Saturday, November 1
Ulrich Sports Complex
2:00 pm
Lehigh University
vs
Bucknell
Mountain Hawks close out season with two games on Senior Weekend
10/31/2014 2:29:00 PM | Field Hockey
Watch Live (Sunday) | Live Stats
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - After almost a month on the road, the Lehigh field hockey team returns home to host Bucknell on Saturday (2 p.m.) and La Salle on Sunday (1 p.m.), looking to end the season on a high note. Saturday is the Mountain Hawks' Pink Game for breast cancer awareness while Sunday is Senior Day with seniors Steph Fratoni, Natalie Tacka and Abby Sprinkel recognized prior to their final game in the brown and white.
Live stats (no live video) will be available for Saturday's game while video and live stats will be available on Sunday. For Saturday's Pink Game, the team will be wearing pink socks and wristbands. There will also be a pink jar for donations by the press box. Sunday's Senior Day ceremonies will begin approximately 10-15 minutes before gametime.
The Mountain Hawks return home after struggling over their five-game road trip. They hung tough in their New England trip, falling 1-0 at Boston University and 4-2 at Brown in a pair of competitive games that went down to the wire. Last weekend, Lehigh scored first just over a minute into the game at Lafayette, but the Leopards stormed back for a 5-1 win. Sophomore Gabby Tofig scored her team-leading eighth goal of the season at the 1:12 mark, redirecting a feed from classmate Amanda Granger, but it wasn't enough.
Bucknell is enjoying a strong season, clinching the top spot in the Patriot League with a perfect 5-0 record. The Bison will be vying for an outright regular season championship on Saturday, but will be the #1 seed regardless (due to tiebreakers). Owning a 10-5 overall record, Bucknell is led offensively by Liz Wills with 17 points (seven goals, three assists). Three others have double-figure points, including Amie Pritchard with 12 (four goals, four assists), Cassie Lawrence with 10 (five goals) and Kiersten Sydnor also with 10 (four goals, two assists). Shannon Keen has started all 15 games and owns a 1.62 goals against average and .657 save percentage.
Lehigh leads the all-time series with Bucknell, 21-17-1. The Bison have won the last two meetings, 6-2 (2012) and 4-1 (2013) after the Mountain Hawks captured a 1-0 win in 2011.
Sunday's opponent, La Salle, is 9-7 overall and 4-3 in the Atlantic 10. The Explorers stand in fifth place in the conference standings, one spot from an A-10 Tournament berth, and need a win over Saint Joseph's Friday (and some help) to make the postseason. Colleen Kempf leads the team in scoring with 15 points (seven goals, one assists) while Kendall Kreider has 13 (six goals, one assist) and Devin Muracco owns 11 (four goals, three assists). Rachel Hartman has started all 16 games, posting a 1.67 GAA and .820 save percentage.
The Mountain Hawks are 15-14-2 all-time against La Salle. The last time the teams met at Lehigh came in 2011 when Abby Tilton scored an overtime goal to give Stacey Eversley her first win as Lehigh head coach.
Like Lehigh field hockey on Facebook and follow on Twitter for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
In honor of Senior Day, here is a special Q&A with the Mountain Hawks' three seniors.
The Lehigh field hockey senior class has made its mark in all areas as these seniors are some of Lehigh's greatest leaders, athletes and students. As freshmen, these three helped the Mountain Hawks to the #3 seed in the 2011 Patriot League Tournament and have continued to make their impact over the remainder of their careers. Owning an average cumulative GPA of 3.24, they have set the example for the younger players and will surely be missed.
#6 Steph Fratoni - Defense - Media, Pa. - Biology
A standout since stepping foot on campus, Fratoni is a three-time captain while garnering both All-Patriot League and Academic All-Patriot League honors in her career. Fratoni has played both midfield and defense in her career, earning second team All-League as a freshman when she posted one goal and four assists to lead the Mountain Hawks to the #3 seed in the Patriot League Tournament. Fratoni followed with one goal and three assists as a sophomore before tallying two assists last season. The Media, Pa. native has transitioned to defense where she's spearheaded the backfield to some strong performances while contributing one goal and one assist as a key component of the penalty corner unit. Fratoni was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week in late September after a weekend sweep of Holy Cross and Sacred Heart. She earned Rookie of the Week honors as a freshman as well. Stellar in the classroom, Fratoni owns a strong 3.68 cumulative GPA, earning a spot on the Dean's List on several occasions. She is heavily involved in the Lehigh Athletics Leadership Academy as well.
What's your favorite Lehigh field hockey memory up until this point?
