Mountain Hawks look back at season at annual team banquet
Posted: 01/24/2012
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - On Sunday, Jan. 15, the Lehigh field hockey team reflected on a strong 2011 season at its annual team banquet in the University Center. The banquet was a celebration of a season which featured the Mountain Hawks’ third Patriot League Tournament appearance in the last five years, along with a number of individual accolades including four All-League selections and two major Patriot League awards. Three team awards were presented to the student-athletes who displayed excellence, on and off the field.
Sophomore goalkeeper Sierra Segear earned Athlete of the Year honors, presented to the team member who made the most outstanding contribution to the success of the team. Segear enjoyed one of the finest seasons in school history en route to being named Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year. She led the league in saves (202) and saves percentage (.774) while being named Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week three times. Starting the final 17 games of the season, Segear registered 12 double-digit save performances.
The Scholar-Athlete of the Year, which was presented to senior Abby Tilton, was awarded to the team member who performed excellent work in the classroom and exemplifies the ideal of a scholar-athlete. The New Jersey native carries a 3.88 GPA as an IDEAS (Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts, and Sciences) major. Earning Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year, Tilton’s academic accolades are endless; she was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, Dean’s List and NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad, among others. Tilton also excelled on the field in starting 15 games while scoring seven goals (second on the team) and a team-leading five assists.
The Coaches Award, which was awarded to freshman Steph Fratoni, was presented to the student-athlete who made notable contributions to the well-being of the team in the areas of attitude, improvement and leadership. Fratoni enjoyed a fantastic rookie season in garnering Second Team All-Patriot League honors. Starting all 19 games, Fratoni registered six points (one goal, four assists) and five defensive saves while also having a steady presence on the defensive end.
The Mountain Hawks finished the season with a 6-13 record, 3-2 in the league for the first time since 2007. Lehigh earned big Patriot League wins over Colgate, eventual league finalist Bucknell and Holy Cross. After a tough start, the Mountain Hawks finished the season by winning four of their last seven games and five of their last 10 to gain momentum heading into the 2012 campaign.