Lehigh University
Cornell
Defense shines, Lehigh falls just short vs. Cornell
9/20/2009 2:00:00 PM | Field Hockey
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Behind a spirited defensive effort, Lehigh hung tough all day long with an undefeated Cornell squad, but a second half goal from Catie De Stio proved to be the difference as the Big Red edged the Mountain Hawks 1-0 Sunday at Ulrich Field. Junior Lilia Stefaniwsky made a career-high 11 saves and backs Taryn Hartzell and Lauren Cawley totaled three defensive saves for the Mountain Hawks who fall to 2-4 on the season, while Cornell improves to 6-0.
“Our team defense was really strong,” said Lehigh head coach Julie Mazer. “We were very organized on the defensive end. Lilia (Stefaniwsky) had another great game in goal. Our backs were very solid. Cornell is a very potent offensive team and we did well to not allow many fast breaks.”
Lehigh started the game strong on both ends of the field, with solid play in the back and a strong offensive effort from freshman Kim Eng, who had four first half shots, all of which were turned aside by Big Red goalkeeper Melanie Jue. Cornell picked up its pressure as the half progressed but the Lehigh defense held its ground as the teams went into halftime tied at zero. Cornell out-shot Lehigh 12-4 through the first 35 minutes and held a 3-1 edge in penalty corners.
In the second half, Cornell kept up its offensive pressure, earning five corners in the period. De Stio gave the big red the lead with her sixth goal of the season as she deflected Mattie Prodanovic’s shot past Stefaniwsky at the 43:57 mark.
Lehigh mustered three shots in the second half, but Eng missed the cage wide on a drive off the Mountain Hawks’ lone corner of the half, while seniors Lindsey Smith and Morgan Christopher saw their shots turned aside by Jue, who made six saves to post the shutout.
The Mountain Hawks will return to action on Saturday when they welcome the La Salle Explorers to Ulrich Field. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
Lehigh - Cornell Post-Game Extra
