2008 Woodie Awards
RSSHawks hope to tame Leopards' attack
By Mia Spadoni
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Sports
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The team defeated Bucknell University Saturday. Lehigh was down two goals with just over six minutes to play when sophomore midfielder Lindsey Smith and junior forward Kalynn Davies both found the net for the Mountain Hawks, forcing overtime.
Senior midfielder Christy Smith scored the winning goal at the 4:48 mark, securing the win for the Hawks. Lehigh had command of the game, out-shooting the Bison 16-4 and recording a 12-1 advantage in penalty corners.
Head Coach Julie Mazer said she hopes to carry on the momentum tomorrow.
"I think composure and being mentally tough is what sets a team apart from the rest of the conference," Mazer said. "Obviously, in the end, it's what put us on top. I want to see us take that passion, that heart and that composure and bring that into the Lafayette game."
Junior forward Kara Zweizig also hopes to relive the Bucknell victory.
"We played with a lot of intensity and we hope that carries over," Zweizig said.
Reflecting on the win against Bucknell, Mazer said watching her team rush out onto the field helped her realize why she loves coaching.
"That pure joy - all the hours, all the work, all the time they put in paid off," Mazer said. "It was a great way to start our league play."
With the win, the Hawks improved to 5-5 on the season, 1-0 in Patriot League play.
Lafayette is looking to bounce back from a 1-0 loss against Holy Cross College Saturday. The Leopards stand at 3-7 on the season, 0-1 in Patriot League play.
Senior back Lauren Volpe thinks the key to winning is controlling the game.
"We need to dictate the pace of the game by coming out strong and making them adjust to our style of hockey," Volpe said. "We are going to beat Lafayette when we play a full 70 minutes of good field hockey."
Mazer recognizes the importance of controlling the pace of the game.
"I think if we can possess the ball better, then we will be in a position to get some shots, get some corners, and put the ball in the cage," Mazer said.
The Hawks will look to co-captain Smith to lead the offense. She was named Patriot League offensive player of the week Monday, after her game-winning goal against Bucknell.
"Christy came through in the clutch when we needed her to and that's what a senior captain does for her team," Mazer said.
Smith has four goals and one assist for the Hawks this season.
The Leopards are led by junior midfielder Maggie Condon, who has three goals and two assists this season.
Last season when the two teams met, a Hawk turnover led to the only goal and the Leopards defeated Lehigh 1-0 at the Ulrich Sports Complex.
Lehigh controlled most of the play during the game, dominating the shots 18-3 and penalty corners 8-1. The Hawks put up strong offensive numbers, taking eight shots in the opening half, including three within a 45-second span, but none of them resulted in goals.
The teams will face off tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Rappolt Field in Easton, Pa.
