How Sweet It Is To Get The First One In The Books

In an evening the defense came up big, when they had too, the Lafayette Leopards left the field with a 2-1 win. The team needed to overcome adversity with having to survive 9 minutes of penalty cards and subsequent short handed play, to come away with a convincing win over a very game VCU squad. Both teams battled hard and the tempo was  worthy of Division One hockey.

The 15 minute quarter format improved the tempo of the game while it did limit substitutions somewhat. Sarah Park, the Lafayette GK may have come up with one of the best games of her collegiate career having come up with 6 crucial saves on the night. Many  were point blank shots in front of the goal. She was rewarded with cheers and hugs when the team entered the field at the end of the game.

But this was a team effort, and the offense came up with big plays as well. Freshman Felicitas Hannes was involved in both goals tonight, The first Lafayette goal came at 34:42 with Hannes delivering the ball to Sam Di Maio who expertly deflected the ball past the VCU goal keeper. Hannes did not need an assist for the second goal, as she delivered a strike in the 49th minute to put the Leopards up 2-0.

Two minutes later VCU was to put the game in range of overtime, as they delivered a goal with about 7 minutes left. From then on it was all defense as the corner defense came through, as did the field defense of Van der Geest, Hefting, Woolston and Park shut the door on the VCU offense. Remarkably, they needed to do it a player short, after a yellow card was delivered to Lafayette with 5 minutes to go!!

VCU repeatedly used their high press, but the Leopards were prepared and were to dodge and pass their way up field. This was a good solid win and should provide some momentum. The display of individual skill was impressive.

Meanwhile, in the rest of league, American won over New Hampshire 4-2, Lehigh won 1-0 over Rider,  while Colgate lost 1-4 to CMU, Holy Cross fell 0-3 to Northeastern, and Bucknell lost to JMU 2-3. Boston U will play Ohio U, Saturday at 7 pm.  As far as future opponents go, App. State beat Towson 3-0, Monmouth beat Longwood 5-1, Providence lost to BC 1-2 and Syracuse needed overtime to beat Vermont 4-3.

Next up is Syracuse at 6pm on Monday. It should be available on ACCNX (ESPN)!

I thought Van der Geest had a goal in the second half, when the ball  hit the goalkeepers stick. Looking  from my vantage point the ball clearly made contact as it went in. It was called no goal by the official for a high ball. Isn’t it time for instant replay in PL field hockey?! I have been told it is not that expensive to install. All NCAA playoff games are instant replay as is all ACC and Big Ten games!! PL basketball has been using for it years!!