Lehigh University Athletics
League tournament berth within reach
9/14/2003 12:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Bethlehem, PA – Lehigh returns to the Ulrich Sports Complex on Wednesday to host Siena in a non-league match, the final home contest of the 2001 season. The Mountain Hawks are 4-10 on the season, but a 3-3 Patriot League record has put Lehigh in a position to qualify for the Patriot League Tournament, a feat this senior class has yet to accomplish, and is desperate to make happen.
"That’s been our goal from the beginning," said Michelle Wildgen, one of six seniors on the team. "And now, that goal is within reach."
The scenario is this: a Lehigh win at Holy Cross on Saturday, or a Fairfield loss at Lafayette on Saturday will qualify the Mountain Hawks for postseason play. Both American (5-1 Patriot League) and Holy Cross (5-1) have already clinched a spot in the tournament, and the Crusaders can grab home-field advantage with a win over Lehigh. Fairfield is also 3-3 in the League, but in the event of a tie, the Mountain Hawks have the edge, thanks to a 3-1 Lehigh victory earlier this month. Lafayette (4-1) can clinch a spot in the tournament with a win as well. The top four teams qualify for the Patriot League Tournament, which will take place beginning Saturday, November 3, at the highest seed’s home turf.
Before the duel with the Crusaders on Saturday, the Mountain Hawks must contend with the Saints of Siena College. The Saints enter Wednesday’s contest with a 4-12 overall record (4-8 in the Northeast Conference). The Siena match will be broadcast live on the Lehigh web site at www.lehigh.edu. Game time is set for 4:00.
For more information, contact Jeff Tourial, Lehigh Sports Media Relations.
