Lehigh University Athletics
League coaches pick Lehigh third in poll
9/14/2003 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Bethlehem, PA – Despite capturing a share of the 2002 Patriot League baseball title, the Mountain Hawks have been picked to finish in a tie for third in the upcoming season, according to a poll of the league’s coaches and sports information directors. The coaches and SIDs have predicted that Navy will finish in the top spot for the fourth straight season.
Lehigh returns several key components from last year’s team that won a school record 29 games and collected an all-time best 461 hits. The Mountain Hawks are led by junior shortstop Eric Hoffman, who was an ABCA/Rawlings All-East selection a year ago. Third baseman Jesse Novalis tied a Lehigh record with ten home runs as well.
On the mound, the Mountain Hawks should be led by sophomore Jack Muscalus. The 2002 Patriot League Rookie of the Year posted a 7-3 record last year and was named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America team.
In the poll, Navy was followed by the Black Knights of Army, who finished strong a season ago. Army won 13 of its last 14 contests after a slow start. Lafayette finished in a third place tie with Lehigh. Last season, the Mountain Hawks captured all five meetings between the two schools. Bucknell and Holy Cross rounded out the voting.
The Mountain Hawks open the 2003 season on Saturday, February 22, when Lehigh visits Georgetown.
Team | First Place Votes | Points |
1. Navy | 9 | 49 |
2. Army | 0 | 35 |
3. Lafayette | 2 | 34 |
3. LEHIGH | 1 | 34 |
5. Bucknell | 0 | 17 |
6. Holy Cross | 0 | 11 |
For more information, contact Jeff Tourial, Lehigh Sports Media Relations.
Posted February 5, 2003.
