The Brown & White

Coming off a 19-7 loss to Colgate University last Saturday, the women's lacrosse team is set to play the Villanova University Wildcats on Tuesday.

A win against the Wildcats will help the Mountain Hawks secure a spot in the Patriot League playoffs.

The team enters the game 8-6 on the season and 3-2 in league play.

Junior attack Sara MacIntyre said after the loss to Colgate, the team is under a lot of pressure.

"Tuesday's game is really important," MacIntyre. "Our No. 1 goal is to win the Patriot League, and I think we have a very good chance. We have to beat Villanova and Bucknell [University] to secure a spot in playoffs, but I think if we keep playing the way we are we will definitely come out with wins."

The team's schedule is difficult this year, MacIntyre said, with so many competitive league teams.

"The Patriot League is tough this year because so many teams are very similar," she said. "We all are on about the same level, so it's about capitalizing on minor weaknesses of your opponent."

MacIntyre said she expects a strong underclassmen presence along with the team's speed to help the Hawks win the upcoming games.

"Our team has come a long way from the beginning of the season," MacIntyre said. "Our underclassmen have adjusted to the new level of play very well. We are a very fast through the midfield and I think it has been a major contributing factor in our success."

The Hawks are led offensively by freshman Lauren Dykstra with 53 goals and 14 assists.

MacIntyre is second on the team for goals with 33.

Assistant Coach Jill Redfern said the team's intense training during practices has helped the Hawks strengthen their offensive and defensive skills, improving their teamwork dramatically.

"They now capitalize on more opportunities," Redfern said. "We are always looking to improve our stick work. Our execution can be more consistent. Becoming more ambidextrous in all positions is a goal of ours. Decision-making and game management are areas we continue to emphasize."

The Hawks have been able to bounce back from each loss, Redfern said, allowing the team to consistently progress as a group.

"Our greatest strength at this point is resiliency," she said. "This team understands the momentum swings in women's lacrosse. They have the mental toughness to persevere through rough spells."

The team is happy with how it has improved since the beginning of the season, MacIntyre said, and will continue to persevere in pursuit of their goals.

Redfern said the primary goal for next game is to work together as a team and finish the season strong.

"Our goal is simple: stick together and become the very best women's lacrosse team we can be," she said. "We are focused on finishing our regular season with a solid record."

Tuesday's game is the last home game for the two senior players and captains, midfielder Christy Smith and defender Seana Smith.

"Villanova is our senior night," Redfern said. "I expect every individual to put forth her very best effort in honor of the contributions these two young women have made to this program."

Game time is set for 7 p.m. at Ulrich Sports Complex and will be broadcast live on lehighsports.com.