Spring Games End On Positive Note

On a cold, rainy spring day, reminding fans and players of late fall, Lafayette trained for their autumn challenges ahead. In the four previous contests this spring, they proved they could compete with good opponents displaying a defense up to the task. But like most sports the offense take s a little more time to emerge.

This game with Drexel prove to follow that pattern. The return of Stella Malinowski from the Junior World Cup would prove to be a spark as she scored a second period goal giving an Lafayette early 1-0 lead. Throughout the game the Leopards were to manage several penalty corners setting up numerous scoring opportunities. They managed to beat the Drexel press and fast break offense that is the signature of their play.

Lafayette decided to flip the script using a high press and several fast breaks of their own in the second half. However, the Dragons managed to slip past the Leopards and score a tying goal before time ran out in the second period. The weather was miserable , providing a test for Leopard concentration and perhaps a reminder for the challenges ahead.

From now until early August there will be individual challenges to be ready for the fall. Training will depend on preparation guided by written instructions from the strength and conditioning staff and hopefully some group play away arranged by captains. There will be a new group of first year players added to the mix hopefully bringing add depth to an already experience squad.

As a summary, this senior class of Emma Maher, Stella Malinowski, Maddie Evans, Ines Araujo, Katie Good, Naomi George, Lena Thedrian will provide the experienced anchor for another run at the playoffs. But it is true also that team depth will prove crucial, and our underclassman will provide spark.

This is a good team, if healthy by end of the season, could provide some real thrills for their followers!!

Spring Continues To Show Improvements

The Leopards continue to hone crucial skills this spring as they continue to march through a competitive spring schedule. After four games the Leopards have scored six goals and only given up three. Today they met St Joseph University at Hawk Hill, the first meeting since the NCAA game two years ago. The Leopards fell 0-1 and the Hawks went on to advance to the National Championship game.

Today, Lafayette left on the positive side led by a second period goal by rising soph, Linda Nova who found the upper corner on a reverse chip shot. The defense remained stout as the Leopards held back the aggressive play of St. Joe’s for the remainder of the game

The Hawks opened the game with a high press which Lafayette handled well , as the Hawk intensity inspired the Leopards aggressiveness of their own . St. Joe’s is adjusting to a new Coach, Sam Brown. Coach Brown comes from Syracuse ironically headed by former Head Coach Lynn Farquhar. Hannah Prince, last year’s St. Joe’s Coach left for Penn State at the turn of the year.

The last game of the spring season will occur on Saturday with Drexel at home. After that we have to wait until Labor Day week-end when the Leopards will meet Kent State and national Champion Northwestern in Chicago.

There of course will be some preseason games before that in August. In any case, things are looking good so far in 2026!

Spring Will Drive Fall Success

As our seniors prepare for graduation and moving onto careers or graduate school, underclass teammates begin the process to reload for the fall. In many ways it can be a more intense process as players a shifted to unfamiliar positions and new connections on the field.

The Leopards are mid way through spring competitions. Two players are missing playing for their national under 21 teams in South America and there are the usual injuries that seem to crop up from time to time but that does not mean there are some interesting processes in the works.

Perhaps the most interesting change will be at goalkeeper as two underclassmen are vying for playing time. From what I have seen so far, that issue looks in good hands as both seem up to the job against very good teams having given up only 3 goals in 3 games.

The other issue that will interest fans is that 40 percent of the Patriot League coaches will turn over this fall, Colgate, Holy Cross, and Boston College. To date, Colgate has inexplicably not announced their new leader. The other two are in place as I write.

As to my impressions so far, I see no reason why Lafayette can not be in the hunt again for the title. It’s always interesting to see the schedule of out of conference games as an indication of the coach’s belief in the fall prospects. There is no stronger indication this year as early on they will be meeting national champion Northwestern in Chicago. In addition, American and Boston will be at home this year. As to support, it was great to see familiar faces of parents in the stands.

As to other transitions, I have termed out as the chair of USA Field Hockey Foundation which leaves me more time to travel and pay attention to the Leopards. It was an intense two years with establishing an MOU with the Association, writing new By Laws and Articles of Incorporation and placing 6 new BOT members. The chair is in good hands with Sara Kocmond at the helm guiding them to and through the 2028 LA Olympics,

Not The Outcome We Wanted

Stella Malinowski and Josephine van Wijk surround a Boston player

It was a game well anticipated….a chance for our Leopards to add another ring to the finger, but Boston had other ideas. It needed a record setting effort by Boston and they got it. Boston always brings a stout defense, and they delivered, but they also got a record hat trick from Caroline O’Brian, that the Leopards failed to halt when needed.

