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!!!
Lafayette College Field Hockey 