SF: There are so many great memories that I have with Lehigh Field Hockey, both on and off the field. One of my all-time favorite memories was getting stuck at Holy Cross in the October snowstorm my freshman year. While it was unexpected that we would get stuck on the side of the road for a few hours and have to spend another night in the hotel, it was one of the best team bonding nights filled with so many laughs.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
SF: I am so grateful to have spent these four years on LUFH with Natalie and Abby. The three of us have been through so much together. While we all have very different personalities and each bring something different to the table, we get along great. I know I can always count on these two for support, and I will always provide support for them as well. I am so grateful for our friendship and couldn't imagine sharing these four years with anyone else.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind?
SF: I am in denial that I will be playing my last field hockey game soon. You always hear how quickly four years goes by and I am just now realizing how true this is. It is very upsetting to think that the sport that has been one of the largest parts of not only my life, but also my parents' will soon be coming to an end for me. While I am overcome with sadness, I am also so grateful for all the memories and friendships I have formed through field hockey.
What will you miss most about Lehigh field hockey?
SF: I am going to miss so much about being on LUFH. I think what I will miss most is spending hours with my teammates every single day. These girls have made all the sweat and tears throughout the years worth it.
What are your postgraduate plans?
SF: After graduation, I want to attend physical therapy school.
#17 Natalie Tacka - Forward - Blue Bell, Pa. - Environmental Engineering
Tacka made an immediate impact in the brown and white, playing in all 19 games as a freshman (four starts) while scoring two goals which was tied for fourth on the team. Tacka scored what proved to be the game-winning goal during Lehigh's first-ever win over the Penn Quakers while scoring at Sacred Heart earlier in the season. Since, Tacka has played in 47 games, which includes a goal at Georgetown this season to lead Lehigh to victory. A team captain this season, Tacka owns a 3.18 GPA in Environmental Engineering. She has earned a spot on the Dean's List and been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in her career.
What's your favorite Lehigh field hockey memory up until this point?
NT: It's so hard to pick just one; there have been so many great moments over the past four years. Our win over Georgetown this year was definitely one of my favorites. This was a tough, gritty game, but we were able to keep our composure and stay in control. It was a true team effort.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
NT: Steph and Abby are two of my dearest friends and I'm so thankful that LUFH brought us together. The three of us has been through a lot over the past four years and we definitely have a special bond. I feel like we still talk about things from freshman year like they happened last week. We all have very different personalities, but we mesh very well. Through the ups and the downs, I couldn't imagine having anyone else by my side.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind?
NT: The fact that this chapter of my life is coming to a close has not fully hit me yet. I don't think it will until the rest of the team begins moving forward to prepare for next season, leaving me to find some other way to be athletic. Field hockey has been a huge part of my life since I was ten years old and the thought of it all coming to an end so soon makes me really sad. However, being a part of LUFH has been an experience like no other. My focus going into this last week is to have an absolute blast and to make the most out of these fleeting on-field moments with my teammates.
What will you miss most about Lehigh field hockey?
NT: This team is an amazing group of girls that has become my second family. We spend a ridiculous amount of time together, both on and off the field, but this is definitely what I'll miss the most. I will cherish the memories that we've made together and the friendships that will certainly last beyond Lehigh.
What are your postgraduate plans?
NT: I am currently looking for a job in the environmental engineering field.
#20 Abby Sprinkel - Defense - Timonium, Md. - Industrial Engineering
Sprinkel has been a steady contributor and strong teammate in her time at Lehigh, highlighted by a sophomore season which saw her play 11 games with nine starts as a regular starter at defense. Sprinkel dished two assists that season, against Saint Francis Pa. and Towson, while also recording a defensive save. Sprinkel has played in 25 games in her career while serving as a strong influence in practice. She's enjoyed success in the classroom as well, being named to the Dean's List in her career while earning a spot on the NFHCA National Academic Squad.
What's your favorite Lehigh field hockey memory up until this point?
AS: My favorite memory is probably from after our first win this year. We beat Towson in overtime and after storming the field, Coach got in the middle of the circle and starting dancing. It was awesome to see her celebrating with us and getting super into it.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AS: Steph, Nat and I are so different from one another, yet the dynamic works so well. We've been through many highs and lows throughout our careers and from them, have truly grown together. We all contribute something different to the team which I feel makes our class special. I wouldn't have wanted to spend these past four years with anyone else.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind?
AS: It's scary and it's sad. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that it's actually ending. Although my collegiate career is over, I know that hockey will remain a part of my life whether it's watching my little sister's games, playing in summer leagues or coaching club teams.
What will you miss most about Lehigh field hockey?
AS: I will miss the girls on this team most of all. We are truly a family and I love each and every one of them from the bottom of my heart. Not being able to see everyone every day is going to be the hardest part of leaving. They are what's shaped my experience here at Lehigh and I wouldn't trade them for the world.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AS: I plan on entering the work force. I've not yet decided where I'm going, but I am definitely looking for something that fits in the field of my major, so along the lines of operations research or consulting.
