RADNOR, Pa. – Recently-graduated Lehigh women’s lacrosse senior Lauren Willcox picked up a stick for one final time on Saturday by representing the Mountain Hawks in the IWLCA North-South All-Star Game at Cabrini College. In a showcase of the nation’s top seniors, Willcox suited up for the North with student-athletes from around the country. Included were players from the Patriot League along with others from schools like Penn State, Ohio State, Syracuse and more.
“It was definitely an honor to be picked to play in the North-South Game,” said Willcox, a three-time All-Patriot League honoree. “I got to play with some of the greatest players in Division I lacrosse, so that was awesome. The game was really fast, which was a change of pace. It was really fun.”
A first team All-League player each of the last two seasons, Willcox saw plenty of action in the game which featured two 25-minute running halves. Willcox’s North team fell behind 9-3 in the second half, but ended the game on a 6-1 run to pull within 10-9 at the final horn. The day was a celebration of these seniors’ careers.
“This game is a unique opportunity for the best seniors to compete one last time,” said Lehigh head coach Jill Redfern. “It’s great recognition for Lauren and our program.”
A co-captain in 2015, Willcox became the fifth Mountain Hawks in as many years named to the game. She finished her senior year with 19 groundballs and 26 caused turnovers, helping Lehigh’s defense allow just 8.06 goals per game (third in the Patriot League). The Mountain Hawks advanced to their second straight Patriot League Tournament in 2015 due in large part to the play, and leadership, of Willcox.
“I’m definitely so proud of our senior class for finishing out the way we did,” she said. “It wasn’t the perfect ending, but we all had great careers over our four years and contributed so much to the growth of the program. It was a good way to leave Lehigh, and this (North-South) game was a great way to end my career.”
The Mountain Hawks wrapped up a strong season highlighted by a seven-game road winning streak, a road win against Rutgers in front of a nationally-televised audience and the team’s second straight postseason appearance. Lehigh’s defense was especially strong as the Mountain Hawks finished the season 9-8 and earned the #5 seed in the Patriot League Tournament.
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