Ok, I confess, I am a homer. I want and I believe that this team can challenge for a championship. What I saw this spring has impressed me with their chances. The players had an opportunity to improve their skills. They showed fans and coaches they could step up and perform well. The fall “championship” season is a test of endurance and this coaching staff can take solace ,that they have the “horses.” Everyone can be contributors to earning a championship and a winning season.
First, the team has demonstrated they can perform even though they were missing key players at some point this spring. Certainly the convincer was the Towson competitions where they met last years NCAA finalist and held their own. They followed that with a good performance yesterday, winning the first game against Villanova off a Grace Angelella goal. The second game was a 1-0 loss to a surprising Drexel squad who stunned the Leopards early on with a hard high press. However, they regrouped and proved to many that they could come back with several strong offensive efforts. In the third game, not only did they play well against a young, and skilled veteran, Quinnipiac squad but came away with a two goal victory due to second efforts by Caroline Turnbull , an all PL selection last year, who scored the two goals.
Second, I saw, especially yesterday, many second and third shots inside the circle and the team was not intimidated by hard, physical play.
Third, the team is well led. I heard of senior players assisting the younger less experienced players in a demonstration of team solidarity. It was good to see the people not in the game, encouraging their teammates from the sidelines.
Fourth, they are just that good. The team was short three or four experienced players due to injuries all spring but those that were in their place played well, adding to our overall strength. Add to that, a class of seven good incoming players means this team is ready to accept challenges and will overcome adversity should it occur along the way.
As I mentioned to several after the game, there was a lot to like this spring.
My only sadness is, I now have to wait until August until I can see the Leopards in action again. I suppose I can review videos of old games in the meantime.
Lafayette College Field Hockey 