Lehigh University Athletics
Lehigh University
Fairfield
Lehigh opens season against Fairfield Friday
8/29/2013 12:05:00 PM | Field Hockey
Live Stats
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh field hockey team begins its 2013 campaign when it welcomes Fairfield Friday. Gametime is set for 6 p.m. The Mountain Hawks are looking to snap a three-game losing skid in the all-time series and beat the Stags for the first time since 2009.
Lehigh returns a young and talented group for the 2013 campaign. Eighteen of the 25 Mountain Hawks are underclassmen (eight freshmen and 10 sophomores). The sophomore class is experienced after many saw significant minutes as rookies. Leading the way is Erin Ricker with eight points (three goals, two assists) which stood third on the team. Alex Beatson scored two goals while Rachel Werley and Lindsey Schott had one each.
Senior Marie Mignogna and junior Steph Fratoni look to provide strong leadership; both are returning captains and 2011 All-Patriot League honorees.
Friday also marks the season opener for Fairfield, which finished last season with a 10-10 overall record. After a slow start, the Stags closed their season by winning three of their final four games in beating Georgetown, Vermont and Penn. Fairfield's returning scorer Felicitas Heinan returns after posting 38 points as a sophomore (16 goals, six assists).
Lehigh owns a 9-8 lead all-time lead over the Stags. Fairfield has won three in a row, including last year's meeting in Connecticut, 4-2. The Mountain Hawks' last victory came in 2009 by a 3-2 final in overtime.
The Mountain Hawks return to action on Sunday when they travel to Saint Francis (Pa.) to face the Red Flash.
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