As we all know the start of the season begins in the spring as the seniors get ready for graduation and our Juniors begin to fill roles vacated by their older teammates. Yes, it is a period of adjustment as new roles are defined. However, the Leopards are blessed with a plethora of returning players albeit some will find new places on the field.
Field Hockey is a game of finding space, especially space that leads to an open teammate and a path to the goal on the offensive side of the field. No surprise then Thursday’s first live inter collegiate contest of the spring saw both offensives struggle. The end of the match was nil-nil but it was an exercise for coaches to see what needs to be improved.
No doubt the fine defense from last year is virtually intact with key performers like Lena Thedrian and Raffi Fradomeni are back for an encore, but of interest to fans will be how Josephine van Wijk steps into a leadership role. Her skill and presence was noticed in the contest thursday which left no doubt, as the prep for the fall continues, she will be ready. In addition there will be experienced players like Carolina Rubel, Mackenzie Switzer, Stella Malinowski, and Katie Gibb who will be familiar to Lafayette opponents.
As the game progressed it was obvious that many were stillT finding their spot and their teammates spot on the field. They will be at Temple at 1 pm on Saturday. What will be fun is to see the progress the team as whole makes during this practice week.
GO PARDS!!
Lafayette College Field Hockey 