Lehigh begins final homestand Saturday vs. New Hampshire
4/6/2012 3:23:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
BETHLEHEM, Pa - Coming off a tough loss against Patriot League rival American, the Lehigh women's lacrosse team will look to bounce back on Saturday against the New Hampshire Wildcats. Opening draw is set for 1 p.m. at the Ulrich Sports Complex. Saturday marks the first of four straight home games to close out the regular season. The contest will be the Mountain Hawks' second-to-last nonleague contest of the season.
A win against American would've given Lehigh its first three-game winning streak of the season, but a strong second half by the Eagles erased those hopes as Lehigh was outscored, 9-7, in the final frame for the 18-15 final. Freshman Carli Sukonik enjoyed a career day in posting seven goals and an assist to earn honorable mention laurels on the Patriot League weekly honor roll. Junior Julie McBrien chipped in with four goals.
Despite the loss, the Mountain Hawks have still won four of their last six games, averaging 13.6 goals in that span. The team now has 130 goals on the season. The Mountain Hawks have done a good job spreading the wealth as 62 of those goals have been assisted. Senior Leigh Ann Torcivia leads the team with 16 assists and has already exceeded her career high in that category. Torcivia is one of six Mountain Hawks with at least six assists, along with McBrien (10), freshman Scarlett Nawrocki (7), Sukonik (6), freshman Kelsey Yenco (6), and junior Megan Kelly (6).
In addition to leading the team in points, goals, and shots, Sukonik leads a solid team effort in draw controls with 40. Lehigh has edged its opponents, 173-107, in draw controls this season, which has proven crucial in earning extra possessions. Torcivia (30), McBrien (23), and Yenco (21) are the other leaders in that category.
New Hampshire has gone through an up-and-down season. After a big win over #12 Vanderbilt, the Wildcats have lost two straight and enter with a 3-7 overall record. UNH has also registered wins against Fresno State and Binghamton. New Hampshire averages an even 10 goals per game and has three players with at least 17 goals this season. Freshman Laura Puccia leads the charge with 18 while senior Kate Keagins and junior Jenny Simpson each have 17.
Both Keagins and senior Alana Cohen recently recorded their 100th career points. Keagins is tied for second on the team in goals (17) but also excels in other areas, leading the team in ground balls (20) and draw controls (24). Cohen leads the team in assists (12) and is tied for second in points (22).
Saturday will mark the first-ever meeting between the two sides.
After Saturday's game, Lehigh will continue its homestand Wednesday night when it hosts in-state rival and #12 nationally-ranked Penn State at 7 p.m.
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