Author: William Rappolt

Everything seemed to come together for the Lafayette Field Hockey team in a four way tournament played in perfect weather Saturday afternoon. The sun was out all day warming the field and the stands filled with fans. For Leopard fans it was especially good, as they produced a flood of goals against a field of three opponents they will meet this fall. Patriot League foes Bucknell, and Colgate were present as was Ivy League rival Cornell. Last year the Leopards had beaten Bucknell and Colgate by one goal margins and lost to Cornell by two goals.

Delahanty and Welch Scores Two

Theresa Delahanty explodes into the Bucknell defense

Lisa van der Geest finds her way through the Colgate defense this spring

Liza Welch flips the ball over the Bucknell defenders stick

Theresa Delahanty, the Leopards center midfielder scored two goals while showing her usual aggressive play challenging each opponent to stop her penetrations into the scoring circle and ball distribution. But it was also an aggressive defense that ultimately gave Lafayette fast break and ball control all afternoon. Opponents were limited in shots and corner opportunities as goalie Sarah Park showed an aggressiveness in the cage that turned away what scoring opportunities there were.

Since there was no official scoring and I will try to give credit to what I thought I saw and could remember, but if anyone at the game would like to PM me I would gladly correct or add information.

The first goal of the afternoon was during a corner opportunity by Audrey Sawers who was dangerous to opponents all day demonstrating her reach and strength. Bucknell was the opponent and at the end of the 25 minute game, it was Lafayette with the win 1-0.

Next up was Colgate who was stymied as Delahanty, Liza Welch and Caroline Turnbull used a variety opportunities in corners and second and third shots to find the back of the cage.

In last game Cornell fell in a  2-1 finish, as Lisa van Geest and and Theresa Delahanty  tallied to put the Leopards in the lead for the tournament giving them the opportunity to play Bucknell in the championship game.

The game went back and forth but Lafayette was to use an exciting counterattack attack to Bucknell’s  usual high press. Kristen Taylor was to score a beautiful goal thwarting a Bucknell scrum in front of the cage. Welch was there for her second goal as the two goals were to give the Leopards a well earned 2-1 victory.

The Lafayette squad was to benefit from the rising senior leadership, all day, from Adriana Pero, Liza Welch,Kristen Taylor, Rachel Bird,  and Theresa Delahanty. Bird’s return to the defensive backfield having recovered from a concussion suffered in the first spring competition was helpful to a strong defensive backfield led by rising junior Lisa van der Geest.

Opponents next year will not be pleased to play a team that is deep and as I observed on the sideline  they were talking and working together like a well lubricated engine. Passes were made to where teammates were GOING TO BE rather than were they were at the time. They showed strength and aggressiveness at goal getting second and third shots while being in good position for deflections.

While the team will now take a short break to study and engage  with their books for final exams they will return to the practice field in late May to prepare for their international tour to South Africa. After that, it’s training on their own as many will remain on or near campus this summer before the grind of early preseason training and the real championship season.

Sadly, it will be my last real view of the team until the summer, but there will be a view of the freshman at summer camps and their may yet be some additions to the group of first year recruits.

The Leopards traveled to the top of Manhattan and Baker Field, the athletic complex for Columbia University on Saturday. The three van convoy arrived at about 9 am on the most beautiful day of an otherwise gloomy spring. The sun was shinning and the 72 degree temperature made it a perfect day for field hockey. It was to be a long day of 4×25 minute games that would not end until 3:40 in the afternoon.

Their usual retinue of parents and fans were there early to grab a spot adjacent to the football stadium to set up a table of snacks for their hockey warriors and friends between games.

The team welcomed captain Rachael Bird back on the field after having returned from a concussion suffered in the very first spring encounter with Villanova. The team is still absorbing their new schemes and settling in to different spots on the field. Everyone is still looking for an explosive offense and did see some scoring with Adriana Pero and Sam DiMaio scoring their first goals of the spring.

