Month: September 2023

Crusaders March To Lafayette In Key Patriot League Match up

In a match that is key for both Lafayette and Holy Cross, Saturday’s meeting could mean a lot to making the four team Patriot League playoffs. The Leopard’s must shake off a disappointing loss to American and hold off a Crusader effort to not leave with no wins in the League. Although an 0-3 record would not eliminate the Crusaders, it would make it an up hill climb with American, Lehigh, and Colgate yet to play. The Leopards on the other hand could finish Saturday with a 2-1 record with Colgate, Boston, and Lehigh to play. One more additional win for Lafayette would make it easier to assure a spot for the post season and one more additional loss would put Holy Cross on the sidelines.

Lafayette has played 3 top 25 teams on the way to a 3-5 overall record and beaten Bucknell, to arrive at a 1-1 record so far in the League. Holy Cross has lost in a close game with Bucknell 2-3 and suffered a four goal loss to Boston University. My take is beware the desperate opponent, so nothing should be taken for granted. Games with the Crusaders have for the most part been competitive affairs. Last year the Leopards came out ahead 1-0 up in Worchester.

The statistical differences are interesting and show opportunity on both sides. Goaltending seems to be a strength for Holy Cross with Brooke Ross having a 76% save percentage on a team that has given up 23 goals with 165 shots against them. Raffi Fragomeni has give up 17 goals against tough competition and on only 77 shots.

In Holy Cross’ most recent game the pattern was the same as they gave up 11 shots and 2 goals to lose 1-2 in overtime. Lafayette has given up 40 corners but earning 46. Holy Cross has given up 76 corners but earned 41. The Holy Cross shot percentage is 14 percent and opponent have an equal success rate with more shots. Lafayette’s shot percentage is 17 percent while their opponents have been 22 percent.

Lafayette certainly has the horses to have an impact. Leneke Spaans still leads the league in assists while Josephine van Wijk is among Patriot League leaders in goals with 6. Maquire Sturgis number 6 is the Crusader leading scorer with 3 goals in 8 games.

Look for the Crusaders to try to use a high press, long passes and short ariels to get past the Leopard defense. That seems to be their MO. Lafayette will use their deep scoring bench to wear down the Crusader bench and defense. Multiple shots and corners will tip the balance no doubt. In the last game against Byant they used only four players off the bench, I would expect the Leopards to be able to put close to double that number in quality players on the field.

No doubt it will be an intense match with the contest’s first period a struggle for either team to get the first goal. Noon Saturday for all you homecoming attendees!!!

Go Pards!!

American Uses Aggressive Defense As An Offensive Weapon

The game was postponed for one day due to bad weather and if I had to guess Sunday morning the weather still would have been an impediment. The drive down was miserable, with multiple car accidents and two professional football games in the area. However, the weather held up as the Leopards responded with a good first quarter with Ariel Schumacher scoring her first goal of the season with the help of Josephine van Wijk at 6:39. The play started as a penalty corner with a Katie Gibb insert resulting in the van Wijk to Schumacher combination close to the goal.

As the first quarter went on there was reason to be optimistic as Lafayette used their offensive weapons which included Leneke Spaans, van Wijk, and Delmontte who were used to break the American press. Lafayette made liberal use of ariels to get behind a defense that attempted to push the Lafayette back line towards their own goal and intercepting passes.

Statistically, Lafayette had 3 shots to 1 for American and 2 corners to American’s 0 corners. The weather retreated to the background as this looked like it might be a Leopards day.

The succeeding quarters turned that optimism around. As you could hear American Head Coach Steve Jennings from the sidelines, the Eagles responded with an early goal in the second by graduate student Megan Hoffman at 18:58. Neither team was to get any further corners, in fact Lafayette was not to get a corner for the remainder of the game. The Leopards did manage one shot in the second quarter but did not get a shot off at all in the second half.

The Eagles broke the tie at 38:05 as Charlene Boshoff assisted roommate Megan Hoffman off a corner, one of three in the third quarter. The graduate combination continued with American’s third goal in the fourth quarter with a goal at 49:57 off another penalty corner, their fifth of the half against none for the Leopards. Their defense continually pushed the Leopards back. Spaans continued as a threat but there were no circle penetrations I could remember in that second half.

