The Lehigh women’s soccer team will gear up to face rival, Lafayette College, on Oct. 19.
The Mountain Hawks (8-3-2, 2-2-1 Patriot) have allowed only seven goals against them while the team has 19 goals on the season.
Lehigh began its 2016 campaign with a seven-game winning streak, an eight-game shutout streak and a consistent defensive showing. Contributions from a variety of people on the team, including underclassmen, have played a huge role in its success so far.
Freshman goalkeeper Sam Miller has garnered several Patriot League Honors, including a NSCAA Division I Player of the Week on Sept. 13, and the Lehigh record four Patriot League Rookie of the Week awards over the course of the season so far.
Junior Grace Correll is aware of the underclassmen’s role on the field.
“The freshman have adjusted really well and blend well into the team,” Correll said. “No matter what 11 players we have on the field, everyone has confidence in one another which is definitely a huge contributing factor to our success this year.”
The team’s depth and versatility has been a weapon against opponents so far this season.
“I definitely expect the seniors to step up as upperclassmen,” senior Laura Courtney said. “That this is our last chance to play against Lafayette, but I also know that all 24 of us will bring something to the game that will contribute to our win.”
Senior Tori Pantaleo is excited for the pregame rituals revolving around the rivalry game. Lehigh-Lafayette games have a long history of rivalry, and each time the two schools face off, there is always competition when it comes to school spirit.
“We do fun things to pump up the team and always do a walk through campus yelling chants before we get on the bus so we can instill some school spirit around campus,” Pantaleo said. “Everyone looks forward to this game all season.”
Before the Lafayette game, the Hawks are focused on beating Boston University on Oct. 15. Although there is already a sense of anticipation surrounding the game, they need to take one game at a time.
Pantaleo recognizes the hype for the game and knows what it will take to get the job done.
“Playing Lafayette brings on different emotions,” Panteleo said. “It’s not about who is better on paper, it’s anyone’s game. Playing Lafayette isn’t about soccer skill. It requires mental toughness and a lot of heart and love for your own school.”
With only four games left in the regular season, the team is preparing for Patriot League postseason play and the feelings of excitement exist within all players on the team. Although the Lafayette game has a certain ring of pressure to it, the girls are looking at like any other game.
Courtney looks to guide her team into having this same mindset.
“We talk about playing every game, in league or out of league, as if it’s the Patriot League Championship, so I don’t think our approach to the Lafayette game will be any different,” Courtney said.
As the Mountain Hawks’ season winds down with one of its biggest games as part of the finale, they look forward to what the rest of the season has in store. Correll and the rest of the team looks forward to the rest of the season with promise and excitement.
“I am expecting our team to continue outworking each team we come against,” Correll said. “These next few games are crucial in securing a spot in the playoffs and trying to get a high ranking within the Patriot League. It would be really cool to get a home playoff game this year.”
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