June 8, 2004

After completing what was arguably the best season in Lehigh history, the Lehigh women's soccer program has reloaded. With the departure of three seniors following the 2003 season, the Mountain Hawks welcome nine new squad members representing the Class of 2008.

"The incoming players will continue to add to our overall talent," said third year head coach Manny Oudin, the 2003 Patriot League Coach of the Year. "I believe that some of the players will continue to raise the competitiveness in training, and therefore, raise our overall level of play. Some of the players have the ability to make immediate and significant contributions."

The Lehigh offense, led by 2003 Patriot League Freshman of the Year Gina Lewandowski, should again be a force this season. The attack will be bolstered by the appearance of two newcomers in Melissa Montalvo (Cranford, N.J./Cranford) and Michaela Pawlewicz (Naperville, Ill./Naperville North). Both Montalvo and Pawlewicz are expected to make significant contributions this season, and have impressed the Lehigh coaches with their hard work and athleticism.

Three incoming freshmen join the Mountain Hawks and bring depth to the midfield. Jennifer Fetsick (Wildwood, N.J./Wildwood), Shannon Lockwood (Toms River, N.J./Toms River East), and Sabrina Must (Bloomfield Hills, Mich./Cranbrook Kingswood) will all look to make an impact in the Lehigh midfield. Festick and Lockwood will push for playing time, while Must is busy rehabbing a knee injury and is hopeful of earning some time later in the season.

Lehigh's defensive unit was stellar a season ago, posting a school record seven shutouts. Three newcomers join the defensive unit in hopes of helping to shutdown the opposition's attack. Adela Burton (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seven Hills School), Courtney Jackson (Cranbury, N.J./Peddie School), and Kerry McLaughlin (Middletown, N.J./Middletown South) will all push for time in the Lehigh backfield. All three feature a great work ethic and will push the returning group for time.

Sarah Mikenis (Portland, Ore./Jesuit), a goalkeeper, rounds out the incoming class. A very athletic and technically sound keeper, Mikenis will compete for the backup role behind senior captain Erin Iwaskiewicz, the Patriot League's Defensive Player of the Year in 2003.

The nine newcomers will join a very talented group of returning student-athletes in helping the program continue its rise. Lehigh set school records for goals scored and shutouts last season, while recording the highest team grade point average in the athletics department last fall.

The 2004 Mountain Hawks open their season on Friday, August 27, when Lehigh hosts Quinnipiac at the Ulrich Sports Complex in Bethlehem.