BETHLEHEM, Pa. - The Lehigh women’s soccer team celebrated a strong 2011 season with is annual banquet on Sunday, Jan. 15, in the University Center. It was a chance for players and coaches to reflect on a season that featured a win over Patriot League finalist Navy and tie versus eventual league champion Army, along with a number of individual accolades. Three prestigious awards were also presented to team members who displayed excellence, both on and off the field.

 

The Athlete of the Year, awarded to senior Genna Pepe, was presented to the student-athlete who made the most outstanding athletic contributions to the accomplishments of the team. In her final season in the Brown & White, Pepe earned First Team All-Patriot League honors while starting all 17 games. She was tied for second on the team with two goals and was a steady defensive presence. Pepe was also named to the All-Mid-Atlantic Team.

 

The Scholar-Athlete of the Year, given to sophomore Paige Dyrek, was presented to the team member who demonstrates outstanding academic performance. The California native carries a 3.57 GPA as a Biology major. Dyrek showed tremendous ability to balance academics and athletics, playing in all 17 games (starting nine) and registering three points (one goal, one assist).

 

The Coaches Award, awarded to senior Leah Kulp, was presented to the team member who exemplifies outstanding work ethic, on and off the field. The New Jersey native provided excellent leadership while starting 16 games and registering five points (two goals, one assist), good for second on the team. She scored the only goal in big 1-0 wins against Binghamton and American.

 

Lehigh wrapped up its season with a 6-9-2 record, 2-3-1 in Patriot League play after its game at Holy Cross was called 30 minutes in due to snow. The Mountain Hawks lose six seniors, but return 20 underclassmen next season, including the current freshman class of nine which saw significant collegiate action.