Month: April 2026

Spring Games End On Positive Note

On a cold, rainy spring day, reminding fans and players of late fall, Lafayette trained for their autumn challenges ahead. In the four previous contests this spring, they proved they could compete with good opponents, displaying a defense up to the task. But like most sports the offense take s a little more time to emerge.

This game with Drexel prove to follow that pattern. The return of Stella Malinowski from the Junior World Cup would prove to be a spark as she scored a second period goal giving an Lafayette early 1-0 lead. Throughout the game the Leopards were to manage several penalty corners setting up numerous scoring opportunities. They managed to beat the Drexel press and fast break offense that is the signature of their play.

Lafayette decided to flip the script using a high press and several fast breaks of their own in the second half. However, the Dragons managed to slip past the Leopards and score a tying goal before time ran out in the third period. The weather was miserable , providing a test for Leopard concentration and perhaps a reminder for the challenges ahead.

From now until early August there will be individual challenges to be ready for the fall. Training will depend on preparation guided by written instructions from the strength and conditioning staff and hopefully some group play away arranged by captains. There will be a new group of first year players added to the mix hopefully bringing added depth to an already experience squad.

As a summary, this senior class of Emma Maher, Stella Malinowski, Maddie Evans, Ines Araujo, Katie Good, Naomi George, and Lena Thedrian will provide the experienced anchor for another run at the playoffs. But it is true also that team depth ,will prove crucial, and our underclassman will provide spark.

This is a good team, if healthy by end of the season, could provide some real thrills for their followers!!

Spring Continues To Show Improvements

The Leopards continue to hone crucial skills this spring as they continue to march through a competitive spring schedule. After four games the Leopards have scored six goals and only given up three. Today they met St Joseph University at Hawk Hill, the first meeting since the NCAA game two years ago. The Leopards fell 0-1 and the Hawks went on to advance to the National Championship game.

Today, Lafayette left on the positive side led by a second period goal by rising soph, Linda Nova who found the upper corner on a reverse chip shot. The defense remained stout as the Leopards held back the aggressive play of St. Joe’s for the remainder of the game

The Hawks opened the game with a high press which Lafayette handled well , as the Hawk intensity inspired the Leopards aggressiveness of their own . St. Joe’s is adjusting to a new Coach, Sam Brown. Coach Brown comes from Syracuse ironically headed by former Head Coach Lynn Farquhar. Hannah Prince, last year’s St. Joe’s Coach left for Penn State at the turn of the year.

The last game of the spring season will occur on Saturday with Drexel at home. After that we have to wait until Labor Day week-end when the Leopards will meet Kent State and national Champion Northwestern in Chicago.

There of course will be some preseason games before that in August. In any case, things are looking good so far in 2026!

Spring Will Drive Fall Success

As our seniors prepare for graduation and moving onto careers or graduate school, underclass teammates begin the process to reload for the fall. In many ways it can be a more intense process as players a shifted to unfamiliar positions and new connections on the field.

The Leopards are mid way through spring competitions. Two players are missing playing for their national under 21 teams in South America and there are the usual injuries that seem to crop up from time to time but that does not mean there are some interesting processes in the works.

Perhaps the most interesting change will be at goalkeeper as two underclassmen are vying for playing time. From what I have seen so far, that issue looks in good hands as both seem up to the job against very good teams having given up only 3 goals in 3 games.

The other issue that will interest fans is that 40 percent of the Patriot League coaches will turn over this fall, Colgate, Holy Cross, and Boston College. To date, Colgate has inexplicably not announced their new leader. The other two are in place as I write.

As to my impressions so far, I see no reason why Lafayette can not be in the hunt again for the title. It’s always interesting to see the schedule of out of conference games as an indication of the coach’s belief in the fall prospects. There is no stronger indication this year as early on they will be meeting national champion Northwestern in Chicago. In addition, American and Boston will be at home this year. As to support, it was great to see familiar faces of parents in the stands.

As to other transitions, I have termed out as the chair of USA Field Hockey Foundation which leaves me more time to travel and pay attention to the Leopards. It was an intense two years with establishing an MOU with the Association, writing new By Laws and Articles of Incorporation and placing 6 new BOT members. The chair is in good hands with Sara Kocmond at the helm guiding them to and through the 2028 LA Olympics,