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - After almost a month on the road, the Lehigh field hockey team returns home to host Bucknell on Saturday (2 p.m.) and La Salle on Sunday (1 p.m.), looking to end the season on a high note. Saturday is the Mountain Hawks' Pink Game for breast cancer awareness while Sunday is Senior Day with seniors Steph Fratoni, Natalie Tacka and Abby Sprinkel recognized prior to their final game in the brown and white.
Live stats (no live video) will be available for Saturday's game while video and live stats will be available on Sunday. For Saturday's Pink Game, the team will be wearing pink socks and wristbands. There will also be a pink jar for donations by the press box. Sunday's Senior Day ceremonies will begin approximately 10-15 minutes before gametime.
The Mountain Hawks return home after struggling over their five-game road trip. They hung tough in their New England trip, falling 1-0 at Boston University and 4-2 at Brown in a pair of competitive games that went down to the wire. Last weekend, Lehigh scored first just over a minute into the game at Lafayette, but the Leopards stormed back for a 5-1 win. Sophomore Gabby Tofig scored her team-leading eighth goal of the season at the 1:12 mark, redirecting a feed from classmate Amanda Granger, but it wasn't enough.
Bucknell is enjoying a strong season, clinching the top spot in the Patriot League with a perfect 5-0 record. The Bison will be vying for an outright regular season championship on Saturday, but will be the #1 seed regardless (due to tiebreakers). Owning a 10-5 overall record, Bucknell is led offensively by Liz Wills with 17 points (seven goals, three assists). Three others have double-figure points, including Amie Pritchard with 12 (four goals, four assists), Cassie Lawrence with 10 (five goals) and Kiersten Sydnor also with 10 (four goals, two assists). Shannon Keen has started all 15 games and owns a 1.62 goals against average and .657 save percentage.
Lehigh leads the all-time series with Bucknell, 21-17-1. The Bison have won the last two meetings, 6-2 (2012) and 4-1 (2013) after the Mountain Hawks captured a 1-0 win in 2011.
Sunday's opponent, La Salle, is 9-7 overall and 4-3 in the Atlantic 10. The Explorers stand in fifth place in the conference standings, one spot from an A-10 Tournament berth, and need a win over Saint Joseph's Friday (and some help) to make the postseason. Colleen Kempf leads the team in scoring with 15 points (seven goals, one assists) while Kendall Kreider has 13 (six goals, one assist) and Devin Muracco owns 11 (four goals, three assists). Rachel Hartman has started all 16 games, posting a 1.67 GAA and .820 save percentage.
The Mountain Hawks are 15-14-2 all-time against La Salle. The last time the teams met at Lehigh came in 2011 when Abby Tilton scored an overtime goal to give Stacey Eversley her first win as Lehigh head coach.
Like Lehigh field hockey on Facebook and follow on Twitter for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
In honor of Senior Day, here is a special Q&A with the Mountain Hawks' three seniors.
The Lehigh field hockey senior class has made its mark in all areas as these seniors are some of Lehigh's greatest leaders, athletes and students. As freshmen, these three helped the Mountain Hawks to the #3 seed in the 2011 Patriot League Tournament and have continued to make their impact over the remainder of their careers. Owning an average cumulative GPA of 3.24, they have set the example for the younger players and will surely be missed.
#6 Steph Fratoni - Defense - Media, Pa. - Biology
A standout since stepping foot on campus, Fratoni is a three-time captain while garnering both All-Patriot League and Academic All-Patriot League honors in her career. Fratoni has played both midfield and defense in her career, earning second team All-League as a freshman when she posted one goal and four assists to lead the Mountain Hawks to the #3 seed in the Patriot League Tournament. Fratoni followed with one goal and three assists as a sophomore before tallying two assists last season. The Media, Pa. native has transitioned to defense where she's spearheaded the backfield to some strong performances while contributing one goal and one assist as a key component of the penalty corner unit. Fratoni was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week in late September after a weekend sweep of Holy Cross and Sacred Heart. She earned Rookie of the Week honors as a freshman as well. Stellar in the classroom, Fratoni owns a strong 3.68 cumulative GPA, earning a spot on the Dean's List on several occasions. She is heavily involved in the Lehigh Athletics Leadership Academy as well.What's your favorite Lehigh field hockey memory up until this point?
SF: There are so many great memories that I have with Lehigh Field Hockey, both on and off the field. One of my all-time favorite memories was getting stuck at Holy Cross in the October snowstorm my freshman year. While it was unexpected that we would get stuck on the side of the road for a few hours and have to spend another night in the hotel, it was one of the best team bonding nights filled with so many laughs.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
SF: I am so grateful to have spent these four years on LUFH with Natalie and Abby. The three of us have been through so much together. While we all have very different personalities and each bring something different to the table, we get along great. I know I can always count on these two for support, and I will always provide support for them as well. I am so grateful for our friendship and couldn't imagine sharing these four years with anyone else.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind?