The Leopards will move on with home games against Holy Cross and Colgate as they renew their Patriot League season with a current record of 1-1. American is now 2-0 and will play non-league opponent Delaware next week. Odds are that American may host while probably making the playoffs. But it’s a long season to go and the Leopards will need to refocus, get to the playoffs and a chance for redemption. In the meantime this fan will remember the line in the American account of the game on their website,” American Thunders Past Lafayette.” First, there are those PL league games with Holy Cross, Colgate, Boston University and finally the Brown clad Lehigh team down the road!!!

Second Season Continues At American

It looks like both Lafayette and American head coaches were expecting an important game when they created this year’s schedule. With a Saturday game, American Head Coach Steve Jennings and Lafayette Head Coach Jennifer Stone have cleared the weekly calendar to concentrate on this important meeting. While only four teams out of the seven will make it to the playoffs it will be the regular season champion who will host. A win on Saturday will set up the victorious team nicely as both teams won their initial PL contest.

Both teams have played top 25 teams, American played and lost in close contests to Penn State and Liberty. Lafayette has lost to Ohio State and UMASS, while beating Fairfield last Sunday after winning a well contested game with Bucknell. American lost to Cornell after beating PL rival Colgate 2-1.

Lafayette will have to find their way around American GK Bryn Underwood. They have their share of stars in number 7 Boshoff and number 8 Winkler. Lafayette has its share of weapons with Leneke Spaans and Josephine van Wijk. This week the Leopards swept the weekly awards with Stella Malinowski getting player of the week and Rookie of the Week, India Ralph claimed the defensive award and GK Raffi Fragomeni was GK of the week.

American lost in the playoffs last year and certainly are looking to not only return to the playoffs but win and go on to the NCAA tournament. Lafayette lost going to playoffs last year in a tie breaker, and had to watch Lehigh win the League title.

It has not been lost on any of the participants, a win sets up the victor for the final sprint to the post season.

Go Pards

Malinowski Hat Trick And Fragomeni Save Of Penalty Stroke Lead Leopards To Second Win In A Row

Coach Maura Schimp leaps in appreciation of Fragomeni save of penalty stroke

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and the 3-2 win by the Leopards over the Stags of Fairfield was certainly a great effort by the whole team, but a hat trick by freshman Stella Malinowski and a key stop of a penalty stroke ( not to mention her other 5 saves) gave the team and the coaches reason to jump for joy at the out come.

Closing in on a Fairfield back

The game had all the drama a spectator could want in an afternoon. Augustine Casteluchi opened the scoring for the Stags off a feed by Catalina Ness with about 6 minutes into the first period. The Leopard faithful had to wait for 19 minutes before Malinowski was to strike her first goal of the afternoon, after a feed from India Ralph on a penalty corner. Lafayette seemed to have control of the game, keeping most play in the first half in the neighborhood of the Fairfield goal. The first half ended in a 1-1 draw, but most Lafayette fans seemed confident going into the second half.

Going through the Stag defense

Despite earning an early second half penalty corner Lafayette failed to convert on the effort, and Fairfield lept into a counter attack which resulted in a go ahead goal a 31:17 penalty corner of their own, making the score 2-1. Fairfield went to sort of match up zone and were able to disrupt the passing of the Leopards but, Fragomeni was to come up with key saves turning away the experienced Fairfield attack!

Fairfield continued to concentrate on the Lafayette stars of Leneke Spaans and Josephine van Wijk but Lafayette kept the Fairfield defense off balance, as Lafayette’s offense found open players. A shot by Catalina Rubel at 39:15 got blocked, but Malinowski alertly found the rebound and planted a nifty lift past the Stag goalkeeper tying the score at 2-2 going into the fourth period.

The fourth period has been a strong period for Lafayette all year and this was to be no exception. Having gotten 4 shots in the third, Lafayette looked to step it up….and they did in heroic fashion. At 56:55 Stella Malinowski was to complete her hat trick during a corner assisted by Katie Gibb. Lafayette 3 Fairfield 2!!

Miraculous save by Fragomeni

However the drama was not done. At 58:15 the Stags were awarded a corner. It seemed to be blocked, but the officials called a penalty stroke. The call was video reviewed but Raffi Fragomeni in the end, still face a point blank shot. The Lafayette goal keeper made a wonderful stick save. There was still one more save to be made at 59:28 leaving the score 3-2 in favor of the Leopards.

