Lehigh University Athletics
With fall season complete, Lehigh looks ahead to new complex under construction
11/25/2014 1:03:00 PM | Softball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Last month, the Lehigh softball team wrapped up a productive fall season. The Mountain Hawks have plenty to be excited about as they prepare for 2015 as they will be looking to win a fourth straight Patriot League regular season title and return to the NCAA Tournament after a two-year hiatus. They will try to do so in a brand new softball complex.
Lehigh posted a 5-2-1 record for the fall in four doubleheaders as the Mountain Hawks competed against Saint Joseph's, Princeton, Rutgers and Monmouth. Head coach Fran Troyan described the fall as, "interesting," because the team has a large freshman class that complements a strong core of returning players.
"One of the biggest challenges was figuring out where everybody was in relation to each other, but it was exciting to see where everyone fit together," said Troyan, who enters his 20th season.
Troyan believes that the team has a good nucleus of players coming back, but the freshmen class should raise the level of competition, which will help make everyone better. The goals that coach Troyan sets for his team every fall is to evaluate the team's strengths and figure out what needs to be worked on leading into the spring.
(11/25/2014) Softball Complex Construction, 11/25/14
One thing that was highlighted in the fall was that the team really needs to work on its communication on the field, Troyan said. Communication lapses occurred on the field because of all the new faces, but the players really improved from the beginning of the fall to the end. Now, Troyan and his staff are trying to figure out what they have to work with so they can shape individual workouts for the winter.
Troyan credited the entire senior class for its leadership thus far, including pitcher Emily Bausher, who remained supportive while sitting out the fall due to injury. Catcher Brandi Hawkins, a captain along with Bausher, has done an excellent job being a leader on the field as well.
"All of our seniors have been great leaders by example and have been very vocal and helpful in trying to assist the freshmen learn the Lehigh softball way," Troyan said.
In addition to Bausher and Hawkins, Lehigh's senior class features first baseman Cassie Waggy and shortstop Emma Capetz.
Lehigh returns all seven of its All-Patriot League selections from a season ago, including two-time Player of the Year Morgan Decker and Defensive Player of the Year Alexis Watanabe.
One of the most exciting parts of the fall season though, doesn't involve how the team played or the results of their games. It is the construction of the new playing facility for the Lehigh softball team.
"Every time I drive by the facility and see more and more work done, I pinch myself to make sure it's really going in, it's almost a surreal experience," Troyan said.
Troyan thinks the softball team will go from having a fine but very average playing facility, to having one of the better playing facilities in the entire Northeast. Construction began around the start of the academic year and is already paying dividends for Troyan on the recruiting trail.
The new facility is being constructed west of the grass soccer field at the Ulrich Sports Complex and north of the Cundey Varsity House, which the softball team uses for their locker room, sports medicine needs and strength training. The new facility will feature the addition of modern stands, a functional press box, larger and enhanced dugouts, a modern cable and netting system and modernized bullpen areas and hitting nets. The new amenities are expected to enhance the experience for student-athletes and patrons alike.
The Mountain Hawks played their fall games at Kaufman Field, which for years has hosted the 12-time Patriot League Tournament champions. The new facility will open in late March when Lehigh opens its home schedule.
Lehigh's 2015 schedule will be announced soon with the season set to begin in February.
Story by Tom Farrell '15
Lehigh posted a 5-2-1 record for the fall in four doubleheaders as the Mountain Hawks competed against Saint Joseph's, Princeton, Rutgers and Monmouth. Head coach Fran Troyan described the fall as, "interesting," because the team has a large freshman class that complements a strong core of returning players.
"One of the biggest challenges was figuring out where everybody was in relation to each other, but it was exciting to see where everyone fit together," said Troyan, who enters his 20th season.
Troyan believes that the team has a good nucleus of players coming back, but the freshmen class should raise the level of competition, which will help make everyone better. The goals that coach Troyan sets for his team every fall is to evaluate the team's strengths and figure out what needs to be worked on leading into the spring.
One thing that was highlighted in the fall was that the team really needs to work on its communication on the field, Troyan said. Communication lapses occurred on the field because of all the new faces, but the players really improved from the beginning of the fall to the end. Now, Troyan and his staff are trying to figure out what they have to work with so they can shape individual workouts for the winter.
Troyan credited the entire senior class for its leadership thus far, including pitcher Emily Bausher, who remained supportive while sitting out the fall due to injury. Catcher Brandi Hawkins, a captain along with Bausher, has done an excellent job being a leader on the field as well.
"All of our seniors have been great leaders by example and have been very vocal and helpful in trying to assist the freshmen learn the Lehigh softball way," Troyan said.
In addition to Bausher and Hawkins, Lehigh's senior class features first baseman Cassie Waggy and shortstop Emma Capetz.
Lehigh returns all seven of its All-Patriot League selections from a season ago, including two-time Player of the Year Morgan Decker and Defensive Player of the Year Alexis Watanabe.
One of the most exciting parts of the fall season though, doesn't involve how the team played or the results of their games. It is the construction of the new playing facility for the Lehigh softball team.
"Every time I drive by the facility and see more and more work done, I pinch myself to make sure it's really going in, it's almost a surreal experience," Troyan said.
Troyan thinks the softball team will go from having a fine but very average playing facility, to having one of the better playing facilities in the entire Northeast. Construction began around the start of the academic year and is already paying dividends for Troyan on the recruiting trail.
The new facility is being constructed west of the grass soccer field at the Ulrich Sports Complex and north of the Cundey Varsity House, which the softball team uses for their locker room, sports medicine needs and strength training. The new facility will feature the addition of modern stands, a functional press box, larger and enhanced dugouts, a modern cable and netting system and modernized bullpen areas and hitting nets. The new amenities are expected to enhance the experience for student-athletes and patrons alike.
The Mountain Hawks played their fall games at Kaufman Field, which for years has hosted the 12-time Patriot League Tournament champions. The new facility will open in late March when Lehigh opens its home schedule.
Lehigh's 2015 schedule will be announced soon with the season set to begin in February.
Story by Tom Farrell '15
Players Mentioned
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