Adriana Pero sweeps the ball out of harms way

Theresa Delahanty powers her way through the Monmouth defense

Park readies to block shot from Hofstra attacker

The defense looked strong in three of the games with Lisa van der Geest showing her usual leadership on the field,  now joined by the veteran Bird in the backfield. I was struck by some late intensity by Kristen Taylor against a tough Albany team. Jen DeLongis was very solid as she got into the mix along with her teammate Grace Angelella. Theresa Delahanty moved the ball through defenses with her usual aggressive style, unintimidated by the tough opposition.

To my mind Sara Park had her best afternoon of the spring and showed no ill effects from previous knee surgery. She moved back and forth with alacrity and was fearless in sprinting out of the cage to meet an opposing attacker.

The competition was worthy and the Leopards met Monmouth, Hofstra, Albany and Rutgers. The Hofstra game did show the Leopards to be a little tired near the end of the day. They tied Monmouth, Albany and Rutgers while heavy legs undid them against Hofstra, a team they beat last fall by multiple goals. The effort against Albany and Rutgers was particularly impressive. Progress was demonstrated with the 1-1 tie against Monmouth who had a good outing against the Leopard three weeks ago.

There remains one play day on the familiar grounds of Rappolt Field this coming Saturday before getting into final exams. This year it will be back to the practice field in late May as the team gets ready for it’s South Africa competitions in Capetown in early June.

After that it will be up to the team to prepare on their for the real thing this fall, beginning with practices in early August!!

Addendum: There is still time to register for the meet and greet with the new Athletic Director, Sherryta Freeman at the Radnor Hotel at 6 pm. She is excited to hear from you, and answer what ever questions you may have. Go to Goleopards to register online or contact Josh Azar the Executive Director of the Maroon Club

The US under 17 team recently returned from their undefeated series in Uruguay. They conceded one goal and scored 17 in the four game series. Coach Stone was an assistant coach to the team under Head Coach Jared Martin ( the head Coach of Ohio State) and joined by assistant Kelly Doton ( the Head Coach of Boston College). Martin remarked ” I am very proud of the team and what they did in the series……they were a pleasure to coach and make this tour truly enjoyable for me and coaching staff, Jennifer Stone and Kelly Doton.

Stone has been an active coach in the USA system for several years, coaching high performance teams as well as the international touring teams. It puts her in touch with the best of the best players in the United States and also is exposure to the latest coaching and performance technology in the sport.

The US teams train at Spooky Nook in Lancaster, Pa. Amanda Magadan a Lafayette graduate from the class of 2016 is a member of the National US women’s team and has earned over 30 caps to date and is training with the team to be ready for the World Cup in July.

Stone will be leading the Leopards in a spring competition at Columbia University on Saturday April 14. At 10 am they will play Monmouth, at 11:30 Rutgers, at 12:40 Hofstra, and at 2:50 Albany.

Sam Di Maio zeroes in on a Mountain Hawl

Grace Angelella and Liza Welch team up after a Lehigh player

Jenn DeLongis introduces herself to Virginia

It was a long, cold, windy day on the University of Pennsylvania turf as the Leopards began to raise their performance to their level of ability. It was a team effort and the Leopards scored 1-1 ties against Rider and Virginia and defeated Lehigh 1-0  in three 25 minute full field games. There was hustle, teamwork and good individual stick work as Lafayette seems to be getting into gear this spring.

The early game against Rider started off on a downer. Maybe it was the ride from Easton, the weather conditions or just a bad start, but Rider opened with a goal with the clock only having clicked off less than two minutes. From then on, the whole day was a Leopard strong effort.

Ana Buzzard sophomore from Haddonfield, New Jersey excited the Lafayette faithful tying the score at 1-1 half way through the 25 minute period against Rider. That seemed to light a fire underneath our Leopards and they controlled the field of play for the remainder of the game.

Later on, Lafayette then took on the University of Virginia. Audrey Sawers a freshman from North Vancouver, took a number of shots on penalty corners, including one that hit the left post, before scoring on another corner on the opposite side, making the game 1-0. It was to remain that way until a Virginia player on a corner of their own, lofted a drag flick over Lafayette’s defenders that bounced into the goal. Lafayette had the Cavaliers on their heels for much the game. In particular I saw great play from Theresa Delahanty in the midfield, as well as smooth control of the ball from Kristen Taylor and exceptional play from Jennifer DeLongis. I could name a number of other players…in fact it was the whole team who rose the occasion.

