Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks host Navy on Tuesday under the lights
2/28/2011 6:57:00 PM | Men's Lacrosse
BETHLETHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh men's lacrosse team looks to rebound from a heartbreaking first loss when it welcomes Navy to the Ulrich Sports Complex on Tuesday for its first Patriot League game of the young season. Opening faceoff is set for 7 p.m. The Mountain Hawks (1-1) are vying for their first win in a Patriot League opener since 2008.Lehigh is coming off a tough 9-8 loss at Villanova on Feb. 19. The Mountain Hawks hung tough against a strong Wildcat squad, ranked 20th in the initial Preseason Coaches Poll released in December. Villanova was also 16th in Lacrosse Magazine's preseason rankings, while coming in first among “also receiving votes” in the USILA Preseason Coaches Poll. The Mountain Hawks nearly spoiled the Wildcats' season-opener, but a Villanova running bridging the third and fourth quarters proved too much.
Junior Adam Johnston led the offensive charge with his seventh-career hat trick. Sophomore Ryan Snyder continued to dominate at the faceoff X, winning 16-of-21 while scooping 11 ground balls for the second consecutive week. He was later recognized with Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week laurels.
The Lehigh attack continues to be anchored by sophomores Dante Fantoni and David DiMaria. Fantoni currently owns a 14-game point streak, good for the 26th longest active streak in the nation, while DiMaria is right behind him with a 12-game streak. Fantoni has recorded an incredible 45 points via 30 goals and 15 assists over that 14-game stretch which began last Mar. 6 against Air Force. DiMaria has posted 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) during his streak.
Last time out at Villanova, the Mountain Hawks went on a dominating 4-0 run between the second and third quarters, led by goals from sophomore Brian Hess, Johnston and senior Jonathan Stumpf, which propelled them to a 6-4 lead. However, Villanova's Nick Doherty ended the Wildcats' 20+ minute scoring drought and provided them with some momentum, as he pulled the Wildcats within 6-5.
Sophomore Noah Molnar joined in the scoring party as he netted in his first goal of the game with 7:47 left in the third quarter to give the Mountain Hawks a 7-5 lead. After Matt Bell pulled Villanova within one, the Wildcats capitalized on two breaks in transition, including a goal with 0.1 seconds on the clock to give them an 8-7 lead heading to the fourth. Villanova made it 9-7 early in the fourth, but Johnston ended the nearly 14-minute scoreless drought with 7:14 on the clock. The Mountain Hawks couldn't convert on several late game chances, however, and fell by a 9-8 final.
A perennial lacrosse power, the Midshipmen were picked second in the Patriot League preseason poll. Navy senior defenseman Michael Hirsch and junior goaltender RJ Wickham both garnered national recognition by being named to the Inside Lacrosse 2011 Face-off Yearbook Preseason All-America Team. Hirsch was named to the third team while Wickham was an honorable mention selection. Together they led a defense that ranked 13th nationally last season and have only allowed 27 goals through three games this year.
A perennial lacrosse power, the Midshipmen were picked second in the Patriot League preseason poll. Navy senior defenseman Michael Hirsch and junior goaltender RJ Wickham both garnered national recognition by being named to the Inside Lacrosse 2011 Face-off Yearbook Preseason All-America Team. Hirsch was named to the third team while Wickham was an honorable mention selection. Together they led a defense that ranked 13th nationally last season and have only allowed 27 goals through three games this year.
Despite a 1-2 record, the Midshipmen have hung tough against some strong competition. Navy defeated VMI in its season opener, 14-8, before dropping two straight heartbreakers against ranked foes, first at No. 14 Loyola, 9-8, before succumbing to No. 12 North Carolina, 10-8. Leading the way offensively are Sam Jones and Tucker Hull, who each have 10 points. Jones leads the team in goals with seven while Hull has recorded a team-high six assists. Wickhan leads the team with 16 ground balls, while posting a .460 save percentage and 9.00 GAA.
Navy has won 26 of the 27 meetings all-time against the Mountain Hawks. The lone Lehigh victory came in 1913 by a 4-3 final. The Mountain Hawks have come close as of late, including in 2009, when they fell by a slim 10-8 final. This marks the third straight season Lehigh plays Navy in the friendly confines of the Ulrich Sports Complex.
The Mountain Hawks return to action on Sunday when they travel to face Detroit Mercy. Faceoff is set for 2 p.m. Lehigh will then remain on the road to play at No. 12 Ohio State next Tuesday (Mar. 8) at 7 p.m.
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