It was a good scrimmage….not the one that I am sure the players or coaches had wished for its outcome, but it will be an exercise that will make them ready for the season to come in 9 days. Albany is a good team, and the Leopards held them at bay until 5:52 left in third quarter when they struck using a crossing pass to an awaiting Dane in front of the cage who tapped it in . They followed at 8:50 on a corner the fourth and at 6:17 for the final goal in regulation time. Coach Stone, in those quarters, began to substitute liberally. On the other hand, Albany had only 6 players on the bench to sub in.
In the next 9 days the outcome of the scrimmage impressed on me, the need for the two “Ts” tempo and teamwork. The game as played in division one requires those T’s to be successful but it takes time for that to jell. I believe this team has amazing talent, but will take awhile for its true potential to blossom. After all, they have only been together for little more than week.
I was again impressed with Grace Angelella and Sydney Woolston. Today, Mary Gould also showed grittiness and desire on the field. The team as whole, though was stymied by the skillful Albany Danes, and Lafayette let them set their defense as the game went on. There were moments when Lafayette got a jump on Albany but their goalies came up strong to thwart a score.
I thought Lafayette’s goalie’s were also strong in the cage and came up with several key saves.
The game was played during a break in some torrential rains which made the trip home the “journey through hell.” Pam and I were alone in the stands which inhibited us from executed a wave. The next game will be for real on Aug 30th and I know we will be at our best. We will need the stands full and hearty voices at the ready!!
Meanwhile…….
Lafayette Has Added an Additional Game
On Monday Sept 2 @ 6pm the Leopards will play ACC opponent Syracuse @ Syracuse. This is a terrific opportunity our Leopards and raises the number of regular season games to 18.
Lafayette College Field Hockey 