It is hard to judge the outcome of preseason games as each coach has their own objectives, but Coach Stone and her staff saw a lot to be pleased about and a number things that can be improved upon. If you count shoot out goals, Lafayette ended on top with two more goals than the host Blue Hens. During the regular game Lafayette came out firing on all pistons scoring a sweet goal early in the first period by senior Audrey Sawers. It was followed by a strong goal from Molly McAndrew.
In between Lafayette’s two goals, Delaware was to have a breakaway that put Delaware within one at the half. In the second half, as the temperature rose, the Blue Hens were to find themselves behind the Leopard’s defense to score two more goals, one by their all American Femke Strien.
Lafayette was to use their stars to take advantage, Audrey Sawers was all over the field. Simone Hefting anchored a defense that kept the Delaware offense off balance. Unfortunately, Delaware got one more goal minutes before regulation time. They played two overtime periods to a stalemate and went to practice shootouts, where Lafayette was to get a three goal advantage highlighted by two circus like goals from Molly McAndrew.
I always like to see how our unfamiliar names would do and there was half the team that was playing in their first Division one contest.There was a plethora talent on the field which will challenge future opponents. I saw stand out performances from Alden Boccella, Lineke Spanna, Filine Gerbrandij, and Mackenzie Hall.
Goaltenders Haile Abbott and Becca Herbert, who was playing against her old teammates did well, collecting numerous saves on the day. In the regular game I counted six shots and three corners.
So the Leopards will lick their wounds, correct their mistakes and build upon a generally good showing against a good team.
Meanwhile the Patriot League Coaches voted today in a preseason poll picking Lafayette to finish fourth. Audrey Sawers was picked as an all league player. American was picked first, Bucknell was in second position, Boston third, Lafayette fourth, Lehigh fifth, Holy Cross sixth, and Colgate ended up seventh. I normally don’t put much stock in preseason polls but it is what it is.
Lafayette’s first Patriot League game is with American University on Sept 18th at 11 am!!!
.Finally Albany comes to Rappolt Field on Sunday and Lafayette will look to polish their skills before meeting Hofstra for a regular season game on August 27th
Lafayette College Field Hockey 