During the game, I counted at least 4 successful video challenges by the Leopards, proving the worth of the system. The League has notified its members that Boston University and Colgate will be installing video referral this season. No doubt the entire league will be on referral before long!!

Victorious coaching staff joins the tailgate celebration

The game was followed by an outstanding team tailgate at the shelter by the Kamine Field House hosted by the parents.

Perfect end to weekend with a parent’s tailgate!!

Lafayette’s third full time coach finally cleared hurdles to entry to the United States last night, and arrived in time to assist in the game. I will leave it to the staff and the school to divulge all his details this week.

The next game will be in DC against the American Eagles. They lost today to Cornell 1-2 in overtime. This will be another high stakes meeting with a Patriot League rival. American is also 1-0 in PL play having beaten Colgate on Friday.

Go Pards!!

Lafayette Takes First Patriot League Game 2-1

It is trite to say it was a “team effort,” but I can think of no better description of tonight’s 60 minutes of excellent hockey. This was a game that was won by the Leopards rather than to say it was Bucknell’s loss. From the opening push off the game was played at tempo worthy of Division One. Every player was engaged…every Coach was contributing their best….every fan…every parent and even the Junior Clinic players on the sideline were behind the Leopards. The crowd of over 450 included alumni who traveled from Europe to cheer on their former teammates. Parents put together tailgates worthy of Lafayette’s long field hockey traditions.

From the first quarter on, the game had all the look and intensity of a playoff game. The first goal came from an Alex Darrah overhead deflection of a Lineke Spaans chip shot at 8:28 on the clock. The Maroon and White continued their high tempo of play responding to Buckell’s equally intense efforts. At 10:46, slightly more that 2 minutes later, India Ralph with an assist from Katie Gibb planted a rocket behind the Bucknell keeper during a corner. It was at that point the Lafayette defense rose to the occasion.

Lafayette goal keeper, Raffi Fragomeni had her best game of the year, turning away over 80 percent of the shots delivered by the Bisons. Lafayette had 7 shots to Bucknell’s 6 during the half. Leopard defenders were kept busy, especially defending Bucknell’s six corners.

Both teams came out determined in the second half and for a time it looked like Bucknell was getting the better of time in the Lafayette side of the field. The third quarter saw Bucknell get a 2-0 advantage in corners. It was then that the Leopard’s defense and bench dug deep. Counter attacks by Josephine van Wyk, defense by Makenzie Switzer, Stella Malinowski, Katie Gibb, and Lena Thedrian kept Bucknell at Bay only to yield to a corner shot by Bucknell’s Kira Leclerq on a corner at 38:44. It was an excellent high flick, top shelf.

But this night was to be for the Leopards and their fans, as we were to see Lafayette out shoot Bucknell 5-1 in fourth quarter. To no small advantage the home team also out cornered the visitors 6-1. With four minutes left on the clock the Bucknell Bison decided to pull their goalkeeper but still couldn’t manage to tie up the game.

The tension did not subside until the last several clicks of the clock leading the Leopards to a 2-1 win and 1-0 in League play. Remarkably, the crowd was reinforced by students who cheered in a continuous roar for 60 minutes. Noticed was at least 4 former players who made the trip…Sam DiMaio, Alex Talkow, Felicitas Hannes, and Lisa van der Geest.

My only regret was there was not enough space or time to recognize all individual team members. This was a total team win !

The Leopards will move on to another home game with Fairfield on Sunday. Meanwhile I will try to decompress!!!

Go Pards!!

Leopards Begin “Second Season” At Home Tomorrow

The Leopards have played 5 games against a challenging group of non-conference foes, and begin their conference games at 0-0 against the Bisons at 7:30 on Friday. Although only 6 games, the outcome of those games determines entry into the Patriot League Tournament where play between 4 qualifying teams will decide who will represent the Patriot League in the NCAA tournament.

