With about 7 minutes left in the second overtime it looked like the Leopards may have taken down a top ten team for the second time this season. Lineke Spanns took the ball down the left sideline, and it was reminiscent of her play during the Princeton game. This time it was Molly McAndrew who was on the right side of the goal behind the Penn State defender. The pass to McAndrew went inside the circle and it appeared she had scored for the second time in the afternoon to give the Leopards the win. But a foot fault halted the celebration.
It was not to be, as the Lions were awarded the ball and quickly moved to the Lafayette end of the field. Penn State was to get off a weak shot which dribbled in, ending in another one goal loss for the gritty Leopards.
Yes, Penn State did have more corners and shots but they were repeatedly turned back by Simone Hefting and her cohorts on the back line along with goal keeper Emma Garvey who had an outstanding game.
It was Mc Andrew who had tied the score earlier with a beautiful flick into the upper regions of the goal, beyond the goalkeeper’s reach. After that it was heroic defensive stand after one after the other that ultimately led to overtime.
Within the Patriot League American’s loss to Holy Cross today may be opening a path for the Leopards. The Mountain Hawks will take on the Eagles on Friday, as American has now lost 2 games. It might be the few times I will be rooting for Lehigh.
The Leopards on Saturday will be playing a surging Boston University team at home. An effort like today against Boston might bring some smiles to this fan!!
Lafayette College Field Hockey 