Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh set to open 2004 season
8/10/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
“The return of a large number of players who know what the expectations are and who know that hard work pays off is a great strength for us this year,” says third year head coach Manny Oudin, the 2003 Patriot League Coach of the Year. “These players have taken a greater sense of ownership for this team, and that has been a key part of our success.”
One such player is senior goalkeeper Erin Iwaskiewicz. The two-time captain has been a steady presence in net as a three-year starter. The Patriot League’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2003, Iwaskiewicz already holds Lehigh’s all-time record for best goals against average. Last season, she posted a school record six shutouts en route to a Lehigh best nine victories in net. Ready to step in if needed in goal are two very capable backups in Sarah Mikenis and Brittany Besler.
The Lehigh defense should again be a strongpoint in 2004. In addition to Iwaskiewicz, the entire backfield from a season ago returns. Last season, the stingy “D” allowed just 1.93 goals per contest, while recording an all-time best seven shutouts. A plethora of talented players should once again help keep the ball out of the back of the net in 2004, including seniors Several key players return to the midfield that is one of the best in the Patriot League. Senior Jocelyn Helwig has started every game in which she has played over the last two seasons, and more big things are expected from her in 2004. Entering her final campaign on Sophomore Karilyn Anderson is another young, but experienced midfielder in the Lehigh lineup. Although scoring goals had been a challenge for several Mountain Hawks teams in years past, such was not the case for the 2003 team. With four returning letterwinners at this position, the Mountain Hawks offense should be potent once again this season. Lehigh blasted a school record 39 goals in 2003, thanks in large part to Gina Lewandowski. The Patriot League’s Freshman of the Year, Lewandowski scored 12 times and amassed 26 points on the season. As a sophomore this season, Lewandowski will be expected to shoulder much of the scoring load once again. She will be assisted, literally, by classmate Lauren Calabrese. Calabrese also had an immediate impact last season, tying for the team lead with eight assists while registering five goals of her own.
Look for junior Lauren May and sophomore Lauren Fornuto to also contribute at attack. May appeared in 12 games last season, while Fornuto earned 15 starts. Incoming freshmen Melissa Montalvo and Michaela Pawlewicz will look to crack the lineup as forwards in 2004.
“The biggest improvement [from 2002 to last season] was that the returning players started to believe in our system, and the new players were able to make immediate contributions,” Oudin explains. “Our overall improvement on speed and athleticism proved to be key.”
With another year of experience under their collective belt, the Mountain Hawks appear poised to be even better in 2004. However, Lehigh knows it won’t be easy, as a difficult schedule lies ahead, including several key non-league contests at the Ulrich Sports Complex.
“ Meanwhile, the Patriot League race should prove to be as challenging as ever, with talented and loaded teams at the top of the heap. The four teams that comprised the league’s postseason tournament a year ago are all quite talented once again. “Navy, American, Army, and Colgate once again look like the favorites to be in the tournament,” Oudin said. “I would like to think that we are ready to compete for a playoff spot. With that being said, I still think that any team in the Patriot League can beat anyone!” Lehigh opens its season at home on Friday, August 27, when the Mountain Hawks host the Bobcats of Quinnipiac.
