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BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Coming off a pair of sensational road victories last week, the Lehigh women's soccer team returns home on Friday for its regular season finale against American. Opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Senior Night. The Mountain Hawks are coming off a big win at first-place and undefeated Bucknell on Saturday, which clinched a Patriot League Tournament berth. With a win vs. American this Friday, Lehigh would clinch a home game in the Patriot League Quarterfinals.
 
Seniors Laura Courtney, Tori Pantaleo, Kalin Ojert and Madeline Walsh will be recognized on Friday prior to the final regular season games of their careers.
 
At 10-4-2 overall and 4-3-1 in the Patriot League, the Mountain Hawks are currently tied with Navy for third place in the standings, but would be the No. 4 seed in the tournament if the postseason began today (due to Navy beating Lehigh on Sept. 28). Lehigh could still earn the third seed with a win and Navy loss or tie at Boston University this weekend. If the Mountain Hawks tie, they would earn the No. 3 seed with losses from Colgate and Navy. Regardless of out-of-town scores, Lehigh would finish as no worse than the No. 4 seed (and a quarterfinal home game) if it beats American.
 
The Mountain Hawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead at Bucknell Saturday and held on for the big 3-2 victory. Lehigh scored three first-half goals against a Bison defense that had allowed six all season coming in. The Lehigh defense also held the nation's top offense more than a goal below its season average.
 
Pantaleo scored in the ninth minute for a second straight game, while sophomore Sabrina Mertz and freshman Sidonie Warnecker also recorded first-half tallies. Freshman Sam Miller also made three first-half saves, including a spectacular stop to preserve the 1-0 lead in the 19th minute. Both Pantaleo and Miller were recognized on Monday for their tremendous efforts at Lafayette and Bucknell, as Pantaleo was named the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week and Miller garnered Goalkeeper of the Week honors. It marked Pantaleo's second weekly award of the season and Miller's fifth. Pantaleo was also named to the TopDrawer Soccer National Team of the Week.
 
American is just 1-15-2 on the season and 0-6-2 in the Patriot League, but has played a number of tight games. Most recently, the Eagles dropped a 1-0 final to Holy Cross, one game after dropping a 2-0 decision to Navy. American also has slim 1-0 losses to Colgate and at Boston University. Madie Light leads the team in points with five on the season (two goals, one assist) while Yari Bradfield and Alexandra Taylor each own two goals and four points. Three different goalkeepers have started at least three games in goal, led by Morgan Lang, who has played 12 games (nine starts) with a 2.79 goals against average and .645 save percentage. Coleen Vivaldi started last game vs. Holy Cross and owns a 2.12 GAA and .733 save percentage this season.
 
The Eagles lead the all-time series, 11-6-1, most recently beating Lehigh 1-0 in the 2015 regular season finale. Lehigh has won three straight home games against American, last losing in 2007.
 
Following Friday's game, the Mountain Hawks will open their first Patriot League Tournament since 2012 when they play in the quarterfinal round on Tuesday. Check back to Lehighsports.com for updates heading into the postseason.
 
Like Lehigh Women's Soccer on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.

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