Lehigh looks to bounce back vs. Siena Tuesday
9/28/2009 3:15:00 PM | Field Hockey
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh returns to its home turf at Ulrich Field looking for its third win of the season Tuesday night as the Mountain Hawks square-off against the Siena Saints in Lehigh’s final tune-up before Patriot League play begins on Saturday. The Mountain Hawks suffered their second straight 1-0 defeat on Saturday, losing to La Salle at home. Tuesday’s game is number three in Lehigh’s current seven-game home stand, and the Mountain Hawks (2-5) will be looking to get back on the winning track before they open the league season against Colgate on Saturday.
The Mountain Hawks’ defense has done their part over last two games, allowing only two goals in losses to Cornell and La Salle. In addition to solid play from junior goalkeeper Lilia Stefaniwsky, In addition, Lehigh’s backfield has played well, with juniors Lauren Cawley, Taryn Hartzell and Claire Horn having totaled nine defensive saves in seven games this season.
The offense has not produced a goal in two games, so the Mountain Hawks will have to do a better job creating opportunities and getting shots on goal. The Brown and White will look to two-time Patriot League Rookie of the Week Kim Eng and seniors Morgan Christopher, and Lindsey Smith to give the offense a spark. That trio has combined to total 21 out of Lehigh’s 26 points, this season.
Siena comes into Tuesday’s matchup at 2-6 this season, already surpassing last years’ win total after the Saints went 1-16 in 2008. The Saints ended a four game losing streak with a 5-3 win Saturday against Colgate. Junior forward Lisa Heimerle had a career day, tallying a Siena-record seven points with a hat trick and an assist. Siena almost lost a 3-0 lead after two quick Colgate scores, however Heimerle scored her third goal of the game to give Siena a 5-3 lead. Heimerle leads the Saints with nine points this season, and senior forward Andrea Caso has seven points.
Since 1998, Lehigh is 6-0 against Siena, outscoring the Saints 20-0 in those six years. Lehigh won the last meeting in 2003 with a 3-0 win in Bethlehem. The Mountain Hawks are 10-0 all-time versus Siena.
Tuesday’s game gets underway at 7 p.m. from Ulrich Field. Streaming video of the contest will be available on Lehighsports.com.
