It was like two different games between two different teams, as the Richmond Spiders built up a 3-0 lead in the first half off 9 shots to 1 for the Leopards and three penalty corners for the Spiders whereas Lafayette was shut out of corners altogether. The second half was a different story when Lafayette exploded for 16 shots to only 2 for Richmond and 10 corners to none for the Leopards. That effort produced 2 goals for the Maroon and White, while Richmond added one, 10 minutes into the second period.
The 4-0 lead at 45:10 into the game looked insurmountable until Lafayette’s rejuvenated offense clicked into gear 2 minutes later with Sam DiMaio somehow coming out of a scramble in front of the cage to find the back boards making it 4-1. It would take another 13 precious minutes before the Leopards were to find the back of the cage with a Van der Geest strike coming from a penalty corner. Freshman Mary Gould was the inserter and earned the assist combined with Jenn DeLongis as helper. Haily Abbot spent the second half in the cage substituting for Sarah Park.
There was no apparent reason for the second half turn around except that the Leopards were able to get to the attacking circle and a tougher scrabbling defense. There were still many scoring opportunities unfinished. As the season progresses and if the Leopards can replicate this second half effort they could be quite dangerous. I believe in the ability of this team and once they find their true personality, they can evolve into an exciting field hockey squad.
In the meantime it’s off to William and Mary for a Sunday match at 12. William and Mary lost to Old Dominion tonight as Old Dominion put on a second half surge in a come from behind win 4-3 in overtime after William and Mary tied the game with no time left on the clock in regular time. Old Dominion scored 5 minutes into the overtime.
This leaves both William and Mary and Lafayette at 0-2 looking for their first. win.
Lafayette College Field Hockey 