Coach Stone released the final schedule recently with several changes from the spring temporary release. The most noticeable change was moving the first game from August 28th to 6pm on August 26th at Rappolt field. That move started a series of changes.The most important change was to move the first day of preseason to August 9th instead of August 11th. The earlier start gives the Leopards two days more of practice before the first scrimmage.
Given the large class the two day earlier start is welcomed by the Lafayette coaching staff to give them more time to assess and train the 2016 version of Leopard Field Hockey. This may be one of the earliest starts for the field hockey team in my memory.
The first game will be with Fairfield University, a former member of the Patriot League. They were the MAAC champions last year and played Patriot League champion Boston University in the NCAA first round game. Although they lost that game, they have a strong contingent returning. Fairfield also spent 9 days in May on a european tour after a strong spring season. They will be ready when they arrive from Connecticut on the 26th and will be bringing a good attitude and good skills to Easton.
The Leopards will need to be ready for that home opener and the preseason will be crucial to doing their best. So August 9th for all you Leopards who are working hard on your training regimen.
As for the rest of you fans check out the schedule on http://www.goleopards.com, as there are several other changes since spring release!!
Lafayette College Field Hockey 