Fitzpatrick and McBrien try out for U.S. Senior National Team
6/3/2011 9:16:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh women's lacrosse goalie Alexandra Fitzpatrick and midfielder Julie McBrien tried out for the U.S. Senior National Team last weekend at Ward Melville High School in Stony Brook, N.Y. It marks the second straight season that multiple Mountain Hawks have tried out after MaryLeah DiNisco, Lauren Dykstra and Allison Thomas did so last year.
Fitzpatrick and McBrien competed in four scrimmages over the two days. Fitzpatrick also took part in a separate goalie tryout, which consisted of a wide-range of drills. Individuals who advance past round one will compete in a second round of tryouts from July 29-31 at UMBC in Catonsville, Md.
The U.S. Senior National Team consists of some of the top women's lacrosse players in the nation. The 2010-11 roster included recent Tewaaraton Award Winners Caitlyn McFadden of Maryland and Kristen Kjelman of Northwestern, among others.
“The weekend was a lot of fun,” said Fitzpatrick. “It was very competitive. It was good knowing you could keep up against the best players in the country. It was a good learning experience, too.”
“It was a challenge, but I think it went well,” said McBrien. “I wasn't too stressed at how fast the game was, which shows that our team is headed in the right direction and can play at that [elite] level.”
The Mountain Hawks consistently send players to the tryout. Dykstra and Thomas have tried out on multiple occasions, with Dykstra advancing to round two a year ago alongside DiNisco.
“Alex and Julie attending this tryout speaks volumes about the growth of our program,” said Lehigh head coach Jill Redfern. “There is no better practice than to compete against the best and most driven athletes in the nation. This experience will provide confidence and inspiration heading into the fall.”
Fitzpatrick finished a stellar freshman campaign with a .506 save percentage, which stood third in the nation, while her 8.66 GAA was eighth nationally. A First Team All-Patriot League honoree, Fitzpatrick turned it up over the latter half of the season. That included a career-high 16 saves at Temple, 14 vs. American, 11 against Virginia Tech and 10 at No. 15 Penn State. Fitzpatrick also earned two-straight Patriot League Rookie of the Week awards in April.
McBrien moved to midfield this season and wouldn't disappoint. She finished the year fifth on the Mountain Hawks with 29 points via 18 goals and 11 assists while also registering 30 draw controls and 21 groundballs. Her career game offensively came against Colgate on Mar. 12 when she posted a career-high six goals behind a career-high five goals and an assist.
Whether or not they're invited to round two, both know that the experience at tryouts will prove beneficial as they prepare for next season in the Brown and White.
“This experience gives me motivation, even if I don't make it to the next round,” said Fitzpatrick. “It shows if I keep working hard, it'll help me in the future. It'll also help knowing that I can save and contest some of these players from nationally-ranked schools.
“It was very intimidating at times going against players from Syracuse, Notre Dame and Virginia and other top-10 schools,” she continued. “The play is a lot faster and the ball moves quicker. I was just excited to go out there and see what I could do.”
“It was really tiring, but a great experience,” said McBrien. “There were a lot of talented players. It forced us to up our play, which should ultimately help us take our program to the next level.
“I'll always remember trying out for the US National Team,” she continued. “It will always be cool to say. It's been a really enjoyable experience.”
US Lacrosse is expected to announce the second round qualifiers over the coming days. Check back to Lehighsports.com for complete updates.
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