Lafayette Uses Every Player Available
With the exception of the two non-starting goal keepers, Coach Jennifer Stone emptied her bench while building a 3-0 lead in the first half. There was three goals by three different players in an effort reminiscent of last year’s team scoring efforts. The scoring started with senior Felicitas Hannes who nailed a penalty stroke to the far left side of the goal at 10:40 into the first quarter.
It was a mere 8 minutes later and sophomore India Ralph added a goal to the score in a beauty, planted past the Bryant goal keeper who was force to make 13 saves during the afternoon. Ralph’s classmate, Mackenzie Hall got the first goal of her career, after a perfect pass from another sophomore Lineke Spanns making it 3-0 at the half!!.
Lest one think this was an effort by a select few, this was indeed a team effort, where everyone was active. The defense was on their game with Simone Hefting, Sidney Woolston, and India Ralph shuting down the Bryant offense. They allowed only five shots….2 on goal! Freshman Raffi Fragomeni made the start and got the win. She was credited with one save but it seemed like she turned away several threats. She did have to face 4 penalty corners, while Lafayette earned 6 on the other side of the field.
There were interceptions and tackles aplenty with Laine Delmotte, Ariel Schumacher, Josephine van Wijk contributing to the afternoon effort. I was especially impressed with a heads up play by Ellie Barton who intercepted the ball as she entered the field as. a substitute. It showed the intensity of the Lafayette team all afternoon.
I could hear Lineke Spanns giving instructions to others on the field as the communication was crucial in this afternoon’s effort.
With about 2 1/2 minutes to go Byrant scored and was challenged in a video review after which it was confirmed ending the scoring for game in a 3-1 win.
The Leopards will travel south to play ACC rival Wake Forest on Friday, after which they will be in Richmond for a game with VCU on Sunday. Wake lost to Michigan 3-1, William and Mary beat VCU 1-0
American beat Central Michigan 4-0, JMU beat Bucknell 6-2, Rider beat Colgate 5-1, Temple trampled on Lehigh 6-0, New Hampshire beat Boston U 5-2, while yesterday Holy Cross beat UC Davis 3-2.
Lafayette College Field Hockey 