For a while it looked like the Leopards would pull it out…a goal by. Maddie Evans in the third tied things up, but answered by O’Brian 6 minutes later…then 9 minutes later a goal by Malinowski only to be trumped by O’Brian with only 2 1/2 minutes to go in the game. This was the first time a 4 seed won the tournament and the first time there was a hat trick that did it.

I delayed writing this blog because I wanted to reflect on this and the upcoming tournament. First of all the Leopards left it all on the field and all praise to a marvalous senior class who led us here. Mackenzie Switzer, Carolina Rubel, Ellie Barton, Josephine Van Wijk, Peyton Guinter, and Raffi Fragomeni, who thrilled us with their courage, skill and determination for four years. They earned their rings from last year, something a majority of teams in Patriot League cannot say.

To the team, you prevailed through training, injuries and other adversities, for that you have our admiration and thanks. We are proud to be your fans!!

Josephine Van Wijk unloads a shot against Bucknell

To our amazing freshman, sophomores and juniors, you will challenge again I am sure, using this game as motivation. The League is getting better and the challenges will certainly be there, but I know you are up to it. To our coaches, who will hit the recruiting trail to replace and strengthen an extraordinary squad, our good wishes.

For the moment to Boston, congratulations on overcoming a difficult season. Best of luck and carry the League Flag with pride!! Boston will move onto Fairfield for the play in game, and I suspect after that. Princeton.

The success of the Ivy League this year has come as a shock to the power schools. Harvard, Princeton, and Yale will continue playing, pushing out teams like Maryland and Michigan.

A black mark to the Patriot League for asking the Lafayette team to leave the pitch after the game. The optics made it seem like they were bad sports. Several American players in the stands corrected the impression by noting the League had demanded the loser leave the field….terrible optics!!!

The success of the Ivies shows that excellence is possible, even at the Patriot League level with all its demands!!

Lafayette Punches Ticket To Championship Game

Josephine Van Wijk unloads a shot against Bucknell

In an action packed four quarters of field hockey, Lafayette College defended their title like the Champions they are. It was a match that has become a standard when these two teams, Lafayette and Bucknell, meet. For the last 9 meetings these two team dueled to a one goal result with Lafayette getting the advantage.

The first half ended 0-0 with Lafayette turning away five Bucknell penalty corners, with Katie Gibb meeting Kira Laclercq’s near the top of circle shots. Laclercq took every penalty corner opportunity but could not solve the Leopard penalty corner defense.

Katie Gibb and Lea Good moves against Bucknell

The game was played at consistent high intensity. Action moved from end line to end line testing the boundaries of fitness and skill. As Bucknell seemed to turn the action their way Lafayette defenders were there to intercept or tackle a Bucknell player recapturing the ball.

Lafayette used their strong bench, eventually testing the Bucknell depth. Eighteen Leopards made it into the game which Bucknell managed to sub in only three players from their reserves.

The relentless pressure eventually gave way to a two goal second half that was to break the tie with two goals at 33.53 and 42:26. Stella Malinowski drew first blood with a scrambling unassisted goal. While a scrum developed and multiple player were on the turf the Lafayette forward found the handle to deliver the first goal of the game.

The second goal was delivered nearly ten minutes later by the ubiquitous Katie Gibb in much the same matter. The Leopards used the two goal lead to control the fourth quarter until the Bisons decided to pull their Goalkeeper with nearly half the fourth quarter gone.

Katie Gibb scrambles to score!!

With two and one half minutes left the Leopards suffered a penalty stroke call, which Leclercq executed bringing the score to 2-1. Lafayette was to control the rest of the period to making their ticket reality, with a date to meet Boston in the final on Saturday.

Boston stunned American with 1-0 win in the first game. Despite being out cornered, the Boston defense was to stuff the strong APC’s, which is the foundation of American’s scoring.

The games were played with recently installed video review. By my count it was used at least 8 times between the officials, and calls by the teams during both matches. That leaves Lehigh the only team without review at their site.

Lafayette and Boston remain in DC to prepare for Saturday’s 1 pm meeting!!

Leopards Finish Regular Season With 6-4 Win Over Delaware

Lauren Kurek Lines Up Shot That Opens Scoring

In a game that seemed to cram a season’s worth of action in four quarters, the Leopards showed their character and spirit by turning away a game Delaware team to end up on top 6-4.

Half the scoring came from a three goal hat trick by Lena Thedrian. It was the second time this season that Lena was to get three goals in a single game. In this game it involved an effort that was to turn away a strong effort by Delaware.

The game had everything to offer. I can’t remember the last time there were three official’s reviews, along with several other reviews at crucial times during the action. The game was played on a windy cold afternoon, that rivaled any game played at Metzgar, the Leopards home turf. Adding to the action was a Delaware turf that was very fast that promoted offensive fire works.

