Friday night, September 9th Lafayette renews their annual clash with Quinnipiac who is riding a two game winning streak. Last weekend they beat Dartmouth 4-1 and followed that a day later with a 1-0 upset of Maine at Maine. Last year the Leopards traveled to Hamden and defeated the Bobcats 2-0. This will be the first night game of the year for the Leopards, which will start at 7 pm.
The Bobcats will bring an experienced team with 9 seniors and 1 graduate student to the fray. It looks as though Coach Main will start a Freshman goalkeeper, Cristina Torres from Barcelona, Spain who currently sports a save percentage over 80.
Although goals seem to be spread around, their lead scorer is Stella Tegtmeir, number 9, a senior forward from Germany who has five points ( 2 goals and one assist). Classmate Eva Veldlhorst has more shots (6) with 1 goal and two assists.
In three games, they have 13 penalty corners to 19 by their opponents. The Leopards on the other hand have had only 9 penalty corners in 4 games and averages 10.3 shots per game. In fairness, Lafayette has probably had a more interesting schedule by meeting a very tough but under appreciated Wake Forest team, and Temple who played Virginia very tough last weekend.
There is certainly more tape available now, so surprises by either team are unlikely. The Bobcats started the year against New Hampshire using 5 midfielders, 4 forwards and 1 designated defender, at Dartmouth went back a more conventional 3 forwards, 3 midfielders and 4 defenders. Against Maine they went with 4 forwards 5 midfielders and back with 1 defender. No doubt their midfielders do double duty as defenders and distributers.
Lafayette’s second half against VCU saw more intensity and resulted in a stronger defense and more shots. Lafayette’s task will be to get behind or around the Bobcat’s defense whether it’s manned by designated defenders or midfielders. They must bring that same intensity Friday night as Quinnipiac will be looking to avenge last years loss and continue their two game win streak!!
Remember the quote from Lou Holtz, football coach:
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Ability is what you are capable of
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Motivation what you choose to do
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Attitude determines how well you do it
Lafayette College Field Hockey 