Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks anxious to get things started
1/17/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Lacrosse
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Having been away from campus on semester break for a month, the Mountain Hawks have their work cut out for them. Junior Sarah Fudin, a 2007 All-Patriot League selection discusses what the team will be focused on during the first few weeks of practice. “The first few weeks will be important for our team to get back in the swing of things and really focus on our conditioning and team practice. We all need to get back on the field together, play together, and get into the best shape possible come game time.”
Fudin then commented on what the Brown and White needs to do in order to get ready for the opener versus Mount St. Mary’s on February 16. “Of course we face time constraints and weather constraints with our first game fast approaching, but I think because we know there is a game coming, we are more focused in the time that we have. A month of straight practice and no games can be put to very good use and I think that is what the coaches intend to do.”
Ota echoes what Fudin said. “We have a short period of time to be fully prepared for our first game against Mount St. Mary's, but we have a nice foundation from the fall to build on, and we’re anxious to see who is able to accept the challenges and take the next step in their performance.”
Senior captain Christy Smith and junior Sara MacIntyre, All-League selections each of the past two seasons, spoke about what they are focusing on in the early going of practice. “Since passing is such an important component of lacrosse, one of the biggest challenges for this upcoming month is to develop/perfect a transition game that thrives from pinpoint passing,” Smith explained. She continued, “We are looking to use these first few weeks of practice to sharpen our stick skills, improve our passing, and build up our stamina as this should prepare us for our season.”
MacIntyre added her thoughts. “As a spring sport, it is hard to go from being completely in shape at the end of fall season to a month long winter break where our conditioning is all up to us. That said, this off season we were more focused on conditioning than in previous years, and our success last season has brought more intensity and expectations for our upcoming season.”
The Mountain Hawks return nearly their entire team from a year ago, including all four 2007 All-League selections (Fudin, Christy Smith, Inneke Carmola, MacIntyre), both goal keepers (Kelsy Ferris, Kaitlin Dean), and the majority of a strong defensive unit. In addition, Ota has brought in one of Lehigh’s most talented recruiting classes in recent memory which is filled with student-athletes who garnered countless accolades throughout their scholastic careers, including All-America honors, All-League selections, Player of the Year Awards and academic laurels.
Lehigh will hold one scrimmage prior to opening the season and the Mountain Hawks will get things underway on Saturday, February 16 when they welcome Mount St. Mary’s to
