2018 Men's Lacrosse Roster
Spence, James
Jersey Number 19
James Spence
- Position:
- G
- Height:
- 5-10
- Weight:
- 170
- Class:
- First Year
- Hometown:
- Springfield, Pa.
- High School:
- Springfield
- Major:
- Management
Bio
WHY LEHIGH? “I chose Lehigh because it was a great fit for me in the academic and athletic apartment. I really enjoyed the campus, the coaches and teammates at Lehigh.”
AS A GRADUATE STUDENT (2022): Named a second team All-Patriot League honoree … Finished first in the league, and 19th nationally, in save percentage (53.8) … Was also No. 1 in the league, and seventh in the country, in goals against average (9.85) … Finished with 169 saves; 11.27 saves per contest were fourth in the Patriot League … Helped anchor Lehigh’s defense, which finished sixth nationally in scoring defense (9.80) … The Mountain Hawks allowed single-digit goals on eight occasions, including four games of seven games or less … Collected 36 groundballs, third on the team … Started all 15 games, in goal, reaching double-figure saves in 12 of those contests and posting at least a 50 percent save percentage in 11 games (including the final seven of the season) … Finished with 15 saves, including seven in the second quarter, in the Patriot League Semifinals at No. 16 Boston University (5/6) … Stopped 13-of-20 shots vs. Navy (5/3).
AS A SENIOR (2021): Named an honorable mention All-America by the USILA, Inside Lacrosse Media and USA Lacrosse Magazine … Finished 15th in the nation in goals against average (9.83) and 14th in save percentage (56.0) … Was 10-2, adding 22 groundballs (fifth on the Mountain Hawks) and three caused turnovers … Reached double-figure saves in nine of the 12 games and also stopped at least 50 percent of shots in nine contests … Superb in the NCAA Tournament vs. No. 9 Rutgers (5/15), tying a career-high 17 saves while adding four groundballs and a caused turnover … Finished with nine saves and three groundballs in Patriot League Semifinal victory over Colgate (5/7) … Made 13 saves in the regular season finale at No. 16 Villanova (5/1) … Stopped 11-of-22 shots sent his way vs. Bucknell (4/24) … Posted 10 saves vs. Lafayette (4/18) … Two days prior, had 12 stops, a groundball and caused turnover at Lafayette (4/16) … Stellar vs. No. 19 Navy (4/10), making 14 saves while allowing just seven goals. Added four groundballs … Made 10 stops in big win over No. 7 Army West Point (4/3) … Had eight saves the week prior at Colgate (3/28) … Finished with 15 saves, five groundballs and a caused turnover – while allowing just six goals – at Bucknell (3/14) … Impressive in win over No. 10 Loyola (3/6), tying a career-high 17 saves – while allowing only six goals – to earn Patriot League Goalie of the Week honors. Also named to the USILA National Team of the Week … Opened the season with five saves vs. NJIT (2/27).
AS A JUNIOR (2020): Strong effort, posting a 9.20 goals against average and 52.6 save percentage, good for 11th and 27th nationally … Started all six games in shortened season … Added 12 groundballs, seventh on the team … Had double-digit saves in three contests, stopping 50+ percent sent his way in four games … Part of a defense that finished 14th nationally in scoring defense (9.67) ... Made seven saves and collected two groundballs against Holy Cross (3/7) … Stellar vs. Navy (2/29), stopping 12-of-18 shots sent his way, including 11 of the final 13. Allowed just two even strength goals all game. Was recognized with Patriot League Goalie of the Week honors for his efforts … Made seven saves, allowing six goals, in win at NJIT (2/22) … Finished with eight saves, seven coming in the final three quarters, in win over VMI (2/20) … Impressed at defending national champion and No. 1 Virginia (2/15), stopping 14-of-25 shots sent his way. Added four groundballs … Opened season with 12 saves (11 over final three quarters) in season-opening win over Utah (2/8) … Named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2019): Impressive campaign, tallying a 9.55 goals against average (seventh nationally) and 53.9 save percentage (18th) … Started all 17 games … Tied for fifth on the Mountain Hawks in groundballs (37) … Posted double-figure saves on 11 occasions, allowing single-digit goals nine times … Named to the Patriot League All-Tournament Team following 25 saves over two games … Had 14 saves in strong effort during title game vs. No. 19 Army West Point (5/5) … Stellar in Patriot League semifinal win over Boston University (5/3). Finished with 11 saves, including stopping seven of eight in the first quarter. Also added his first-career point, an assist … Tallied 11 saves, including a number of strong stops, and four groundballs at Holy Cross (4/26) … Made eight saves while adding three groundballs and a caused