Thedrian and Van Wijk score in semi-final with Bucknell
It was certainly a team effort, as Coach Jennifer Stone used her depth to score a ticket to the Championship round of the Patriot League Championship Tournament. Josephine van Wijk opened Leopard scoring at 7:26 during one of its 3 penalty corners with assists from co-captains Lineke Spanns and India Ralph. The opening score came on the northern side of the field as the autumn sun was shinning in the defenders eye.
Within seconds of an outstanding defensive save, Lena Thedrian received assists from same two teammates, Spanns and Ralph during a corner at 6:30 into the second quarter. It was an important goal, and the last goal of the game for the Leopards as the Bucknell Bison’s Lily Neilson scored with seconds left in the half to close to within one.
The second half was dominated by fierce defense, and movement from both sides. It was a half worthy of the post season. The third period saw each side get 1 corner while Lafayette had a one shot advantage during the second half. Uncharacteristically, the Leopards had given up 6 corners in the second period.
Bucknell was required to make 5 saves while Lafayette goalkeeper Raffi Fragomeni made 3 during the entire contest. Seventeen Leopards saw action and all performed well in an intense contest that in the end became a game of defense and ball possession.
On the backs of the win the Leopards are now ranked 25 in National RPI ratings. American is ranked below that, as they took home a 1-0 win to get to the Championship round. The Eagles had 21 shots in the win. The Leopards will have to find a way past graduate student GK Bryn Underwood and I suspect will take Lafayette’s usual large shot advantage.
The game will start at 1:00 EST, as the Leopards will be looking for their first championship in 11 years and revenge for their recent one goal losses in the regular and. post season.
Lafayette College Field Hockey 