Lehigh University Athletics
Defending champion Lehigh hits the field for preseason practice
8/16/2011 10:29:00 PM | Women's Soccer
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The defending Patriot League Champion Lehigh women's soccer team is two days into preseason camp in preparation for its 2011 season-opener on Sunday, Aug. 28 at Seton Hall. The Mountain Hawks reported on Sunday and had conditioning and its first practice on Monday. Lehigh features nine freshmen and seven returning starters from a 2010 squad that won the school's first-ever league title.
“I think preseason is the best time of the year,” said second-year head coach Eric Lambinus. “We can enjoy getting out here and playing soccer. We spend a lot of time with the players. We get to know them a lot more than during the season sometimes. It's a great time of year; we really enjoy being able to just play and find out who we are as a team.”
The Mountain Hawks wrapped up 2010 with an 11-5-4 record, highlighted by two straight 1-0 wins in the Patriot League Tournament at Army. Lehigh topped second seed Bucknell in the semifinals before knocking off host Army via a Liz Carlos second-half goal. The Mountain Hawks then impressed in the NCAA Tournament at Virginia, holding the eighth-ranked Cavaliers off the scoreboard until the 67th minute.
“I don't think the championship affects us one way or the other,” said Lambinus. “Them having a full year with me is helpful because they understand the thoughts and philosophies. We got to know each other a little bit more.
“We haven't concentrated on winning it last year because this is a different team,” he continued. “We graduated six great seniors and added nine players. That's more than 25 percent of our team that's completely different. This team needs to do different things to win the championship this year. That's ultimately our goal, to get in the playoffs and compete again for the championship.”
Senior captains Jana Basubas, Leah Kulp and Genna Pepe look to lead a talented Mountain Hawks' group that returns three All-Patriot League honorees, including first-teamer Basubas.
“You feel a little bit more responsibility [as a captain],” said Kulp. “People are turning to you, asking questions. You're communicating with the coaches and getting them answers. All three of us are focused on setting a good example and setting a standard. That's what we had to do to win a championship last year, so we're trying to do that again.”
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