Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks open season against Villanova Saturday
2/15/2013 2:40:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh women's lacrosse team will open the 2013 season this weekend, hosting Villanova on Saturday at the Ulrich Sports Complex. Opening draw is set for 1 p.m. The Mountain Hawks are looking for a second consecutive win against the Wildcats after beating them on the road last season.
Lehigh is looking to bounce back in 2013 and make the Patriot League Tournament for a sixth time in the last seven years. In 2012, the Mountain Hawks won two of their first three league games, but struggled later in the season, falling short of the sixth straight postseason berth.
Senior captains Julie McBrien, Anna Patterson and MaryLeah DiNisco will be called up on to lead this year's young squad back to tournament territory, with its ultimate sight set on a league championship and NCAA Tournament berth. The Mountain Hawks were predicted fourth in the Patriot League preseason poll.
Villanova returns eight starters from last season's squad under second year head coach Julie Young. The Wildcat attack is led by a trio of high scorers: senior co-captain Maria Bowman, junior Ali Judge, and sophomore Jackie Froccaro. At the midfield, senior co-captain Annie Fallon will return to her starting role after finishing fourth on the team in scoring last season. An experienced group of veteran defenders is likely to be Villanova's biggest threat. Senior co-captains Shawna Guist and Sarah Moodie anchor the defensive end with their aggressive style of play.
Lehigh is 18-3 all-time against Villanova, who went 4-12 last season. This year, the Wildcats were predicted eighth in the BIG EAST preseason poll. In their 2012 meet-up Lehigh posted a strong 12-8 win over the Wildcats at Villanova. Five Mountain Hawks scored multiple goals to lead a strong all-around effort, including three goals from sophomore Carli Sukonik and two from McBrien. DiNisco posted eight saves between the pipes.
The Mountain Hawks will return to action next Saturday at Temple. Gametime is set for 1 p.m.
Story by Taylor Boyd '13
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