It was a great day for field hockey, for everything but the outcome. The Leopards were to control much of the midfield during the game but could not find the back of the cage when they needed. They were able to stretch the field with the help of strong play by the backfield of Lisa Van der Geest, Rachel Bird, and Cody Hunsicker, as they were not only able to turn away the Temple Owls but provide strong hits upfield to their midfielders and attackers.
The Leopards only goal was to come in the second period as Ellen Colbourne made a strong pass to the center of the attacking circle, finding Kristen Taylor, who was to deflect it beautifully into the net. Later in the period during a corner the Lafayette corner offense was to put Amanda Magadan in position. She delivered a perfect shot that was to be stopped by the body of a Temple defender. Many waited for a call for a penalty stroke, that was not to come.
Lafayette had already had their senior day and this was the Owls turn to honor their seniors as Temple will advance to the Big East Tournament to be played on their impressive new stadium next weekend. But there was the customary tailgate provided by the parents as they mingled for the last time with our graduating seniors!
The Lafayette seniors were involved in much of the action today, especially Amanda Magadan who had multiple shots. It will not be her last game of the year as she will be playing for the United States in the Junior World Cup in Chile in November.
The four seniors of Magadan, Arnold, Turner and Furneaux will be missed as will the parents who were loyal witnesses to their daughters triumphs and struggles during these four years. Especially will be remembered the team’s magnificent game against Boston University this year and the senior night come from behind win against Lehigh!!
I must admit the end of the season leaves me at loose ends for awhile, but I look forward to seeing the transition next spring. There will be winter workouts, early spring indoor game and finally the first test of the outdoor spring season where the new Leopards will begin to test their mettle against the rest of Division one.
Go Pards!!
Lafayette College Field Hockey 