Lehigh looks to build upon last year's success
8/26/2010 11:32:00 PM | Field Hockey
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh field hockey program enters the 2010 season with the belief that they can build on last year's success. The Mountain Hawks doubled their win total from 2008 and returned to the Patriot League tournament for the fourth time in six years. Lehigh enters the new season with the reigning Patriot League Rookie of the Year and a six-person senior class that has set high expectations for 2010."The team has set their expectations high and to achieve those goals we have to challenge each other,” said eighth-year head coach Julie Mazer. “We expect everyone to bring their best physical and mental effort to the field every day if we are going to achieve our goals."
The backbone of the Mountain Hawks for the coming season will be its defense. Of the six seniors on the team, five of them play exclusively on the defensive half of the field.
“Having senior leadership on the field is important,” explained Mazer. “It's going to be an advantage, especially to have veterans in the back who know each other, work off each other and challenge each other as well as the rest of the team.”
Two of Lehigh's returning seniors are goalkeepers: Jessica Miller and Lilia Stefaniwsky. Both goalkeepers have seen extensive playing time over their first three seasons, and both should benefit from the return of goalkeeper coach Kandiss Schrader to the coaching staff.
“It's great to have Kandiss back on the coaching staff.” Mazer said. “She worked with both senior keepers when they were freshmen. She's been challenging them and has been able to see a lot of progress throughout the preseason.”
Injuries limited Miller to just eight games last season, but a strong spring performance and strong leadership qualities led her to be named one of the team's co-captains. Stefaniwsky filled in well for Miller last season and has appeared in 31 games for her career. The Mountain Hawks have also brought in promising freshman Sierra Segear, who will vie for time in the cage as well.
Lehigh's back-line features three more seniors who will provide both leadership and experience. Claire Horn started all 17 games in the back in 2009 and will serve as co-captain with Miller. Lauren Cawley led the Patriot League with seven defensive saves last year and owns one of the hardest shots in the league. The third returning senior back is Cassie Willard, who started all 17 games last year and brings speed and athleticism to the outside back position.
“It will be critical for our backs to make smart decisions with the ball,” Mazer noted. “They way they know each other and work together will really help us as a team. They were good on our last scrimmage on Tuesday. They've made great progress as a unit.”
Freshman Marie Mignogna figures to step in and contribute right away on the defensive end while fellow freshmen Allison Huckfeldt and Erinn Bonshak will also be part of the defensive mix.
The Mountain Hawks' other senior, Katey Fardelmann will be looked upon to be one of the leaders in the midfield. Fardelmann has been one of Lehigh's most steady and consistent performers over the last two seasons where she has started every game. Fardelmann also possesses the ability to help out in the back if needed.
“Katey has a strong presence on our team both on the practice field and in games,” explained Mazer. “She's a good communicator and should be a good mentor for our younger midfield players.”
On the midfield line, Mazer will rely on junior Madison Ingal to help jump-start the attack. Sophomore Carly Smith and promising freshman Emily Torcivia could play important roles, and Mazer hopes that junior Alli Kowalski can strengthen the unit when she returns from injury.
Lehigh's deepest unit as it prepares for the season is the forward line, which is seven players strong at the start of the season. Leading the way for the Mountain Hawks is sophomore Kim Eng, a second-team All-Region selection who was the Patriot League's Rookie of the Year. Eng tallied 13 goals and 34 points as a freshman and led the league in both categories.
Joining Eng in the competition for playing time up front will be juniors Caitlin Donnelly and Abby Tilton, sophomores Brittany Johnson, Millie Kuhns and Kelsey Zeswitz, and freshman Caitlyn Mitchell. Donnelly has seen extensive playing time in her first two years, while Zeswitz started 13 games as a freshman a year ago.
“We've seen a lot of good things from our forwards in preseason, but everyone has to do their part,” said Mazer. “We've shown good speed, and the players have definitely made good progress. Kim had a great year last year, but she will be challenged more by opponents and will have to make adjustments.”
Lehigh has changed up its schedule a bit for the 2010 season. The Mountain Hawks will play their first four games at home, beginning with newcomers Sacred Heart and Quinnipiac. The Patriot League will be tough as always, but Lehigh will face defending champion American in its league opener, so the Mountain Hawks will find out where they stand right away.
“It was enjoyable to have a full preseason on our new field and then be able to open with four games at home,” said Mazer. “We've added some new opponents to the schedule early on that will be exciting for us. August and September are about preparing us as a team for our Patriot League Schedule. We're looking for a strong start to the season on our home field on opening weekend.”
The Mountain Hawks will open the 2010 season on Friday night when they host Sacred Heart at the Ulrich Sports Complex at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Lehigh welcomes Quinnipiac to Bethlehem for a 1 p.m. tilt.
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