Lehigh University
Navy
Lehigh sinks the Midshipmen 3-1
9/25/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Mountain Hawks volleyball team did not disappoint a large home crowd as they defeated the Navy Midshipmen 3-1 in their Patriot League opener on Friday evening. Lehigh got off to a slow start in the first set losing 25-21, but was able to settle in quickly and take the final three sets. The Mountain Hawks defeated the Midshipmen 25-22, 25-23 and 25-15 to bring their record to 8-7. With the win Lehigh ties its win total from last season and it is the first victory over Navy since the 2003 season.
“The team didn’t know coming into the match that we haven’t beaten Navy since 2003,” head coach Jenny Maurer said. "We weren’t around back then and what’s important is that we concentrate on the goals we set for this season.”
Navy took advantage of Lehigh’s jitters and was able to start off fast winning a tough first set 25-21. Lehigh was able to stay calm and take back control of the match.
“We’ve started off slow before, but we just kept our composure and battled back,” Maurer said. “We were in a position to finish and we executed tonight.”
The second and third sets went back and forth, but the Mountain Hawks were able to come together in the end and finish off the sets.
In the final set of the match Lehigh had all the momentum thanks to great team chemistry and a loud home crowd. With the score tied 10-10 Lehigh was able to go on a 15-3 run to finish the match.
“There was a lot of energy in the gym tonight,” Maurer said. “The girls really feed off the energy and thrive when it’s loud.”
Angelika Kopacz continued her strong play this season with another double-double. She finished the match with 18 kills and 18 digs. Sophomore Jessica Kurdika showed her versatility tonight, playing as the main setter and she finished the match with 32 assists.
Freshman Margy Acton saw her first action of the season after returning from injury. Acton was solid defensively finishing with nine digs. Emily Flanagan played a significant role as well, stepping in to sure up the front line for Lehigh.
“Margy was finally healthy and played great tonight,” Maurer said. “Emily has been working really hard at practice and we felt confident she could come in and do the job. She really put up a wall for us tonight."
The Mountain Hawks have a tall task in front of them on Saturday when the take on American who has historically dominated Patriot League play.
“They are very big, but that doesn’t mean they’re the fastest team,” Maurer said. “Our goal is to be faster and find the holes in their defense. Every team is beatable and it would be great to beat them on our home court.”
Lehigh and American will hit the court at 4 p.m. tomorrow in Leeman-Turner Arena.
Lehigh - Navy Post-Match Extra