Lafayette has an overwhelming lead in the record between the teams, but in the last ten years these two teams have become close rivals. Last year, a one goal win by Bucknell was sprinkled with controversial calls including a disputed goal ( without video review). This year the Bison will arrive with a record of 3-3 while the Leopards are 1-4 with 2 games decided by one goal. Bucknell and Lafayette have one common opponent Ohio State. Lafayette lost 1-4 and Bucknell played them tough losing 1-2.

Both teams have their offensive stars. Josephine van Wiyk leads the Leopards with 6 goals and a shot on goal percentage of 65 %, She is followed by the ubiquitous Lineke Spaans with 2 goals and 6 assists. Her shots on goal is 56 %. The Leopards are young and are growing together as a team. Katie Gibb is the recent Rookie of the Week. Stella Malinowski is in the mix with one goal on 11 shots while co-captain India Ralph has 3 assists during the current campaign.

The Bison are not without their stars, not the least of which is number 12 Lily Neilson the pre season offensive player of the year. She has responded with 4 goals in the 6 game stretch so far. But she has been supported by three players with 2 goals each number 15 Isabella Pavlides, number 5 Zoe Carlos- Pietrazek and number 22 Hannah Guarente. Pavliders has added 4 assists to her resume.

Each team’s defense will be trying to keep the other our of the circle. The Bison average 6.5 corners per game while the Leopards average 5.4 corners. Opponent corners are 6 for Bucknell and 4.4 for Lafayette. Average goals for Bucknell are 2.17 for ad 2.33 against. Lafayette averages are 2.00 for 2.20 against.

The weather is cooperating, expecting to be cool and clear for the game. Perfect Leopard weather!!!

GO PARDS!!

Leopards Win Statistical Battle But Fall 2-3

Columbia played a game 24 hours previously, and had only three substitutions. Lafayette had 21 shots to Columbia’s 9, 11 on goal to 7 for the home team , 8 corners to 3 for the eventual winners. Columbia drew first blood with a goal at 20:15 which stood up for the remainder of the first half.

On the back of 5 shots and 3 corners in the third period Columbia scored two more goals at 31:15 and 37:16. That was to be it for the Lions as the Leopard’s combination of Katie Gibb to Lineke Spanns to Josephine van Wijk got into gear and scored 2 goals within six minutes of each other, making it a one goal game at the end of the third quarter.

With Spanns and van Wijk getting into it in the fourth quarter, the Leopards were to get off 9 shots and 4 corners to Columbia’s 1 shot and 0 corners. Instead, the Columbia GK managed 7 saves during the 4th.

Given the threatening weather we decided not to make the trek to New York, but watched in on ESPN plus.

The season begins a new phase with the first game of the Patriot League season this Friday night against Bucknell. Bucknell beat Kent State today scoring 2 goals with 4 minutes left in the game to win 2-1. So forget the last several games and start a brand new season on Friday!!!!

Who In The Patriot League Is Playing The Tougher Schedule?

We all know its early to be judging relative strength, and how do you compare Lehigh’s 3-1 record to Lafayette’s 1-3 record or American 2-2 record. Strength of schedule is certainly a factor in those type of observations. Lafayette and American have certainly chosen the harder path. Using the NFHCA rankings those two teams have played more top 20 teams than any other PL Team. In fact, by Sunday Lafayette will have played 3 top teams with the addition of Syracuse. more than any other PL team to date. This week Syracuse is ranked 7th in the Coaches poll, and will be the highest ranking team played by PL members based on current rankings.

Colgate, Holy Cross and BU are the three PL teams who have not played a top 20 team to date. BU will be playing Boston College this week end. Lehigh and Bucknell have played OSU. Lehigh lost 5-2 and Bucknell played them tough in 1-2 loss in Columbus Ohio.

Lafayette’s game with UMASS, according to reports and the stats, looked to be very close. Can Lafayette pull the upset against Syracuse? Syracuse will play Cornell tonight.

The all important PL games will start next week as the Leopards will meet Bucknell on a night game at Rappolt Field. In the meantime the Leopards will play Columbia on Sunday and it should be an indication if this young team has come together. Bucknell this week will tangle with Towson 3-1 and Kent State 1-3. Kent State has had the harder schedule and will be playing Penn State before they meet the Bison.

This weekend’s action could be interesting!!!

