BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh women’s soccer senior Leah Kulp has been named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week for the second time in her career, as announced by the league on Tuesday. The co-captain helped spearhead a defense which allowed only one goal in two games to begin the 2011 season. She also added the game’s only goal in Friday’s 1-0 win over Binghamton. 

 

Kulp helped keep Big East opponent Seton Hall at bay in last Monday’s season opener, allowing only one goal in a 1-1 final. Kulp helped set up Isabelle Li’s first-half goal, then later cleared a ball off the goal line in the second half. That kept the score tied at one to help force overtime where the Mountain Hawks went on to their second straight 1-1 season-opening tie against a Big East foe.

 

Kulp scored the game’s only goal against Binghamton on Friday, marking the second goal of her career. She was also part of a defense which allowed only one shot on goal in a 1-0 win over the Bearcats, Lehigh’s 10th consecutive home victory dating back to 2009.

 

Extending back to last season, the Mountain Hawks’ defense has allowed only four goals in its last six games, which included three in the NCAA Tournament against Virginia. Aside from that contest, Lehigh’s defense has allowed only one goal in its last five non-NCAA games.

 

The Mountain Hawks return to action on Friday when they welcome Monmouth to the Ulrich Sports Complex. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Lehigh then travels to Monmouth on Sunday for a 1 p.m. showdown against the Red Foxes.