Mountain Hawks wrap up strong fall season
10/23/2014 4:23:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh women's lacrosse team wrapped up its fall schedule last weekend and looks primed for the spring ahead. The Mountain Hawks feature a story mix of veterans and young players, led by senior Carli Sukonik who owns 98 career goals and a trio of close defenders who have started from day one in Michelle Abramczyk, Kelly Scott and Lauren Willcox. Sophomore Allison LaBeau also returns after her Rookie of the Year season in 2014.
"The team and the coaches are very optimistic about potential to compete with every team on our schedule this spring," said Lehigh head coach Jill Redfern. "The team has built on the chemistry it developed last year. We are even tougher on defense and clearly more productive offensively."
The Mountain Hawks faced tough competition this fall, hosting a tournament then traveling to Penn State and Georgetown for tournaments as well. Despite losing two-time All-Patriot League honoree Alexandra Fitzpatrick in goal, Lehigh's strength continues to be on the defensive side of the field.
"Our go-to is defense. The majority of our experience is on the defensive side," said Redfern. "We've also been pleasantly surprised by how gritty we've been on the draw. It's an area we are going to prioritize in the spring as the biggest difference-maker for our team."
Redfern knows the team still has to improve in several areas to get where it wants to be.
"We must continue to challenge ourselves with our endurance and explosive speed when fatigued," she said. "The team has a terrific foundation, but we want to reach yet another level in this area. We will also dedicate substantial time to our new offensive sets. The offensive chemistry is strong and we must capitalize on it."
Losing Fitzpatrick does create a void which the Mountain Hawks need to fill. Lehigh has multiple strong candidates who are vying for the starting position.
"We are proud of our performances this fall for sure," said Redfern. "We will start a new goalkeeper this coming spring so that is a key area we are concentrating on."
In the end, the fall is all about garnering experience.
"We played a challenging fall schedule," said Redfern, whose team faced strong programs including two NCAA Tournament teams in Denver and Georgetown. "It is vital for a new team to get all those competitive minutes together. We are in a great place moving forward."
The Mountain Hawks look to build on their strong season in 2014 which featured a 4-4 league record and return trip to the NCAA Tournament. The team also defeated Boston University 12-11 in double overtime to hand the Terriers their first-ever Patriot League loss. Five Mountain Hawks earned All-Patriot League recognition with four returning in 2015 to go with eight new freshmen.
Like Lehigh Women's Lacrosse on Facebook and follow on Twitter for exclusive content, team updates and more.
"The team and the coaches are very optimistic about potential to compete with every team on our schedule this spring," said Lehigh head coach Jill Redfern. "The team has built on the chemistry it developed last year. We are even tougher on defense and clearly more productive offensively."
The Mountain Hawks faced tough competition this fall, hosting a tournament then traveling to Penn State and Georgetown for tournaments as well. Despite losing two-time All-Patriot League honoree Alexandra Fitzpatrick in goal, Lehigh's strength continues to be on the defensive side of the field.
"Our go-to is defense. The majority of our experience is on the defensive side," said Redfern. "We've also been pleasantly surprised by how gritty we've been on the draw. It's an area we are going to prioritize in the spring as the biggest difference-maker for our team."
Redfern knows the team still has to improve in several areas to get where it wants to be.
"We must continue to challenge ourselves with our endurance and explosive speed when fatigued," she said. "The team has a terrific foundation, but we want to reach yet another level in this area. We will also dedicate substantial time to our new offensive sets. The offensive chemistry is strong and we must capitalize on it."
Losing Fitzpatrick does create a void which the Mountain Hawks need to fill. Lehigh has multiple strong candidates who are vying for the starting position.
"We are proud of our performances this fall for sure," said Redfern. "We will start a new goalkeeper this coming spring so that is a key area we are concentrating on."
In the end, the fall is all about garnering experience.
"We played a challenging fall schedule," said Redfern, whose team faced strong programs including two NCAA Tournament teams in Denver and Georgetown. "It is vital for a new team to get all those competitive minutes together. We are in a great place moving forward."
The Mountain Hawks look to build on their strong season in 2014 which featured a 4-4 league record and return trip to the NCAA Tournament. The team also defeated Boston University 12-11 in double overtime to hand the Terriers their first-ever Patriot League loss. Five Mountain Hawks earned All-Patriot League recognition with four returning in 2015 to go with eight new freshmen.
Like Lehigh Women's Lacrosse on Facebook and follow on Twitter for exclusive content, team updates and more.
Players Mentioned
M/D
/ Women's Lacrosse
GK
/ Women's Lacrosse
M
/ Women's Lacrosse
D
/ Women's Lacrosse
A
/ Women's Lacrosse
D
/ Women's Lacrosse2025 Lehigh Women's Lacrosse Season Preview
Thursday, February 13
Lehigh Sports Central: Women's Lacrosse 2022
Monday, April 01
Lehigh Sports Central: Women's Lacrosse
Wednesday, March 13