turnover against Bucknell (4/20) … Had two first-half saves, allowing just one goal vs. St. Bonaventure (4/13) … Finished with 11 saves, five coming in the second quarter, against Robert Morris (4/10) … Made 12 saves at No. 2 Loyola (4/6), six coming in the third quarter and nine in the second half. Stopped nine of 14 sent his way in the second half. Also had four groundballs and a caused turnover … Impressive vs. Boston University (3/30), especially in the second half. Finished with 13 saves, allowing just eight goals in the victory. Stopped 6-of-6 shots in the third quarter and 9-of-12 in the second half … Another stellar effort, tying a career-high 17 saves at Navy (3/23). Earned Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week for the third time in March … Stopped seven of 12 shots sent his way against archrival Lafayette (3/17) … Sensational in win at No. 15 Rutgers (3/12), making a career-high 17 saves in 13-10 win … Made 10 saves, including nine over the final three quarters, in 11-8 win over No. 17 Army West Point (3/9). Added a career-high five groundballs. Earned second straight Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week honor … Strong at No. 16 Colgate (3/2), stopping 11-of-19 shots sent his way to earn Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week … Finished with nine saves at No. 4 Cornell (2/24) … Had eight saves and two groundballs at No. 11 Virginia (2/15) … Career effort vs. Hofstra, making a career-high 16 saves while allowing just four goals vs. Hofstra (2/9). Tied a career-high three groundballs … Made three saves and tallied two groundballs in season-opening win over NJIT (2/2).
AS A FIRST-YEAR (2018): Strong rookie campaign, posting a 9.03 goals against average and 49.8 save percentage in 17 games (16 starts) … Fourth in the Patriot League in GAA … Reached double-figure saves on five occasions, allowing single-digit goals in 13-of-17 games … Earned two Patriot League weekly awards, winning Goalkeeper of the Week after win at Army West Point and Rookie of the Week following Boston University win … Made 10 saves in the Patriot League Championship Game at No. 6/8 Loyola (4/29). Six of those stops came in the first half to help the Mountain Hawks stand tied 5-5 at halftime … Finished with eight saves in Patriot League Semifinal win over No. 11/13 Navy (4/27). Stopped 3-of-4 shots sent his way in the fourth quarter … Stellar in Patriot League Quarterfinals against Colgate (4/24), stopping 11-of-15 shots … Entered in the second half at No. 11/12 Bucknell (4/20) and stopped five of nine shots sent his way … Tremendous at Boston University (3/31), posting a career-high 13 saves while allowing just six goals to earn Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors … Tallied three saves and two groundballs vs. Navy (3/24) … Made six saves in big 13-8 win at No. 18/19 Hofstra (3/20) … Finished with five saves, allowing just six goals playing the first 30:16 at Lafayette (3/17) … Had seven saves, five coming in the middle two quarters, vs. No. 18/16 Rutgers (3/14) … Made nine saves, allowing just seven goals in big win at No. 12 Army West Point (3/10). Seven goals marked a season low for the Black Knights. Was named Patriot League Goalie of the Week … Strong vs. Colgate (3/3), especially early and late, tallying six saves against Colgate (3/3). Helped hold the Raiders (No. 3 in the nation in scoring offense at the time), 8.75 goals under its scoring average entering the contest … Posted seven saves while allowing just two goals against Holy Cross (2/24) … Strong at No. 13/14 North Carolina (2/17), posting 11 saves, which included stopping 4-of-5 shots sent his way in the third quarter and 6-of-9 in the second half. Added two groundballs … Made 10 saves, allowing eight goals at Mercer (2/10) … Tallied nine saves, allowing seven goals in collegiate debut vs. NJIT (2/3). Was especially strong in the middle two quarters, stopping 7-of-10 shots sent his way.
BEFORE LEHIGH: Was a two-time All-American goaltender for Springfield High School … Finished career with 78 wins and 855 saves, good for a 63.2 save percentage … Also named a three-time All-Central League and two-time All-State honoree … Three-time All-Delaware County, Central League MVP, Delaware County MVP, All-South-Eastern PA MVP and Philly Lacrosse Co-MVP … Helped Springfield to back-to-back state championships and District I titles in 2016 and 2017 … Also made the Philadelphia Under Armour All-America lacrosse team as a rising senior … A multi-sport athlete, was also a standout on the Springfield High School ice hockey team … Strong in the classroom as a member of the National Honor Society and leader in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) … Younger brother of Lehigh midfielder Lucas Spence.