The last game started a 3:40 and was the last game of the afternoon. The wind had died down which made it tolerable for fans on the sideline. The game was not a disappointment, as it was played with all the intensity and conviction of a regular season game. However, it was Lafayette who dominated play by garnering more corners and more shots. As the Mountain Hawks tried to muster an offense, the Leopards were there to turn them back, again and again. It was Sawers again who was to recognize an opening, scoring her second goal of the afternoon and as circumstances evolved, the winner.

The coaching staff should be pleased as the Leopards showed resiliency, coming from behind, demonstrating defensive and offensive discipline to play with a tough ACC opponent, and the  aggressiveness to win against an intense rival.

The team returns to the turf with games next week at Columbia University in a similar format. Despite the difficult, windy, and cold day, Lafayette fans could return home with a warm feeling about their team’s effort.

The president of the United States has Air Force One, but Lafayette will load up its version, which I will call Leopard One in three weeks, to let Lafayette fans meet and greet the new AD, Sherryta Freeman. The Lafayette team bus, leopard logo, and many of our senior athletic department administrators and coaches  will hit the road to take our athletic dignitaries from Easton to stops in the Lehigh Valley, Washington D.C. and The Radnor Hotel, outside of Philadelphia to answer your questions on the future of Lafayette athletics. The trip starts on April 25 in the Lehigh Valley at 6pm. It’s the same venue as the Lafayette vs Penn State baseball game at Coca Cola Park in Allentown. So a great game against a big opponent in a splendid venue, after work, and a chance to get a question or two to the new athletic director.

On the following day Leopard One moves out to Washington D.C. for the offices of Cooley LLP hosted by the Michael Basile ’80, again at 6pm. This event will be panel style, with Lafayette coaches Kia Damon (head women’s basketball coach), Jennifer Stone ( head field hockey coach), John Garrett ( head football coach, and Jarren Dyson ( assistant men’s basketball coach). AD Sherryta Freeman will head the panel.

Finally, they turn north and outside Philadelphia for an April 27th panel at the Radnor Hotel. Aside from Freeman, Damon, Stone,and Garrett, Andrew Radmicki ( director of basketball operations ) will answer all your questions. The time will again be at 6pm.

Sherryta Freeman has been on the job since February 19 and has certainly begun to form her initial impressions of her task at hand. She is interested the views of alumni and parents about the state of Lafayette athletics. Since her hiring, I have been flooded with questions about her plans. This is a chance for our most important fans, those that have an intense interest in the success of our athletic programs to ask those questions that have been saved until now.

I interviewed Ms. Freeman during the search and you will find her smart, ambitious, and  looking forward to the challenge. A graduate of Dartmouth as a championship athlete, she understands the need to win. During my interview with her, the word WINNING started every thought. She can take over a room as she enters… as you will see..

But this is a chance for YOU to get it straight from her. Ask the tough question. Think about her answers, and listen to the other questions to see where we are headed. It is also time to do the same to the other panel members!!

At this time in the history of Lafayette athletics, there is no more important moment to get the straight story of where we are, and where we are going. So follow Leopard One and get all your questions answered .

To attend any of these events  register online via goleopards or call the Maroon club at 610-330-3116. I will be at the Radnor event!!

My wife and I were on campus yesterday to catch a lecture, and after an early meal at Big Woody’s we decided to drive over to the field hockey field to see if our favorite team was practicing. Luckily they were still on the turf playing half field. Even though Head Coach Jennifer Stone was in South America with the US under 21 team, drills continued unabated under the able supervision of assistant coaches Sarah Dalrymple and Kelcie Hromsisin.

After a designated amount of time the scrimmage stopped and each side, white and black, took time to reflect on mistakes made and suggestions to improve. The two coaches were there to guide the discussions and begin again. The candid banter was used to improve on each rotation.

