Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks move into week two of preseason practice
8/18/2014 5:24:00 PM | Field Hockey
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh field hockey team is into week two of preseason practice as it prepares for the season opener against Saint Joseph's next Friday, August 29. The Mountain Hawks are seeing strong play from their freshman class of six, who complement an impressive returning cast to create a competitive atmosphere in camp.
"This team had a great attitude coming in," said Lehigh head coach Stacey Eversley. "It's hard with three-a-day practices so many days in a row, but they've come in with positive attitudes and are very welcoming to the freshmen. They've been really impressive on the field."
Senior captain Steph Fratoni echoed those sentiments and is excited how the team is gelling.
"We came in with the best level of fitness that I've seen," she said. "The attitude is so positive and optimistic about the season. There's so much potential amongst the group."(8/18/2014) Field Hockey Preseason Practice, 8/18/14
Another common theme from the first week of practice has been competition.
"It's extremely competitive," said Eversley. "It's great to see and creates a fun practice. Everyone wants to be out there learning new things. It's a great atmosphere to be a part of."
"We're apart all summer so coming together, we have a lot to accomplish in two weeks. It's the only thing we have to think about and we accomplish a lot," said Fratoni. "It should hopefully show in our season."
With a strong core of upperclassmen, Fratoni sees the team gelling quickly.
"I think this year, one of the biggest transformations is that our largest class is now juniors (seven players) so they're upperclassmen," she said. "It helps bring the team together a little bit better."
Strong play from the freshmen is a big reason for the competitive atmosphere this preseason.
"As a group, they don't play like freshmen," said Eversley. "I think the upperclassmen have done a great job of leading by example to show them how we practice and how intense we can be. They've jumped right in and done a great job."
The Mountain Hawks return 13 of the 14 players who recorded a point last season. Sophomore Marissa Glatt was named first team All-Patriot League as a freshman after recording 12 goals and 25 points (second in the league) while classmate Gabby Tofig enjoyed an impressive rookie campaign with 11 points (four goals, three assists). Sophomore goalie Julia Ward recorded a 75.6 save percentage and 2.98 GAA in 2013.
"We have a lot of returning players and the players that we've added can make a great impact," said Eversley. "The girls are putting in the work they need and pushing each other. It should be an exciting season."
Lehigh opens its season with a pair of home games, next Friday (Aug. 29) against Saint Joseph's at 4 p.m. before hosting Saint Francis (Pa.) on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Like Lehigh field hockey on Facebook and follow on Twitter for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
"This team had a great attitude coming in," said Lehigh head coach Stacey Eversley. "It's hard with three-a-day practices so many days in a row, but they've come in with positive attitudes and are very welcoming to the freshmen. They've been really impressive on the field."
Senior captain Steph Fratoni echoed those sentiments and is excited how the team is gelling.
"We came in with the best level of fitness that I've seen," she said. "The attitude is so positive and optimistic about the season. There's so much potential amongst the group."
Another common theme from the first week of practice has been competition.
"It's extremely competitive," said Eversley. "It's great to see and creates a fun practice. Everyone wants to be out there learning new things. It's a great atmosphere to be a part of."
"We're apart all summer so coming together, we have a lot to accomplish in two weeks. It's the only thing we have to think about and we accomplish a lot," said Fratoni. "It should hopefully show in our season."
With a strong core of upperclassmen, Fratoni sees the team gelling quickly.
"I think this year, one of the biggest transformations is that our largest class is now juniors (seven players) so they're upperclassmen," she said. "It helps bring the team together a little bit better."
Strong play from the freshmen is a big reason for the competitive atmosphere this preseason.
"As a group, they don't play like freshmen," said Eversley. "I think the upperclassmen have done a great job of leading by example to show them how we practice and how intense we can be. They've jumped right in and done a great job."
The Mountain Hawks return 13 of the 14 players who recorded a point last season. Sophomore Marissa Glatt was named first team All-Patriot League as a freshman after recording 12 goals and 25 points (second in the league) while classmate Gabby Tofig enjoyed an impressive rookie campaign with 11 points (four goals, three assists). Sophomore goalie Julia Ward recorded a 75.6 save percentage and 2.98 GAA in 2013.
"We have a lot of returning players and the players that we've added can make a great impact," said Eversley. "The girls are putting in the work they need and pushing each other. It should be an exciting season."
Lehigh opens its season with a pair of home games, next Friday (Aug. 29) against Saint Joseph's at 4 p.m. before hosting Saint Francis (Pa.) on Sunday at 1 p.m.
Like Lehigh field hockey on Facebook and follow on Twitter for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
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