Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks excited for 2011 campaign
8/30/2011 7:07:00 PM | Field Hockey
With a number of key returnees and a strong freshman class, the Lehigh field hockey team is primed and ready for a successful 2011 campaign. The Mountain Hawks return their top three scorers in seniors Caitlin Donnelly, Madison Ingal and junior Kim Eng, who look to lead the squad back to the Patriot League Tournament for the second time in the past three years.
“We're looking to improve and we obviously want to win,” said first-year head coach Stacey Blue. “As a team, we have our own personal goals. We definitely want to improve from last year's record. Our goal is to win and take one game at a time.”
The Mountain Hawks began and ended last year on high notes, with a 4-1 season-opening win over Sacred Heart and 2-1 Senior Day victory over Holy Cross. Lehigh certainly had its strong points, which it hopes to carry over, and improve upon, in 2011.
One of the most exciting aspects is the team's offense, spearheaded by Donnelly, Ingal and Eng. Donnelly enjoyed a breakout junior season, earning First Team All-Patriot League honors after posting 14 points behind seven goals. Ingal (six goals, one assist) and Eng (five goals, two assists) each had 13. Eng looks to recapture the magic of a sensational freshman campaign which saw her post 13 goals and eight assists for 34 points.
“We have very high expectations for this trio,” said Blue. “They're all great players who work on their skills daily. They really have a mindset of winning; they're going to do everything they can to make that happen.”
Despite losing Lauren Cawley and Cassie Willard on defense, the Mountain Hawks return sophomore Marie Mignogna, who played in all 16 games (14 starts) in her rookie campaign. She posted two defensive saves last season, good for second on the team.
An inexperienced, yet talented tandem is set to take the reins in goal, with sophomore Sierra Segear and freshman Sydney Maltinsky-Wilson competing for time. Neither have collegiate experience, but Segear learned from (current Lehigh graduate assistant) Jessica Miller and Lilia Stefaniwsky last season while Maltinsky-Wilson has experience at a high level, competing in the National Futures Championships this summer in Virginia Beach.
“Both goalkeepers are very different, but bring so much to the team,” said Blue. “I think every starting position will be a fight. I've been impressed by Sydney's attitude, fitness and desire to keep the ball out of the cage while Sierra is very knowledgeable, technical and confident keeper. I look forward to watching both play this season.
“I think Sierra is feeling like she's in a leadership role,” Blue continued. “Both have great talent. It's a fight from day to day who's going to start, but they work really well together. They're friends, but also very competitive as well.”
The Mountain Hawks have enjoyed a strong preseason from beginning to end. Some individuals who have especially stood out are Eng and fellow juniors Melissa Kuhns, Kelsey Zeswitz, and Mignogna in the back, who have “all shown great promise,” according to Blue.
Not to be forgotten is the incoming freshman class of eight, who has come in raring to go. Leading the way from that group are Steph Fratoni, Lindsay Metzger and Natalie Tacka.
“The entire freshman class has entered in great shape and worked extremely hard every day,” said Blue. “They are a very impressive group.”
Hurricane Irene washed out Lehigh's season-opener at Quinnipiac, so the club is anxious to hit the field against Georgetown on Friday. Fans will have nine chances to catch the Mountain Hawks on the Goodman Campus this season, highlighted by a five-game homestand to begin October.
“Our goal for preseason was to improve every day,” said Blue. “The girls have been working hard and bringing good attitudes to strive towards our goal. Our expectations for this year are to take one game at a time, learn from each game and win.”
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