Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh ready for showdown with Lafayette
10/29/2009 4:45:00 PM | Volleyball
 |
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After falling to the Leopards on their home court earlier in the season the Mountain Hawks will look to even the season series Friday night at 7 p.m. in Easton. Lehigh will bring in an 11-13 overall record after going 1-1 this past weekend. The Mountain Hawks (4-5 in the Patriot League) sit tied in fourth place in the league standings heading into the weekend.
“The memory of losing to them earlier in the season just gets me more amped up to come out and play,” senior Mo McReynolds said.
Lehigh heads into Friday’s match after defeating Navy in five sets on Saturday to sweep the season series 2-0 over the Midshipmen. Sophomore Chelsea Sheridan had a career day against Navy as she totaled 17 kills and had a .378 hitting percentage. On Friday night the Brown and White fell to American in straight sets as the Eagles closed out the season series at 1-1.
Sophomore Angelika Kopacz continues to lead the Patriot League in service aces (32) and her average per set is also tops at .44. Classmate Emma Melendez is tops in the league in total digs with 258.
Lafayette (12-10) comes into the weekend after going 1-1 in its last two matches. The Leopards swept Navy last Friday night, but came up short on Saturday against American 3-0. Senior Cara Mulholland leads the Lafayette attack with 233 kills this season. Defensively the Leopards are led by senior Kari Horn who has 305 digs.
The Leopards hold a 3-6 league record and sit one spot behind the Mountain Hawks in the Patriot League standings. Lehigh knows that every match against Lafayette is a battle, but this one could end up being very significant in determining who makes the post season.
“Lafayette always plays its best match against us,” McReynolds said. “They always hit a little harder and play scrappier defense against us. As long as we play our game and do our own jobs, we will be fine.
Check back to Lehighsports.com for all the latest news surrounding the match.