CAREER STATISTICS
CAREER HIGHS
Saves: 17, four times; last vs. Rutgers (5/15/21)
Fewest Goals Allowed (in start): 2 vs. Holy Cross (2/24/18)
Groundballs: 6 vs. Navy (5/3/22)
GETTING TO KNOW JAMES
What’s your favorite thing about Lehigh? The library
Major & Why: Engineering
Favorite Place on Campus: Linderman Library
Favorite Food: Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Musical Artist: Twenty-One Pilots
Favorite Movie: The Other Guys
Favorite TV Show: Entourage
Favorite Website: Netflix
Favorite Sports Broadcaster: Harry Kalas
Favorite Pro Team: Sixers
Favorite Athlete In Another Sport: Joel Embiid
Hobbies: Ice Hockey, Snowboarding, Golf, Wakeboarding
Magazine Cover I'd Like To Be On: Forbes
Place I'd Like To Visit: Greece, Ireland, Hawaii
Talent I’d Most Like To Have: Ability to dunk a basketball
Dream Job: Professional Golfer
I Wear My Jersey Number Because: It has been worn in my family most of my life
If I Didn't Play Lacrosse, I Would Play: Ice Hockey
If I Had $1 Billion, I Would: Hang with my family
AS A GRADUATE STUDENT (2022): Named a second team All-Patriot League honoree … Finished first in the league, and 19th nationally, in save percentage (53.8) … Was also No. 1 in the league, and seventh in the country, in goals against average (9.85) … Finished with 169 saves; 11.27 saves per contest were fourth in the Patriot League … Helped anchor Lehigh’s defense, which finished sixth nationally in scoring defense (9.80) … The Mountain Hawks allowed single-digit goals on eight occasions, including four games of seven games or less … Collected 36 groundballs, third on the team … Started all 15 games, in goal, reaching double-figure saves in 12 of those contests and posting at least a 50 percent save percentage in 11 games (including the final seven of the season) … Finished with 15 saves, including seven in the second quarter, in the Patriot League Semifinals at No. 16 Boston University (5/6) … Stopped 13-of-20 shots vs. Navy (5/3).
Finished with 15 stops in the regular season finale at Loyola (4/29) … Made 14 saves, allowing just nine goals, vs. No. 15 Boston University (4/23) … Had 12 stops at Colgate (4/16) … Tallied 13 saves in win over Bucknell (4/10) … Recorded 13 saves, allowing seven goals, at Lafayette (4/2) … Finished with eight saves in win at Binghamton (3/29) … Posted 11 saves against No. 5 Georgetown (3/26) … Made 10 saves in big win at No. 9 Army West Point (3/19) … Recorded 10 saves in the regular season vs. Navy (3/5) … Tallied 11 stops against No. 14 Cornell (2/26) … Opened the season by stopping 12-of-17 shots sent his way at NJIT (2/12) … Named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.11th save of the day for Spence and wow it is pretty ??
— Lehigh Lacrosse (@LehighLacrosse) May 4, 2022
Lehigh 13, Navy 6
Watch on ESPN +: https://t.co/7aL60nmk56 pic.twitter.com/DSBRl3AYdL
AS A SENIOR (2021): Named an honorable mention All-America by the USILA, Inside Lacrosse Media and USA Lacrosse Magazine … Finished 15th in the nation in goals against average (9.83) and 14th in save percentage (56.0) … Was 10-2, adding 22 groundballs (fifth on the Mountain Hawks) and three caused turnovers … Reached double-figure saves in nine of the 12 games and also stopped at least 50 percent of shots in nine contests … Superb in the NCAA Tournament vs. No. 9 Rutgers (5/15), tying a career-high 17 saves while adding four groundballs and a caused turnover … Finished with nine saves and three groundballs in Patriot League Semifinal victory over Colgate (5/7) … Made 13 saves in the regular season finale at No. 16 Villanova (5/1) … Stopped 11-of-22 shots sent his way vs. Bucknell (4/24) … Posted 10 saves vs. Lafayette (4/18) … Two days prior, had 12 stops, a groundball and caused turnover at Lafayette (4/16) … Stellar vs. No. 19 Navy (4/10), making 14 saves while allowing just seven goals. Added four groundballs … Made 10 stops in big win over No. 7 Army West Point (4/3) … Had eight saves the week prior at Colgate (3/28) … Finished with 15 saves, five groundballs and a caused turnover – while allowing just six goals – at Bucknell (3/14) … Impressive in win over No. 10 Loyola (3/6), tying a career-high 17 saves – while allowing only six goals – to earn Patriot League Goalie of the Week honors. Also named to the USILA National Team of the Week … Opened the season with five saves vs. NJIT (2/27).
