Lehigh hosts American Sunday for crucial Patriot League matchup
4/5/2013 7:24:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh women's lacrosse team looks to bounce back from a midweek loss to Penn when it hosts American on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Ulrich Sports Complex. The crucial Patriot League matchup will be the final of three straight home games, all in an eight-day span. The Mountain Hawks enter 1-3 in league play but could still advance to the Patriot League Tournament by beating American Sunday and Holy Cross on Friday, Apr. 19. Sunday's game is Lehigh's Pink Game in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.
“It's our cancer awareness game and it's a special game because of that,” said Lehigh head coach Jill Redfern. “It brings to light that there are lots of great causes in the world for people, especially for college athletes to be aware of and help support. We're looking forward to Sunday. It should be a great game.”
Sunday's game is part of the Summit Series, Presented by Johnny's Bagels, with tickets just five dollars for the public, and free for those with a Lehigh ID.
On Wednesday against Penn, Lehigh scored the game's first two goals and was within 3-2 at the half, but the Quakers scored 10 in the second half to down the Mountain Hawks, 13-4. Four different Lehigh players scored goals, led by a goal and assist from senior Julie McBrien. Penn held the final edge in shots (21-14), groundballs (17-12) and draw controls (10-9). Lehigh had 17 turnovers to the Quakers' 13 while junior Alexandra Fitzpatrick made four saves before being relieved by senior MaryLeah DiNisco.
McBrien leads the team with 28 points (25 goals, three assists) and 20 draw controls while sophomore Kelly Scott leads the way in groundballs (21) and caused turnovers (10).
American had its five-game winning streak snapped with a 16-4 loss to #11 Virginia on Tuesday afternoon. American was down 9-0 at the half before managing four goals in the second. Senior Kimberly Collins led with a team high four points (and has as team-high 29 points on the season), while senior Laura Dawson scooped up four groundballs. Freshman goalie Teal Harrison had nine saves for the Eagles. American does have a big win over Johns Hopkins on its resume while coming in at 5-7 and 3-0 in Patriot League play.
The Eagles hold a 10-4 lead in the all-time series, including an 18-15 victory over the Mountain Hawks last season. The sides first met in 1994 (a 20-6 Lehigh win) before reconvening for Patriot League play in 2002.
The Mountain Hawks will have a quick turnaround as they hit the road for University Park, Pa. for a midweek matchup against #7/8 Penn State on Wednesday at 7 p.m.
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