It was interesting to see the improvement and the application of self lessons learned. After practice there was a session with the Oaks Leadership team to talk about developing a winning attitude. No doubt after that it was time to hit the books. Such is the life of a division one athlete. As they displayed their talents I could only. marvel at progress made by our current first year players. They are fully integrating themselves into the team culture while learning to anticipate where their teammates are on the field at all times.

Their next spring competition is against Monmouth at Lafayette on Friday April 6th at 6 pm. It’ll be another chance to challenge what they were learning on the field.

Missing on the field this afternoon, in a competition with Villanova University, were well known Leopard seniors, but the new Leopards displayed a revamped structure, and some players found themselves in different positions. Coach Stone started to experiment with new lineups for 2018, as well as unveiling some different wrinkles for the upcoming season. I’m sure I am not qualified to describe Stone’s strategy ( and we’ll save it as a surprise for the fall),  but the team is getting comfortable with the changes this spring. The most obvious difference to me was Anna Steps move to a more mid-field position from the backfield, and this seems to be more suited to her abilities. She moved with confidence through the middle of the field and showed her potential as a scorer.

Audrey Sawers saw plenty of action and continues to improve, while Lisa van der Geest is rock solid in her leadership position in the backfield. Sophie Carr showed plenty of energy on field especially as she gets near the circle, while Grace Angelella will be dangerous anywhere near the goal.

While the younger players advance, the rising seniors provide stability and strength. KristenTaylor showed why she can be depended on with her sure stick work, and Theressa Delahanty is in on many an attacking play. Rachel Bird was solid as was Adriana Pero and Liza Welch.

All was not perfect as the change in strategy caused some miscues and shots still need to be less hesitant. Outlet passing suffered somewhat from the lack of familiarity as well. The Leopards will have  four more opportunities to practice their skills against opponents this spring, the next will be on April 6 at 6 pm at home against Monmouth. After a short break at the end of the spring competitions they will begin preparation for their series in South Africa in early June.

The scrimmage was under game conditions of two 35 minutes periods and then two 7 v 7 periods with two practice rounds of shootouts.

Rehearsal is over for the spring as our Leopards will journey to Conshohocken, Pa and the ” Proving Grounds” to meet the Wildcats of Villanova at noon on Saturday . This part of the year is when we get to see who will fill the gaps left by the seniors. It is a time of testing and experimentation by coach and players alike. There are obvious questions to be answered. How is the overall team speed look with the absence of Ellen Colbourne in the lineup?  Where will the scoring come from ? Will there be players moved to different positions  now that many have that additional year of experience?

Looking at last year’s results the Leopards will look to improve on their 2-4 finish in the league. Especially grating was the overtime loss to Lehigh 1-0. Lehigh will travel to Lafayette this year as the Leopards look for revenge. A win would have put the Leopards in the league playoffs. Likewise they will be looking to reverse 3 years of losses to Holy Cross. Boston University is always tough but will have to contend with a Lafayette home field as will American University. A trip to Colgate is always tough especially later in the year.

The Leopards finished with 30 goals ( five more than last year) with 19 of those goals scored by returning players.  They will need more offense, as the top two teams, Boston and American scored 67 and 62 goals respectively while giving up 37 and 31 goals at the same time. Lafayette gave up 46. Goal tending was about the same as all three had a mid 60 pct save percentage.

Lafayette generated 47 corners in league games, and led the league in that category. Lafayette’s in league performance must improve as they scored only 7 goals and gave up 15 in the conference. Boston was 25/5, American was 19/7, Holy Cross 17/15,Bucknell was 10/8, Colgate 6/21 and Lehigh 4/18.

Villanova returns many starters with three of their sophomores having scored 18 of their  34 goals. They are losing one of their best scorers Francesca Bello who scored 8 goals last season. Their top scorers are sophs Lydia Sydney, Amy Siana and Megan Vermeil each with 6 goals.

At this writing the format is undisclosed and I would imagine it’ll be three abbreviated periods with perhaps a shoot out at the end. The “Proving Grounds” is about 10 miles for from the Villanova Campus. The GPS address is 725 Conshohocken Rd. Conshohocken,Pa 19428.