Patriot League Release
 
BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Following a strong defensive effort against Colgate, Lehigh women's soccer sophomore Adrian Vitello was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week on Monday while senior Ani Nahapetian garnered Goalkeeper of the Week honors. The Mountain Hawks' defense has excelled to begin Patriot League play, posting a pair of shutouts.
 
Vitello helped anchor Lehigh's efforts at defensive midfield on Saturday, winning possession all over the field and helping the Mountain Hawks shut down a strong Colgate team, especially the later stages of the first half, second half and overtime periods. The Raiders came out strongly, but after midway through the first half, Vitello helped turn the tides towards Lehigh. Colgate held a 7-2 edge in first-half shots, but Lehigh responded by allowing just two second-half shots (compared to the Mountain Hawks' eight) and just three in overtime.
 
Lehigh did not allow a single shot on goal for the game's final 65+ minutes with Colgate's last shot on goal coming with 30 seconds remaining in the first half. The Mountain Hawks are riding a 229:48 shutout streak overall and have only allowed six shots on goal through 220 minutes of Patriot League action. Vitello has played in all nine games this season, starting seven, while scoring a goal and firing 14 shots (tied for second on the team), including five shots on goal.
 
Meanwhile, Nahapetian continued her strong play between the pipes, pitching her second-straight shutout and third individual shutout of the season. She finished with three saves on Saturday evening for her tenth-career shutout. Nahapetian's best save came 4:46 into the game on a point-blank opportunity from Colgate's Emily Crichlow. The save helped stop Colgate's early momentum which allowed the Mountain Hawks to begin controlling play. Nahapetian also made another big save with 30 seconds left in the first half to keep the game scoreless after 45 minutes of action.
 
The Goalkeeper of the Week award marks Nahapetian's second of the season and fourth of her career.  Nahapetian now owns a 1.04 GAA and .825 save percentage for the year.
 
Lehigh will now hit the road on Wednesday to face Navy. Opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

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