Lehigh University
Lafayette
Lehigh blanks rival Lafayette in season finale
10/31/2009 8:30:00 PM | Women's Soccer
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh wrapped up its 2009 season Saturday night by blanking rival Lafayette 1-0 Saturday night at the Ulrich Sports Complex. Senior Alex Warren converted a penalty kick in the 59th minute for her first career goal and the Lehigh defense pitched its ninth shutout of the season. With the victory Lehigh ends its season at 9-4-5 overall and 3-2-2 in the Patriot League. The Mountain Hawks have now won eight straight games over the Leopards.
“It was a good win for us,” said Lehigh head coach Manny Oudin. “It was typical of a Lehigh-Lafayette rivalry game with a lot of physical play and the conditions certainly contributed to that.”
The Mountain Hawks dominated statistically, outshooting the Leopards 20-4 on the night. The game began during a period of heavy rain and wind, and Lehigh did well to create chances early in the match but were unable to capitalize. Junior Glynn Fitzer and senior Natalie Hojnacki hit the crossbar with first-half chances and sophomore Genna Pepe shot the rebound of Hojnacki’s attempt over the crossbar.
The teams went into halftime scoreless, with Lehigh holding a 14-3 advantage in shots through 45 minutes of play.
In the second half, Lehigh drew a penalty kick when senior Liz Carlos was taken down by two Leopards on the far side of the 18-yard box. Warren stepped up and shot the penalty into the left side of the net to put the Mountain Hawks in front 1-0.
From there the Lehigh defense stepped in, limiting Lafayette to just one shot in the second half, a breakaway chance by Jill Dozier that hit the side of the net.
In addition to the 16 shot advantage, Lehigh held a 4-2 edge in corner kicks.
Junior Lauren Mains finished with a pair of saves for Lehigh, while Jill Smedley stopped six shots for the Leopards, whose season comes to an end at 3-13-2.
“I’m pleased that we got the win on senior night,” said Oudin. “It’s a good way to finish their careers for the six seniors. It’s disappointing that we won’t be in the tournament, because I’ve seen how good this team can be when we play well.”
Lehigh - Lafayette Post-Match Extra
