Spring training is a time for coaches to experiment and observe. They use it evaluate players, try new schemes, refine skills, and encourage fitness. In the end, the team will finish their semester and depart for a summer of rest and decompression before beginning pre-season workouts. For some, it will be a time of healing, and strengthening as they prepare their bodies for the stress of a strong division one schedule.
Although not announced or finalized, the fall schedule will not be an easy one. Aside from the normal rotation of Patriot League foes, the team will face, from what I can glean, a slightly higher level of out of conference foes, as well as some new opponents, who have been improving lately. There will be no powder puffs this fall.
The new class is not yet announced, and indications are there will be a few last minute additions. Key additions will no doubt include a second goalkeeper. Lafayette was forced to either play without a goalkeeper this spring, or use Coach Maura Schimp as the fill-in keeper. ( By the way it looks like she has lost none of her all league skills, in her impressive time in goals). It also provided an interesting perspective to coach our defensive players on the field during games this spring.
A high priority was to sort out the Leopard’s defensive schemes, and in that regard, the effort was a success. Play against nationally ranked teams, like Syracuse and St. Joe’s was successful. Penn’s skill and progress was evident, but the Leopards were up to the task, as it was against Monmouth in the second game of the spring. The Lehigh game showed that the Rivalry is still alive!!!
The spring finale against Temple was evenly contested, and Leopard’s intensity was there in front of the cage especially in the second half. Peyton Guinter, who sat out most of the season last fall due to injury showed she will be a player to be contended with. Her goal was a gritty shot as she attacked the ball in front of the cage. It was the first goal of her college career. One concern in the game was the lack of offensive corners by Lafayette.
Stella Malinowski looked like she is returning to her “rookie of the year” form as did all Patriot Leaguer Josephine van Wijk. Co-Captain India Ralph was in mid season form as was Lena Thedrian who was all over the field contributing.
Summer will find the responsibility for training on the individual players, and perhaps the level of preparation will determine whether this team will vie for a championship. The talent is there.
Lafayette College Field Hockey 