First year player Lauren Kurek opened the explosion of scoring by taking a feed from Ellie Barton 13 minutes into the first quarter. In a skilled one on one move, she found her opening, delivering a strike using her back hand giving the Leopards a one goal lead.

Delaware answered seven minutes later with a goal of their own knotting the score at 1-1. Delaware seemed to take control by adding a second goal at 25:02, as the Leopards tried to find the answer to the Blue Hens resurgence. Lafayette retired at half time trying to figure things out on the short end of a 2-1 score in Delaware’s favor.

Four minutes into the second half captain Josephine Van Wijk, using an assist by Lea Good and Katie Gibb during a penalty corner tied the score again. It was Lena Thedrian who scored the first of her three goals, putting Lafayette ahead 3-2 using a drag flick during another penalty corner.

It wasn’t much more than a minute later that Delaware was gifted a penalty stroke, allowing them to tie the game and shift momentum in their favor. They followed with a score 5 minutes later putting them up for the last time 4-3.

It was then that the Leopards and Thedrian took charge with a surge with goals at 48:00 and 54:21 giving Lafayette a one goal lead with assists from Olivia Krey, Katie Gibb and Lea Good. Delaware then pulled their goalkeeper in a last attempt to rescue the game, but it was Stella Malinowski who delivered the “coup de grace” with a final goal a 57:07.

Raffi Fragomeni had 7 saves during the contest as Lafayette faced 17 shots from Delaware, while delivering 15 of their own scoring the 6 goals. It was aided by 12 penalty corners to Delaware’s 8 including the stroke.

The Leopards will move on to the post season with a meeting at American University with Bucknell on Thursday at two o’clock. The last encounter was a 2-1 overtime win against the Bison. American will meet Boston University at 11.

Unfortunately, the Patriot League tournament will be played without the customary video review since American is without the technology.

Leopards Finish League Regular Season With 1-0 Win Against Boston University

Feline Reuskin closes in on Boston player
Katie Gibb executes DPC

In a game that Boston had hoped to advance their bid for the Patriot League Tournament, Katie Gibb scored Lafayette’s winning goal with six minutes and forty six seconds into the third quarter. It was Gibb’s third goal of the season and second game winning goal in a row.

It was a contest dominated by defense, but had all the intensity of post season skills. Boston never gave up and even had 4 shots in the third quarter but never found the back of the cage. Although Lafayette did not have a shot in the fourth quarter they did turn away multiple attacks by the Terriers. With minutes left the Terriers did pull their goal keeper and the Lafayette defense stood tall and turned them away several times.

Although partly cloudy throughout the game the atmosphere turned chilly as the sun sank in the western sky. It did not deter the play on the field as Lafayette used 17 players in the game and Boston tried inserting fresh legs on their side with 20 players.The field for the Tournament did clarify as Bucknell emerged as the third qualifier and the likely opponent for Lafayette. Boston could still emerge as the fourth qualifier and the likely opponent for American, the host.

There were three video reviews during the game highlighting the deficit of video review for the Patriot League championship games because American does not have it. Along with Lehigh they remain the only sites without video review.

Lafayette Gets Come From Behind Victory 3-2

Katie Gibb scores winning goal with one minute left in the game

With several players nursing injuries the depth of Lafayette carried the day in a 3-2 thriller ending in a strike by Katie Gibb with less than one minute left in the game. Katie put in 60 minutes and was very involved in the offense all game. However, it was Junior Maddie Evens who got off the first shot of the game at 4:09. which was stopped by the Raider’s Claire van Kempen who had 8 saves during the day. The second shot came from Lea Good 2 1/2 minutes later again to be stopped by the Raider GK.

Lea Good put the Leopards in the lead in the first half

It was early in the second quarter when Lea was to find the back of the cage scoring a goal with the help of Linda Nova at 21:36. That goal was to stand up through the first half with the Leopards in the lead 1-0. with a 7-0 lead in shots and 1 penalty corner to none.

Two and one half minutes into the third quarter Colgate came alive as they got off three shots, two of which found the back of the net. The first came as it deflected off the glove of Fragomeni, the Lafayette goal keeper. Three minutes later the Crusader attack struck again to make it 2-1 on a fast break and the Leopards found themselves behind for the first time in the game.

The Leopards were to have success challenging Colgate one on one. It was one such drive up the middle of the field by Josephine van Wijk that set up the Leopards for a scrambling goal to tie the game. With 40 seconds left in the third quarter van Wijk charged towards the goal with Lena Thedrian and Sophomore Laila Pasic putting themselves in position. Thedrian got hold of the ball as Colgate tried to organize eventually passing to Pasic who tipped it in for the tying score.