AS A JUNIOR (2020): Strong effort, posting a 9.20 goals against average and 52.6 save percentage, good for 11th and 27th nationally … Started all six games in shortened season … Added 12 groundballs, seventh on the team … Had double-digit saves in three contests, stopping 50+ percent sent his way in four games … Part of a defense that finished 14th nationally in scoring defense (9.67) ... Made seven saves and collected two groundballs against Holy Cross (3/7) … Stellar vs. Navy (2/29), stopping 12-of-18 shots sent his way, including 11 of the final 13. Allowed just two even strength goals all game. Was recognized with Patriot League Goalie of the Week honors for his efforts … Made seven saves, allowing six goals, in win at NJIT (2/22) … Finished with eight saves, seven coming in the final three quarters, in win over VMI (2/20) … Impressed at defending national champion and No. 1 Virginia (2/15), stopping 14-of-25 shots sent his way. Added four groundballs … Opened season with 12 saves (11 over final three quarters) in season-opening win over Utah (2/8) … Named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2019): Impressive campaign, tallying a 9.55 goals against average (seventh nationally) and 53.9 save percentage (18th) … Started all 17 games … Tied for fifth on the Mountain Hawks in groundballs (37) … Posted double-figure saves on 11 occasions, allowing single-digit goals nine times … Named to the Patriot League All-Tournament Team following 25 saves over two games … Had 14 saves in strong effort during title game vs. No. 19 Army West Point (5/5) … Stellar in Patriot League semifinal win over Boston University (5/3). Finished with 11 saves, including stopping seven of eight in the first quarter. Also added his first-career point, an assist … Tallied 11 saves, including a number of strong stops, and four groundballs at Holy Cross (4/26) … Made eight saves while adding three groundballs and a caused turnover against Bucknell (4/20) … Had two first-half saves, allowing just one goal vs. St. Bonaventure (4/13) … Finished with 11 saves, five coming in the second quarter, against Robert Morris (4/10) … Made 12 saves at No. 2 Loyola (4/6), six coming in the third quarter and nine in the second half. Stopped nine of 14 sent his way in the second half. Also had four groundballs and a caused turnover … Impressive vs. Boston University (3/30), especially in the second half. Finished with 13 saves, allowing just eight goals in the victory. Stopped 6-of-6 shots in the third quarter and 9-of-12 in the second half … Another stellar effort, tying a career-high 17 saves at Navy (3/23). Earned Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week for the third time in March … Stopped seven of 12 shots sent his way against archrival Lafayette (3/17) … Sensational in win at No. 15 Rutgers (3/12), making a career-high 17 saves in 13-10 win … Made 10 saves, including nine over the final three quarters, in 11-8 win over No. 17 Army West Point (3/9). Added a career-high five groundballs. Earned second straight Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week honor … Strong at No. 16 Colgate (3/2), stopping 11-of-19 shots sent his way to earn Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week … Finished with nine saves at No. 4 Cornell (2/24) … Had eight saves and two groundballs at No. 11 Virginia (2/15) … Career effort vs. Hofstra, making a career-high 16 saves while allowing just four goals vs. Hofstra (2/9). Tied a career-high three groundballs … Made three saves and tallied two groundballs in season-opening win over NJIT (2/2).
