Lehigh University
American
Volleyball too tough for American
9/26/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Mountain Hawks earned their biggest victory during head coach Jenny Maurer’s tenure Saturday afternoon when they defeated American 3-1 in front of a loud home crowd at Leeman-Turner Arena. Lehigh improves to 9-7 on the season and 2-0 in the Patriot League. The last time the Mountain Hawks started off league play 2-0 was in 2002.
“It feels incredible, words can’t describe how it feels,” senior Mo McReynolds said about the win. “To go 2-0 in our opening weekend shows other teams what we are made of. American played great, but we wanted it more."
American, who has won the last eight Patriot League Championships, falls to Lehigh for the first time since 1996. The Mountain Hawks used a complete team effort and executed their game plan to shock the Eagles.
“That was so much fun and I am so proud of the girls,” Maurer said. “American has dominated the Patriot League and it just goes to show that on any given day you can lose. We came out executed and got the win.
Lehigh came out firing in the first two sets and defeated American 25-20 and 25-22, respectively. The Eagles made some adjustments and answered back taking the third set 25-18.
“American is not a team that is going to rollover and they came out strong in the third set,” Maurer said.
The Mountain Hawks responded right back as they battled through a tough fourth set to seal the victory 25-22.
Lehigh has been able to turn around its season after a 1-5 start and really come together as a team over the last few weeks. The Mountain Hawks have received contributions from every player on the court and the team chemistry is undeniable.
“We’re a different team than we were a few weeks ago,” Maurer said. “We have answers from every spot on the court. Our blocking was great today and I think that is what shocked them most of all.”
“We have a really cohesive team on and off the court,” McReynolds added. “It has helped us play well together and we are starting to take it to the next level.”
Sophomore Angelika Kopacz had 10 kills and 12 digs for the double-double. Classmate Jessica Kurdika had another strong match contributing in several aspects. She finished with 21 assists, seven digs and three kills.
The win today was huge for the Mountain Hawks, but they know it is still a long season ahead.
“This win was definitely a confidence boost,” Maurer said. “We can’t take any one team for granted in the league. We have to take things one step at a time and keep playing hard all season.”
Lehigh will have almost a week off before its next match on Friday October 2, against Army at 7 p.m. This will mark the third game of a season-high six game home stand.
Lehigh - American Post-Match Extra
