Madison Ingal helped the Mountain Hawks in the possession department.
“We possessed the ball better and made smart decisions,” added Mazer. “The midfield play was much better. We were very composed and strong on the defensive end. We showed more aggressiveness, and hopefully we can carry over this effort into our next game on Saturday.”
The Lions were awarded a penalty stroke in the eighth minute of play after a drive off a penalty corner caught sophomore Taryn Hartzell in the foot along the near post. Caitlin Mullins just snuck the stroke past sophomore Jessica Miller into the left side of the cage to put Columbia in front 1-0. Just over five minutes later, Columbia extended its lead after its third penalty corner as Jacqui Munro’s drive snuck through traffic in front and ended up in the back of the goal cage.
After 35 minutes, Columbia held an 11-4 advantage in shots and a 3-0 edge in corners.
Lehigh was able to create some chances in the latter part of the second half, and the Mountain Hawks won three corners of their own, but a lifted shot from Hartzell sailed over the crossbar, and a drive from senior Kalynn Davies was turned aside by goalkeeper Erin Conway, who finished with four saves to earn the shutout.
Miller made eight saves in 35 minutes of play before giving way to sophomore Lilia Stefaniwsky, who stopped nine shots.
Columbia finished with a 23-9 advantage in shots and a 7-3 edge in penalty corners on the evening.
The Mountain Hawks will return to the turf on Saturday when they host Patriot League foe Holy Cross. Game time is set for 1 p.m. and the game can be seen on Lehighsports.com with streaming powered by Yahoo! Sports College Broadcast.
