Lehigh University Athletics
Season Preview: Lehigh energized, excited for 2013 season
8/27/2013 2:57:00 PM | Field Hockey
The Lehigh field hockey team had its ups and downs last season, but one thing was consistent; the Mountain Hawks never gave up.
That was evident from the beginning as they came back from a 2-0 deficit against Ball State in the season opener to take a lead. Near the end of the season, Lehigh trailed at Bucknell in the later stages, but continued to fight and scored two of the final three goals.
Whether early or late in the season, early or late in a game, these Mountain Hawks competed until the final whistle. They look to take that persistence into 2013. With an added year experience, a young group looks to make its second Patriot League Tournament in the last three years and third in the last five seasons.
One thing continually stressed by head coach Stacey Blue, and the student-athletes, is playing as a unit.
"We have depth and many players that can step up and excel," said Blue. "However, we are the strongest when we play as one."
Leading the returnees are junior Steph Fratoni and senior Marie Mignogna, both returning captains. Fratoni was an All-Patriot League honoree as a freshman and enjoyed a strong follow-up season with a goal and three assists last year. She helps spearhead the midfield while Mignogna anchors the defense. Also an All-Patriot League honoree in 2011, Mignogna owns 16 career defensive saves including 14 over the past two seasons. She scored her first-career goal and added an assist last season.
One thing is clear from preseason; there is tremendous unity. Blue identifies competitiveness, communication and unity as strengths during the preseason.
"This team is in it together," she said.
The Mountain Hawks feature eight freshmen, 10 sophomores, four juniors and three seniors. Lehigh's current sophomores impressed in their first collegiate seasons. Erin Ricker finished third on the team with eight points behind three goals and two assists, Alex Beatson scored two goals while Rachel Werley and Lindsey Schott each had a tally. Almost all 10 saw significant action at some point during the season.
This year's freshman class looks to follow suit. The Mountain Hawks lost leading scorer and three-time All-Patriot League honoree Kim Eng, but aren't lacking talent.
"The freshmen have meshed great," said Blue. "The upperclassmen have helped welcome them to our team. This class meshes very well with the direction of our program."
A new coaching staff has adjusted nicely with Jessica Zosky returning as assistant coach after previously serving as both graduate and volunteer assistant for the Brown and White. Serge Pires da Motta Veiga also joined the program as volunteer assistant.
"They both bring different attributes to our team and have already helped make LU Field Hockey better," said Blue.
The season begins on Friday when the Mountain Hawks host Fairfield at 6 p.m.
"We are excited to get the season started," said Blue. "The girls worked hard during preseason and we will keep preparing one game at a time."
