Mountain Hawks To Host ‘Youth Night’ Vs. Lafayette, Travel West To Bucknell

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Just under a week removed from their big win over Loyola on Senior Night, Lehigh volleyball’s quest for a Patriot League tournament berth continues with two bouts against Lafayette and Bucknell on Friday and Saturday. The Mountain Hawks will host their rival on Friday from Leeman-Turner Arena at Grace Hall before heading west to take on Bucknell on Sunday in Lewisburg.

Lehigh (12-12, 4-9 PL) currently sits in eighth place in the Patriot League standings and is only one match behind Lafayette for the sixth and final spot in the postseason. The Mountain Hawks split their two competitions last week, dropping a 3-1 affair to the American while defeating Loyola in straight sets the following day. First-year Alysia Fingall was named the Patriot League’s Rookie of the Week after posting 27 digs, 20 kills, and six blocks across Lehigh’s two matches. Lehigh’s top attacker is Megan Schultewho leads the team with 318 kills. Makena Smith’s 649 assists lead the Mountain Hawks, Kyleigh Brown’s 362 digs are a team-high, and Emily Stewart has impressed on the defensive end with 109 blocks this season.

Lafayette (9-12, 5-8 PL) hosted two Patriot League matches this past weekend, welcoming Navy and American to Easton on Friday and Saturday. The Leopards will be on the road for the remainder of their regular season schedule, starting with Lehigh on Friday. The two rivals met earlier in the season in Easton, resulting in a 3-1 victory for Lafayette. Category leaders for the Leopards include Emma Patmon (153 kills), Alyssa Vitale (338 assists), Katie Weston (228 digs) and Gracie Gibson (79 blocks).

Bucknell (13-9, 9-4 PL) has impressed in Patriot League play this season, sitting in third place after defeating the likes of Colgate, Navy, and Army. The Bison enter this weekend’s matchup after picking up wins against Loyola and Navy on October 27 and 28. Bucknell met Lehigh in Bethlehem earlier this season, resulting in an impressive comeback down 2-1 to defeat the Mountain Hawks in five sets. Catherine Jamison leads the team with 270 kills, Laura Caro’s 277 assists lead Bucknell, Jordan Hardy’s 462 digs are a team-high, and Sidney Shaffer’s 86 blocks rank fifth in the Patriot League.

The Mountain Hawks will be hosting their ‘Youth Night’ for Friday’s match, which will include an autograph signing session with the players after the match. Lehigh’s final home match of the season will begin at 7 pm from Grace Hall while the team will face Bucknell at 4 pm on Sunday in Lewisburg.

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