Mountain Hawks welcome Villanova on Wednesday
10/6/2009 3:15:00 PM | Field Hockey
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Fresh off victories in its last two outings, including a convincing 4-1 win over Colgate in its Patriot League opener on Saturday, the Lehigh field hockey team returns to the turf Wednesday night for a challenging non-league matchup against Villanova. The Mountain Hawks (4-5) picked up victories against Siena and Colgate last week and have a chance to even their season record Wednesday night, but they will be tested by a Villanova team that is receiving votes in the latest NFHCA Coaches Poll.
After suffering back-to-back 1-0 losses to Cornell and La Salle, the Lehigh offense awakened in its two contests last week, totaling seven goals, including the season-high four goals against Colgate. Freshman Kim Eng scored four points in each of the Mountain Hawks’ two games last week and was named the Patriot League’s Rookie of the Week on Monday for the third time this season. Eng owns or shares the Patriot League lead in every major offensive category, including shots, points, goals assists and game-winning goals.
Last week, Eng received plenty of help from her veteran teammates. Senior Morgan Christopher netted a goal and an assist in the win over Colgate, while classmate Lindsey Smith scored her second goal of the season against the Raiders. Junior Taryn Hartzell netted the game-winning goal with her penalty stroke on Saturday, but her impact was also felt in the backfield where she led a solid defensive effort that included classmates Lauren Cawley, Claire Horn and Cassie Willard in front of junior goalkeeper Lilia Stefaniwsky, who has started the last five games and played well, allowing just six goals in those five contests.
Villanova enters Wednesday’s game at 6-3 overall. The Wildcats saw their four-game win streak come to an end on Saturday with a 4-2 road loss to Big East conference rival Providence. The Wildcats feature a potent offensive attack that has averaged over three goals per game. Meredith Sabatini paces Villanova with nine goals and 21 points, while Lauren Wuzzardo and Dana Ramsden have added seven and six goals respectively.
In the goal cage, Megan Goelz has started six of the Wildcats nine games, and owns a 1.58 goals-against average. Villanova received seven points in the latest Coaches Poll and will be the third team that Lehigh has faced this year that is currently receiving votes, joining Rider and Cornell. The Mountain Hawks still have dates with league foes Bucknell, Lafayette and American, all three of which are also receiving votes.
The Wildcats lead the all-time series versus Lehigh by a 13-10 margin and Villanova has won the last 12 meetings overall, including a 4-1 win last year on the Main Line.
Wednesday’s action gets underway at 7 p.m. from Ulrich Field. Video of the contest will be available online at Lehighsports.com.