Thumbs Up And Thumbs Down

Thumbs Down

First, a very large thumbs down to the University of Massachusetts for not having either video or live stats during the Lafayette game. Perhaps they spent all their money on giving out Dunkin Donut coupons or were just lazy. In any case, as a division one school you would think they would have one or both options available. It was “bush” in any case.

The game itself at least according the published statistics was close. Lafayette had seven shots to UMASS 8. Shots on goal were 4 to 3 in the Leopards favor and penalty corners were 5-3 in Lafayette’s favor. In shots taken, Stella Malinowski took three with one on goal, Spaans had one on goal, van Wijk had 2 with one on goal and Lena Thedrian had one on goal. Given the time breakdown it looks like the Lafayette GK was pulled with 3 minutes to go, but I wouldn’t know since real time info was not there from the hosts!!

If we were to believe the post game stats our subs entered the game but did not have any time on field!! UGGH

We were not able to make the trip not wanting to buck Labor Day traffic on I 95!!!

Thumbs UP

Since I was unable to view the Lafayette game in person or online I surfed around to several other games played on Sunday and was treated to some amazing action, especially from GK in losing efforts,

First, both Patriot League teams, American and Holy Cross lost in the overtime, but not without some outstanding goal keeping to get them there. American played Liberty, and lost in a shoot out, but not without the heroics of Bryn Underwood who did everything but stand on her head to keep American in the game. She had 5 saves on 5 shots on goal in the regular time and overtime competition, including a stop on a stroke. At one point it looked like Liberty had won in the second overtime, but Bryn called for a review and it was discovered on the reverse chip shot the Liberty player had used her back stick. ( remember my article before the season where I noted Sean Rappaport,the person in charge of officials, mentioned that there may be a large amount of back sticks on reverse chip shots).

Holy Cross lost 2-1 in overtime after Brooke Ross proved to be a virtual wall against Brown’s 20 shots on goal. Brooke saved 18 during her afternoon. Brown had 37 shots and Holy Cross ultimately succumbed on a penalty stroke.

In a contest of two top ten teams, Princeton and North Carolina, Princeton was kept in it through the efforts of senior Robyn Thompson who had 10 saves against 12 shots on goal including a stop on a penalty stroke. It was a heroic effort against a very skilled and fast UNC team that kept the pressure on the Princeton offense denying them circle penetration for much of the game.

Thumbs Down

It was an extremely hot afternoon which resulted in one Princeton player who appeared in distress on the sideline. According to the announcer there was not an EMT present. Yes, the University hospital is spitting distance from the field but if true it deserves a thumbs down.

Secondly, a definite thumbs down to the Ivy League who will not let there teams begin practice the same time as other Division One teams. Since, starting preseason with classes not having begun, I see harm to the student athletes of a shortened preseason. To my mind, this is not to the benefit of their health and safety. The Ivy League does march to its own drummer not to the welfare of their student athletes in this case..

Finally

The Leopards will meet a very good Syracuse team friday night. ( There will be TV and live stats). They bring with them Charlotte de Vries, the fifth year senior who in my opinion might be the best player in country. No doubt she will be on the USA Team when she finishes her collegiate career.

Congratulations to the three Lafayette Canadians who will represent their country at the Junior World Cup in November. Stella Malinowski, Laine Delmotte, and Kate Kibb. Well done!!!

Van Wijk Come Through With Two Goals In Overtime 2-3 Loss.

With seconds left on the clock, Josephine van ‘Wijk scored the tying goal to send the game to overtime with assists from India Ralph and Leneke Spaans. Spanns had two assists and 3 shots during the game. Van Wijk was busy all game long getting 2 goals on 4 shots, three of which were on goal. Lafayette had 11 shots to Vermont’s 13 shots. Corners were 7-8 Vermont’s favor.

Looking from a fan’s perspective, both teams looked like they were waiting for the other team to make an error, which led to a lot of play horizontally rather than vertically. Both teams scored in the first period, with Vermont scoring early.

Vermont came out more aggressively in the third quarter and were rewarded with the lead for all but the last 30 seconds of the game. Their press was to earn them the ball for most of the half. Lafayette pulled their goal keeper with 3 minutes to go and van Wijk and Spaans put the aggressive move to good use to score.

The Catamounts put to rest any theory that a slow overtime was planned. They went right to goal and scored ending the match at 3-2.