The Brown & White

After the women's lacrosse team finished 8-9 last season and were eliminated in the first round of the Patriot League tournament, the Mountain Hawks needed help to rebound. They found it in freshman attacker Lauren Dykstra.

Dykstra made an impact starting with the Hawks' first game of the season, scoring three goals against Mount St. Mary's University. Now, 15 games later with a spot in the Patriot League tournament clinched, she has not slowed down.

Through 16 games, Dykstra has tallied 61 goals, the highest in the league. She is third both in the league in total points and ground balls per game, with 76 and 2.75 respectively. The 61 goals give her an average of 3.93 goals per game.

Dykstra has scored at least one goal in each of the 16 games of the season and has been named Patriot League rookie of the week a record-tying five times this season.

In each of the Hawks' nine victories, Dykstra has scored at least three goals.

Although it has been one remarkable season for Dykstra individually, she said all her individual success pales in comparison to her devotion to the team.

Immediately upon stepping on the field for her first lacrosse practice at Lehigh, Dykstra said she found comfort in the upperclassmen.

"I look up to the upperclassmen on our team a lot," Dykstra said.

Sophomore defender Carolyn Von Heill said Dykstra has been just as much of a role model as the upperclassmen.

"Her dedication and determination make her a role model on our team even as a freshman," Von Heill said.

Dykstra said the Hawks' offense is not a one-player operation because the team has so many weapons. She said opposing teams are having trouble figuring out how to guard the Hawks.

Dykstra began playing lacrosse during her freshman year at Mendham High School in New Jersey. She picked up the game quickly and her senior year she was named an all-American.

Dykstra credits her high school coach for her success on the lacrosse field.

"I had a really intense high school lacrosse coach, and she really helped us prepare for college," she said. "My high school coach literally taught me everything I know about lacrosse."

Von Heill said Dykstra exceeded the team's expectations as a recruit.

"Lauren has made such a strong impact in her first year as a starter for our team," Von Heill said. "She came in as one of the top 50 recruits in the country and has only brought success to our team."

As a senior in high school, Dykstra led Mendham to the New Jersey state championship game. She netted 91 goals throughout her final high school season.

Von Heill said she has watched Dykstra's progress as a player since her high school years.

"After playing against her in high school, I've seen her grow to fit the style of play for college lacrosse, which is what makes her so successful this season," Von Heill said.

Dykstra also played basketball and soccer at Mendham, where she was named an all-state soccer player two years in a row.

With all her accolades, one would expect Dykstra to be under immense pressure. However, her experiences in high school and through her first year in college have helped her adapt well.

"It is a lot of pressure, but I try not to think about it," she said. "If I obsess about it, it is a waste of time."

Dykstra leads the Hawks in almost all categories including total points, ground balls and shots on goal. Her 59 goals are a school record for a freshman, previously held by junior attacker Sara MacIntyre.

Von Heill said Dykstra is always willing to put everything on the line for the team.

"Lauren is always willing to take risks and put 100 percent into her playing," Von Heill said. "She is such a hard worker and puts all her heart into every practice and game for us. Her scrapes and bruises are there for proof."

Although she still has the league tournament to look forward to this season, Dykstra has three more years with the Hawks. The squad only graduates two seniors, and Dykstra said she is confident in the team's ability to be a dominating force next year.

"We definitely have high expectations for next year," Dykstra said.

Dykstra said the team's series of losses by one goal really sunk in her head as something that could have been prevented.

The team will travel to Lewisburg, Pa. tomorrow for its final regular season game against Bucknell University. The Bison are 1-4 in the Patriot League and have been eliminated from the postseason tournament.