Delaware managed to get off eight first half shots and finding the goal on four of the them to down the Leopards five to one. Meeting their second top 15 opponent in three days, the Leopards came out sluggish, not demonstrating the same quickness that helped them to defeat the number nine team two days before. Delaware also had four corners to the Leopards none in that first period. The four goal lead came despite Coach Stone’s attempt to get fresh legs into the contest, substituting at a rate nearly twice that of Delaware during the game.
The Leopards, however were to make some half time adjustments, and the stats did even themselves out with the Leopards getting more shots (6-4) and more corners ( 6-1) in the second period. The redoubled effort enabled Lafayette to get on the board with a Lisa Van der Geest strike at 55:11 into the contest. It was a hard shot to the left side of the goal. Kaitlyn Ewing was at the post ready to deflect it, but the ball passed the goal mouth unmolested. Delaware was to score one more time to finish the scoring, giving the Blue Hens the final 5-1 victory.
After the game Head Coach Stone opined that Delaware may have been the strongest opponent of the year to date. It would be hard to dispute that statement, as Delaware showed skill and speed during the afternoon. In any case, Coach Stone felt there was something to be learned and applied in the coming games.
Lafayette returns to Patriot League play next Saturday at 11:00 am for a homecoming game in Hamilton, New York against Colgate University. Last week the Raiders held Boston University to a 0-0 tie in the first half before succumbing 9-0. This week they lost an overtime game to Holy Cross. Traveling to Hamilton and playing Colgate has had its challenges for Lafayette. Two years ago the Leopards lost a 1-0 game there, despite dominating on shots and corners. Colgate managed a late shot getting the upset win. Last year’s game was equally close with Lafayette getting the win.
Lafayette does have the deeper bench but will be playing at homecoming with Colgate, who will be desperate not to end up 0-3 in the Patriot League at the end of the day. Lafayette will want to keep marching forward on their trek, to not only have a 2-0 record in league play, but advance their chances for a playoff slot and perhaps host the championship at home. They will travel the day before and hopefully arrive with fresh legs and energy in upstate New York!!
Lafayette College Field Hockey 