SF: I am in denial that I will be playing my last field hockey game soon. You always hear how quickly four years goes by and I am just now realizing how true this is. It is very upsetting to think that the sport that has been one of the largest parts of not only my life, but also my parents' will soon be coming to an end for me. While I am overcome with sadness, I am also so grateful for all the memories and friendships I have formed through field hockey.
What will you miss most about Lehigh field hockey?
SF: I am going to miss so much about being on LUFH. I think what I will miss most is spending hours with my teammates every single day. These girls have made all the sweat and tears throughout the years worth it.
What are your postgraduate plans?
SF: After graduation, I want to attend physical therapy school.
#17 Natalie Tacka - Forward - Blue Bell, Pa. - Environmental Engineering
Tacka made an immediate impact in the brown and white, playing in all 19 games as a freshman (four starts) while scoring two goals which was tied for fourth on the team. Tacka scored what proved to be the game-winning goal during Lehigh's first-ever win over the Penn Quakers while scoring at Sacred Heart earlier in the season. Since, Tacka has played in 47 games, which includes a goal at Georgetown this season to lead Lehigh to victory. A team captain this season, Tacka owns a 3.18 GPA in Environmental Engineering. She has earned a spot on the Dean's List and been named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in her career.What's your favorite Lehigh field hockey memory up until this point?
NT: It's so hard to pick just one; there have been so many great moments over the past four years. Our win over Georgetown this year was definitely one of my favorites. This was a tough, gritty game, but we were able to keep our composure and stay in control. It was a true team effort.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
NT: Steph and Abby are two of my dearest friends and I'm so thankful that LUFH brought us together. The three of us has been through a lot over the past four years and we definitely have a special bond. I feel like we still talk about things from freshman year like they happened last week. We all have very different personalities, but we mesh very well. Through the ups and the downs, I couldn't imagine having anyone else by my side.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind?
NT: The fact that this chapter of my life is coming to a close has not fully hit me yet. I don't think it will until the rest of the team begins moving forward to prepare for next season, leaving me to find some other way to be athletic. Field hockey has been a huge part of my life since I was ten years old and the thought of it all coming to an end so soon makes me really sad. However, being a part of LUFH has been an experience like no other. My focus going into this last week is to have an absolute blast and to make the most out of these fleeting on-field moments with my teammates.
What will you miss most about Lehigh field hockey?
NT: This team is an amazing group of girls that has become my second family. We spend a ridiculous amount of time together, both on and off the field, but this is definitely what I'll miss the most. I will cherish the memories that we've made together and the friendships that will certainly last beyond Lehigh.
What are your postgraduate plans?
NT: I am currently looking for a job in the environmental engineering field.
#20 Abby Sprinkel - Defense - Timonium, Md. - Industrial Engineering
Sprinkel has been a steady contributor and strong teammate in her time at Lehigh, highlighted by a sophomore season which saw her play 11 games with nine starts as a regular starter at defense. Sprinkel dished two assists that season, against Saint Francis Pa. and Towson, while also recording a defensive save. Sprinkel has played in 25 games in her career while serving as a strong influence in practice. She's enjoyed success in the classroom as well, being named to the Dean's List in her career while earning a spot on the NFHCA National Academic Squad.What's your favorite Lehigh field hockey memory up until this point?
AS: My favorite memory is probably from after our first win this year. We beat Towson in overtime and after storming the field, Coach got in the middle of the circle and starting dancing. It was awesome to see her celebrating with us and getting super into it.
Describe the relationship with your fellow seniors.
AS: Steph, Nat and I are so different from one another, yet the dynamic works so well. We've been through many highs and lows throughout our careers and from them, have truly grown together. We all contribute something different to the team which I feel makes our class special. I wouldn't have wanted to spend these past four years with anyone else.
Describe the feeling going into Senior Day. What are some of the thoughts going through your mind?
AS: It's scary and it's sad. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that it's actually ending. Although my collegiate career is over, I know that hockey will remain a part of my life whether it's watching my little sister's games, playing in summer leagues or coaching club teams.
What will you miss most about Lehigh field hockey?
AS: I will miss the girls on this team most of all. We are truly a family and I love each and every one of them from the bottom of my heart. Not being able to see everyone every day is going to be the hardest part of leaving. They are what's shaped my experience here at Lehigh and I wouldn't trade them for the world.
What are your postgraduate plans?
AS: I plan on entering the work force. I've not yet decided where I'm going, but I am definitely looking for something that fits in the field of my major, so along the lines of operations research or consulting.
Players Mentioned
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/ Field Hockey
F/M
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F
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