AS A FIRST-YEAR (2018): Strong rookie campaign, posting a 9.03 goals against average and 49.8 save percentage in 17 games (16 starts) … Fourth in the Patriot League in GAA … Reached double-figure saves on five occasions, allowing single-digit goals in 13-of-17 games … Earned two Patriot League weekly awards, winning Goalkeeper of the Week after win at Army West Point and Rookie of the Week following Boston University win … Made 10 saves in the Patriot League Championship Game at No. 6/8 Loyola (4/29). Six of those stops came in the first half to help the Mountain Hawks stand tied 5-5 at halftime … Finished with eight saves in Patriot League Semifinal win over No. 11/13 Navy (4/27). Stopped 3-of-4 shots sent his way in the fourth quarter … Stellar in Patriot League Quarterfinals against Colgate (4/24), stopping 11-of-15 shots … Entered in the second half at No. 11/12 Bucknell (4/20) and stopped five of nine shots sent his way … Tremendous at Boston University (3/31), posting a career-high 13 saves while allowing just six goals to earn Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors … Tallied three saves and two groundballs vs. Navy (3/24) … Made six saves in big 13-8 win at No. 18/19 Hofstra (3/20) … Finished with five saves, allowing just six goals playing the first 30:16 at Lafayette (3/17) … Had seven saves, five coming in the middle two quarters, vs. No. 18/16 Rutgers (3/14) … Made nine saves, allowing just seven goals in big win at No. 12 Army West Point (3/10). Seven goals marked a season low for the Black Knights. Was named Patriot League Goalie of the Week … Strong vs. Colgate (3/3), especially early and late, tallying six saves against Colgate (3/3). Helped hold the Raiders (No. 3 in the nation in scoring offense at the time), 8.75 goals under its scoring average entering the contest … Posted seven saves while allowing just two goals against Holy Cross (2/24) … Strong at No. 13/14 North Carolina (2/17), posting 11 saves, which included stopping 4-of-5 shots sent his way in the third quarter and 6-of-9 in the second half. Added two groundballs … Made 10 saves, allowing eight goals at Mercer (2/10) … Tallied nine saves, allowing seven goals in collegiate debut vs. NJIT (2/3). Was especially strong in the middle two quarters, stopping 7-of-10 shots sent his way.
BEFORE LEHIGH: Was a two-time All-American goaltender for Springfield High School … Finished career with 78 wins and 855 saves, good for a 63.2 save percentage … Also named a three-time All-Central League and two-time All-State honoree … Three-time All-Delaware County, Central League MVP, Delaware County MVP, All-South-Eastern PA MVP and Philly Lacrosse Co-MVP … Helped Springfield to back-to-back state championships and District I titles in 2016 and 2017 … Also made the Philadelphia Under Armour All-America lacrosse team as a rising senior … A multi-sport athlete, was also a standout on the Springfield High School ice hockey team … Strong in the classroom as a member of the National Honor Society and leader in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) … Younger brother of Lehigh midfielder Lucas Spence.
CAREER STATISTICS
| Season | GP-GS | Min | GA | GAA | Saves | Save% | W | L | GB |
| 2018 | 17-16 | 884:07 | 133 | 9.03 | 132 | .498 | 10 | 6 | 18 |
| 2019 | 17-17 | 967:55 | 154 | 9.55 | 180 | .539 | 9 | 8 | 37 |
| 2020 | 6-6 | 351:59 | 54 | 9.20 | 60 | .526 | 5 | 1 | 12 |
| 2021 | 12-12 | 677:19 | 111 | 9.83 | 141 | .560 | 10 | 2 | 22 |
| 2022 | 15-15 | 883:34 | 145 | 9.85 | 169 | .538 | 8 | 7 | 36 |
| Totals | 67-66 | 3764:54 | 597 | 9.52 | 682 | .533 | 42 | 24 | 125 |
CAREER HIGHS
Saves: 17, four times; last vs. Rutgers (5/15/21)
Fewest Goals Allowed (in start): 2 vs. Holy Cross (2/24/18)
Groundballs: 6 vs. Navy (5/3/22)
GETTING TO KNOW JAMES
What’s your favorite thing about Lehigh? The library
Major & Why: Engineering
Favorite Place on Campus: Linderman Library
Favorite Food: Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Musical Artist: Twenty-One Pilots
Favorite Movie: The Other Guys
Favorite TV Show: Entourage
Favorite Website: Netflix
Favorite Sports Broadcaster: Harry Kalas
Favorite Pro Team: Sixers
Favorite Athlete In Another Sport: Joel Embiid
Hobbies: Ice Hockey, Snowboarding, Golf, Wakeboarding
Magazine Cover I'd Like To Be On: Forbes
Place I'd Like To Visit: Greece, Ireland, Hawaii
Talent I’d Most Like To Have: Ability to dunk a basketball
Dream Job: Professional Golfer
I Wear My Jersey Number Because: It has been worn in my family most of my life
If I Didn't Play Lacrosse, I Would Play: Ice Hockey
If I Had $1 Billion, I Would: Hang with my family
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