The intensity increased throughout the final quarter as both teams had opportunities. Colgate and Lafayette had 2 penalty corners. With one minute and three seconds left and facing overtime Lafayette earned their last penalty corner of the game. Again, with a scramble in front of the cage Rosalie van Gool found Katie Gibb who delivered the winning goal with 50 seconds left on the the clock.

Van Wijk used her considerable skills to wind down the clock and seal the 3-2 win.

By virtue of the win the Leopards have now secured a place in the Championship tournament. Ironically, halfway through the game Lehigh lost to Holy Cross securing a spot even before Gibb’s final goal.

So there is still a mathematical chance for either Holy Cross, Boston University, Bucknell and Lehigh to qualify. Lafayette will play Boston next Friday in their final regular season game on Friday in Boston.

American took a large step in securing home field by beating Bucknell. Lafayette would need American to lose its final two league games for Lafayette to host. It is a shame should American host the championship it will be played without video review. In the American v. Bucknell game there several times that video review would have been helpful. It’s time for the League to mandate video review for championship matches. American is NOT qualified to host an NCAA Tournament game without it, as is Lehigh!!

Thedrian’s Hat Trick Pulls Leopards To 6-2 Victory Over Holy Cross

Lena Thedrian heroics leads Leopards

In the development of a team “personality,” at times it takes a single person to lead. Last night it was Lena Thedrian who stepped up with three goals in less the two minutes during a crucial third quarter. Until then Holy Cross was displaying heroics of their own in the person of their goalkeeper Mia McCloskey who had 9 saves in the first period. None was bigger than a stop of a penalty stroke attempt by Stella Malinowski.

Despite the Leopards dominance in shots 14-3 in the first half alone, it was the Crusaders who were to be in the lead 1-0 by the half time break. But it was Thedrian who was to break the Crusaders’s lead early in the third quarter. She could be seen all over the field making play after play but it was the “defender’s” drag flick that would propel the turnaround.

Before the crowd of 316 she was to step into an assist by Lea Good to even the score at 1-1. One minute later on a penalty corner Thedrian again delivered the go ahead goal at 38:34 with assist from Malinowski and Katie Gibb. If that wasn’t enough seconds later on another corner Thedrian delivered using the same combination making the score 3-1.

As it turned out those three scores would be needed as the Crusaders battled coming within one at 42:38 making the score 3-2. That score was to remain until the fourth quarter when the Leopards took charge with 3 addition goals made by Lea Good, Mia Freeman and a spectacular shot by Josephine van Wijk at 58:04.

In all, the Leopards out cornered the Crusader 10-3, out shot them 28-8 forcing the Crusader Gk to make 13 saves. The great thing about competitive sports it allows us to witness leadership in the making and Thedrian’s display was all that. She was described by the television play by play commentator as unsung…..no longer!!

Addendum

This gives the Leopards 3 wins in the conference and it has been the practice that 4 wins brings a spot in the conference playoffs. It looks like that will hold this year. Hosting will be very long shot. I still believe the League has a responsibility to mandate that video review be part of the conference tournament. Lehigh and American remain the only Patriot League schools without it. They could not host an NCAA tournament without it.

American Puts Lafayette On Back Foot In 3-1 Loss

If you had told me that Lafayette would have 10 shots to American’s 6, 8 corners to American’s 4 I would not have been right in assuming that Lafayette would end up on the winning end of the final score. It was a matter of timing, as a fourth quarter effort came too late to be of any help.

American University is always a tough place to be the visitor ( for fans as well as competitors). The Eagles asserted themselves right from the beginning. In fact the Leopards did not get their first shot until the third period! American made use of 2 penalty corners in the second period to start their scoring. There were a lot of close calls in first three quarters that went to the benefit of the home team which helped momentum as well. In the last quarter the far side official placed himself closer to action which seemed to help in balancing out the. penalties.

American’s Augustino Roffo showed her skill all game long and was an ever present threat. The first goal of the game came on that close call corner and a second try. Leopard offense which had proved to be effective all season long, could not get in gear.

The Eagles got their third goal before the Leopards got started but until that third quarter the field seemed tilted in American’s favor. That third goal provided added insurance in any tie breaker down the road for home field in tie beaker scenarios.

Lena Thedrian was again all over the field and was rewarded with the late goal during a Leopard corner using her drag flick to get it to the net.

One more thought

American is now in the minority by not providing video referral. It is time for the League to follow the NCAA hosting rules by insisting a championship tournament cannot be played at a site without video referral. It is time!! Excuses are hollow! At this point it’s the equivalent of a basketball team using peach baskets instead of modern metal rims and nets. All over division one it is in use…come on Eagles!!