Lehigh University Athletics
Saturday, September 9
Bethlehem, Pa.
12:30 PM
Lehigh University
6-3,0-0Patriot
0
vs
3
Binghamton
6-3,0-0America East
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Binghamton | 25 | 25 | 25 | 3 |
| Lehigh | 23 | 19 | 17 | 0 |
Photo by: Katie McNulty
Mountain Hawks Split Final Two Matches Of Steel Classic
9/9/2023 10:40:00 PM | Volleyball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After a long weekend of NCAA volleyball action, the Steel Classic presented by SureStay by Best Western has officially come to a close. Lehigh squared off against Binghamton and FDU on Saturday, dropping their first match to the Bearcats in three sets while ending the weekend on a strong note with a 3-1 win over the Knights.
"Always great to finish on a high note," said head coach Alexa Keckler. "We definitely bounced back this evening and that was due to some great senior leadership and energy."
Lehigh's (7-3) day began with a 12:30 p.m. first serve against Binghamton (6-4), and the first set of the day proved to be a tight one. The Bearcats ultimately pulled away with a close 25-23 win, and followed that up with efficient performances in both sets two and three. The Bearcats walked away with 25-19 and 25-17 wins in the second and third sets respectively. Binghamton hit an effective .321 percent to Lehigh's .189 in the match, and the Mountain Hawks now set their sights on FDU.
The Knights (1-9) started the match against Lehigh in similar fashion to Binghamton, claiming a 25-23 set one win over the Mountain Hawks. Despite beginning the second frame by winning the first two points, Lehigh began to gain some momentum. The Mountain Hawks began stringing together several runs, including three separate 4-0 swings. Lehigh finished the second set on a 7-1 run, putting the exclamation mark on a statement 25-14 set two win.
The third set provided more of the same, as Lehigh once again put on an impressive display for the Mountain Hawk faithful in the stands. After FDU gained an early 9-7 advantage, Lehigh turned a corner, orchestrating a dominant 8-0 run. The run was highlighted by first-year Abby Felkai's three consecutive aces from the service line that brought Lehigh fans to their feet. When it was all said and done, Lehigh came away with a 25-17 set three win.
After cruising to wins in sets two and three, the Knights weren't going out without a fight in set four. Neither side was able to pull away to begin the frame until FDU earned an 11-7 advantage off the heels of a Giorgia Vaschetti kill. The Mountain Hawks responded in kind, going on a 5-0 run spotlighted by kills from Lylah Washington and Ufuoma Omene. The two teams continued to trade points until finally the score was knotted at 23 apiece. Fortunately for the Mountain Hawks, FDU committed consecutive attacking errors to give Lehigh the 25-23 set win and 3-1 match victory.
Both Megan Schulte and Emily Stewart were named the all-tournament team for their efforts this weekend, but Lehigh found contributions from many different players on its roster. Drew Brown, Alysia Fingall, and Lylah Washington all played more or an equal number of sets than they had coming into the weekend, and all three were solid contributors.
"The team depth certainly had a big impact this weekend," said Keckler. "With four matches, it really made a difference that we had great contributions from so many."
The Mountain Hawks will have a few days of rest before welcoming the Villanova Wildcats to Leeman-Turner Arena on Wednesday, September 13. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m. and will also be streamed on ESPN+.
"We are going to have to play more consistent and disciplined in our unforced errors as we head into Wednesday," said Keckler.
Like Lehigh Volleyball on Facebook, follow on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
2023 Lehigh Steel Classic presented by SureStay by Best Western All-Tournament Team:
1. Cara Lewis, VT
2. Hanna Borer, VT
3. Leandra Mangual-Duran, VT
4. Tsvetelina Ilieva, Binghamton
5. Ella Schabort, Binghamton
6. Megan Schulte, Lehigh
7. Emily Stewart, Lehigh
8. Alondra Maldonado, Delaware State
9. Tatijana Fucka, FDU
"Always great to finish on a high note," said head coach Alexa Keckler. "We definitely bounced back this evening and that was due to some great senior leadership and energy."
Lehigh's (7-3) day began with a 12:30 p.m. first serve against Binghamton (6-4), and the first set of the day proved to be a tight one. The Bearcats ultimately pulled away with a close 25-23 win, and followed that up with efficient performances in both sets two and three. The Bearcats walked away with 25-19 and 25-17 wins in the second and third sets respectively. Binghamton hit an effective .321 percent to Lehigh's .189 in the match, and the Mountain Hawks now set their sights on FDU.
The Knights (1-9) started the match against Lehigh in similar fashion to Binghamton, claiming a 25-23 set one win over the Mountain Hawks. Despite beginning the second frame by winning the first two points, Lehigh began to gain some momentum. The Mountain Hawks began stringing together several runs, including three separate 4-0 swings. Lehigh finished the second set on a 7-1 run, putting the exclamation mark on a statement 25-14 set two win.
The third set provided more of the same, as Lehigh once again put on an impressive display for the Mountain Hawk faithful in the stands. After FDU gained an early 9-7 advantage, Lehigh turned a corner, orchestrating a dominant 8-0 run. The run was highlighted by first-year Abby Felkai's three consecutive aces from the service line that brought Lehigh fans to their feet. When it was all said and done, Lehigh came away with a 25-17 set three win.
After cruising to wins in sets two and three, the Knights weren't going out without a fight in set four. Neither side was able to pull away to begin the frame until FDU earned an 11-7 advantage off the heels of a Giorgia Vaschetti kill. The Mountain Hawks responded in kind, going on a 5-0 run spotlighted by kills from Lylah Washington and Ufuoma Omene. The two teams continued to trade points until finally the score was knotted at 23 apiece. Fortunately for the Mountain Hawks, FDU committed consecutive attacking errors to give Lehigh the 25-23 set win and 3-1 match victory.
Both Megan Schulte and Emily Stewart were named the all-tournament team for their efforts this weekend, but Lehigh found contributions from many different players on its roster. Drew Brown, Alysia Fingall, and Lylah Washington all played more or an equal number of sets than they had coming into the weekend, and all three were solid contributors.
"The team depth certainly had a big impact this weekend," said Keckler. "With four matches, it really made a difference that we had great contributions from so many."
The Mountain Hawks will have a few days of rest before welcoming the Villanova Wildcats to Leeman-Turner Arena on Wednesday, September 13. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m. and will also be streamed on ESPN+.
"We are going to have to play more consistent and disciplined in our unforced errors as we head into Wednesday," said Keckler.
Like Lehigh Volleyball on Facebook, follow on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.
2023 Lehigh Steel Classic presented by SureStay by Best Western All-Tournament Team:
1. Cara Lewis, VT
2. Hanna Borer, VT
3. Leandra Mangual-Duran, VT
4. Tsvetelina Ilieva, Binghamton
5. Ella Schabort, Binghamton
6. Megan Schulte, Lehigh
7. Emily Stewart, Lehigh
8. Alondra Maldonado, Delaware State
9. Tatijana Fucka, FDU
Team Stats
Bingha
Lehigh
Kills
45
35
Errors
10
14
Attempts
109
111
Hitting %
.321
.189
Points
61.0
45.0
Assists
39
31
Aces
10
5
Blocks
6
5
Game Leaders
Kills
14
Aces
1
Blocks
1
Kills
9
Aces
1
Blocks
2
Kills
3
Aces
0
Blocks
3
Kills
3
Aces
0
Blocks
0
Players Mentioned
OH/DS
/ Volleyball
S
/ Volleyball
OH
/ Volleyball
RS
/ Volleyball
OH
/ Volleyball
MB
/ Volleyball
OH
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