Complete Patriot League Release
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Lehigh women’s lacrosse team has been predicted fourth in the Patriot League preseason poll, as announced on Monday. In addition, senior defender Lauren Willcox and junior midfielder Kendall Garden were named to the preseason All-Patriot League Team. The Mountain Hawks finished last season in a tie for fourth place in the league standings, advancing to the Patriot League Tournament for the first time since 2011.
Defending Patriot League Champion Loyola finished atop the preseason poll, garnering 128 points and 16 first-place votes. Navy was next in second place, followed by Boston University, Lehigh, Holy Cross, Colgate, Lafayette, American and Bucknell.
Lehigh finished 4-4 in the Patriot League last season, which included a big win at Boston University as the Mountain Hawks handed the Terriers their first-ever league defeat. Lehigh also defeated archrival Lafayette, American and Bucknell.
Willcox was a first team All-Patriot League honoree last season, earning All-League honors for a second straight year. The Chester Springs, Pa. native tallied 19 groundballs, 17 caused turnovers and ten draw controls for a defense that posted a strong 8.48 goals against average, second in the Patriot League. For her career, Willcox owns 53 groundballs, 37 caused turnovers and 26 draw controls in 47 games (all starts).
Garden enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign in 2014, recording 31 points (third on the team) via 20 goals and 11 assists. She was a two-way midfielder, adding a team-leading 42 groundballs and 32 caused turnovers to go with 22 draw controls as well. Garden finished among the league leaders in several categories and was a second team All-Patriot League honoree.
The Mountain Hawks continue hard at work in preseason practice as they prepare for their season opener on Feb. 14 at Penn State. Lehigh’s home opener is set for Friday, Feb. 20 against UC Davis.
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Patriot League Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Poll
1. Loyola Maryland, 128 points (16 first-place votes)
2. Navy, 110 (2)
3. Boston University, 103
4. Lehigh, 77
5. Holy Cross, 72
6. Colgate, 67
7. Lafayette, 39
8. American, 32
9. Bucknell, 20
Patriot League Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Annie Thomas, Loyola (Sr., A)
Patriot League Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Maddy Lesher, Loyola (Jr., D)
Preseason All-Patriot League Team
Megan Ark, Colgate (Sr., A)
Loren Generi, Navy (Sr., A)
Hannah Schmitt, Loyola (Sr., A)
Annie Thomas, Loyola (Sr., A)
Kendall Garden, Lehigh (Jr., M)
Jill Horka, Boston U (Jr., M)
Laura Ryan, Holy Cross (Sr., M)
Taryn VanThof, Loyola (Sr., M)
Jenna Frost, Colgate (Sr., D)
Maddy Lesher, Loyola (Jr., D)
Lauren Willcox, Lehigh (Sr., D)
Jennie Berglin, Colgate (Sr., GK)
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Justin Lafleur
Lehigh University Athletics
Assistant Director, Sports Media Relations
Men’s Basketball, Women’s Soccer, Field Hockey, M&W Lacrosse, Rowing
641 Taylor Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Office: (610) 758-6631
Email: [email protected]
Lehighsports.com
