BROOKLYN, N.Y.— The LIU Brooklyn field hockey team opens its 2018 home slate this weekend after starting the season with eight games on the road. The Blackbirds open play at LIU Field on Friday, September 21 against Lock Haven before closing the weekend on Sunday, September 23 against Lehigh. 

LAST TIME OUT

LIU is coming off a weekend split to end its road swing to start the year. The Blackbirds earned a 2-1 win over Holy Cross last Friday. Junior Lauren Alburg tied the game up early in the second half before classmate Olivia Dennis scored the game winner in the 56th minute to give LIU its first non-conference win. LIU suffered a 8-0 setback to Providence on Sunday.

SCOUTING THE BALD EAGLES

Lock Haven (4-3) enters the weekend coming off a 4-3 double overtime loss to UMass on Friday, September 14. The Bald Eagles tied the game up late in the second half but were unable to closeout its Atlantic 10 opener. Lock Haven currently ranks sixth in the nation with a 3.14 assists per game average.Tamia Roach is the team's leading goal scorer with five goals on the season. She shares the team lead in points with 12 along side Alyscia Smith, who has four goals and four assists on the year. Brianna DeAngelis has started all seven games on the season, recording a 1.67 goals against average. 

SCOUTING THE MOUNTAIN HAWKS

Lehigh (1-6) comes into the matchup on a three-game skid, falling to Lafayette 3-2 in overtime and a 5-0 shutout by Fairfield last weekend. The Mountain Hawks square off with Bucknell on Saturday before meeting with the Blackbirds on Sunday. Lehigh ranks seventh in the nation and first in the Patriot League with four defensive saves on the year. Leah Mullery is Lehigh's leading scorer with three goals on the season. She is tied for the team lead in points with Lenke Havas with six. 

UP NEXT 

The Blackbirds conclude the three-game homestand in downtown Brooklyn on Sunday, September 30 with a 3:30 p.m. contest against La Salle.