Friday, August 27
Conshohocken, Pa.
6 p.m.
Lehigh University
at
Villanova
Mountain Hawks Open Season With Games Friday and Sunday
8/26/2021 2:16:00 PM | Field Hockey
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh field hockey team is set to open its season this weekend when the Mountain Hawks travel to Villanova on Friday (6 p.m.) before hosting Longwood on Sunday (11 a.m.). Lehigh will look to keep the momentum going from some impressive wins dating back to the end of the 2019 season, as a talented and experienced, team returns in 2021.
Â
Friday's game can be seen on FloSports (there is a subscription charge) while Sunday's game will not be streamed, but live stats will be available. For Sunday's home game, for any spectators who prefer physically-distanced seating, the section at the North end of the bleachers is marked with physically-distanced signage. For more information on Lehigh Athletics' COVID-19 safety measures, please click here.Â
Â
The Mountain Hawks only graduated one player from the spring – goalkeeper Steph Brabender. Included among the returnees are fifth-years Drew Pecora (the program's all-time leader for goals in a season) and Lenke Havas (a four-time All-Patriot League honoree). Reigning Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year Maddie Kahn also returns after finishing second nationally in save percentage last spring (87.9). Julia Gatelein garnered All-League recognition as a rookie, and was named Lehigh Athletics' top first-year female student-athlete.
Â
Villanova posted a 4-10 record last spring, 3-9 in the Big East. The Wildcats were 7-10 in the last full season in the fall of 2019. A pair of rookies were named second team All-Big East in the spring in Meghan Mitchell (who posted eight goals and two assists) and Sabine de Ruijter (who had six goals and one assist). Both of Villanova's goalkeepers from a season ago return; Jordan McGinley had a 2.64 goals against average and 64.4 save percentage in 477:47 while Claire Borman recorded a 4.67 GAA and 50.9 save percentage in 359:34.
Â
The Wildcats lead the all-time series with Lehigh, 15-10. The teams first met in 1977, a 1-0 Lehigh victory. In the most recent matchup, Villanova won 7-3 at home in 2018. Villanova has won 14 straight in the all-time series, with Lehigh's last win coming in 1988 by a 1-0 final.
Â
Longwood finished last spring with an 8-5 record, including 6-5 in the MAC for a third-place finish. The season prior, the Lancers were 9-10, 3-3 in conference. Luna Lopez, who was named first team All-MAC last season, returns. Strong in the midfield, Lopez finished with a goal and four assists in 10 games. Current redshirt senior Madison Nuckols saw the majority of time in the spring, posting a 1.10 goals against average and 67.6 save percentage.
Â
Lehigh won the only-ever meeting against Longwood, 4-1 at home in 2003.
Â
After this weekend, the Mountain Hawks return home to host Bryant next Sunday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. on ESPN+.
Like Lehigh field hockey on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
Â
Â
Friday's game can be seen on FloSports (there is a subscription charge) while Sunday's game will not be streamed, but live stats will be available. For Sunday's home game, for any spectators who prefer physically-distanced seating, the section at the North end of the bleachers is marked with physically-distanced signage. For more information on Lehigh Athletics' COVID-19 safety measures, please click here.Â
Â
The Mountain Hawks only graduated one player from the spring – goalkeeper Steph Brabender. Included among the returnees are fifth-years Drew Pecora (the program's all-time leader for goals in a season) and Lenke Havas (a four-time All-Patriot League honoree). Reigning Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year Maddie Kahn also returns after finishing second nationally in save percentage last spring (87.9). Julia Gatelein garnered All-League recognition as a rookie, and was named Lehigh Athletics' top first-year female student-athlete.
Â
Villanova posted a 4-10 record last spring, 3-9 in the Big East. The Wildcats were 7-10 in the last full season in the fall of 2019. A pair of rookies were named second team All-Big East in the spring in Meghan Mitchell (who posted eight goals and two assists) and Sabine de Ruijter (who had six goals and one assist). Both of Villanova's goalkeepers from a season ago return; Jordan McGinley had a 2.64 goals against average and 64.4 save percentage in 477:47 while Claire Borman recorded a 4.67 GAA and 50.9 save percentage in 359:34.
Â
The Wildcats lead the all-time series with Lehigh, 15-10. The teams first met in 1977, a 1-0 Lehigh victory. In the most recent matchup, Villanova won 7-3 at home in 2018. Villanova has won 14 straight in the all-time series, with Lehigh's last win coming in 1988 by a 1-0 final.
Â
Longwood finished last spring with an 8-5 record, including 6-5 in the MAC for a third-place finish. The season prior, the Lancers were 9-10, 3-3 in conference. Luna Lopez, who was named first team All-MAC last season, returns. Strong in the midfield, Lopez finished with a goal and four assists in 10 games. Current redshirt senior Madison Nuckols saw the majority of time in the spring, posting a 1.10 goals against average and 67.6 save percentage.
Â
Lehigh won the only-ever meeting against Longwood, 4-1 at home in 2003.
Â
After this weekend, the Mountain Hawks return home to host Bryant next Sunday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. on ESPN+.
Like Lehigh field hockey on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
Â
Players Mentioned
M/F
/ Field Hockey
D/M
/ Field Hockey
GK
/ Field Hockey
M/F
/ Field HockeyField Hockey vs. Boston U.
Saturday, October 04
Field Hockey vs. LIU
Sunday, September 28
Lehigh Sports Central: Field Hockey
Wednesday, September 24
Field Hockey vs. Temple
Sunday, September 14
