Author: William Rappolt

I am past chairman of the Lafayette Friends of Field Hockey and a former BOT member at Lafayette College. My wife and I are members of the Board of Trustees for USA Field Hockey Foundation. I am currently Chairman of that Board. I am the retired treasurer of M and T Bank Corporation and a 30 year fan of Division one field hockey

Leopards Open Spring Games Against St.Joes

It seems every spring our games with St. Josephs are played in blustery cold weather. Today was no exception, but thankfully the sun was out shining down on our first effort of the 2024 year. The Leopards bring back a plethora of talent who should know each other’s place on the field but even that advantage needs to be worked on. But that’s why we have spring games.

Each side came with about 18 players, but the game was played with no goal tenders, as minor injuries kept each team without a backstop. Surprisingly, for three quarters it was a low scoring affair with few corners and shots on goal. Both teams managed to score one goal in those first 45 minutes. The Hawks managed to get several corners and were to take advantage in the last 10 minutes of the game.

These spring games ( or controlled) scrimmages are more for reestablishing skills left dormant over the last six months. St. Joe’s was able to effectively use their press and one on one skills to push the action into their scoring end. The Leopards were able to establish a press of their own and I was impressed in the first 45 minutes with corner defense and counter attack.

I was pleased to see many Lafayette players who experienced late season injuries on the field. I was unrealistically thinking to see much of the skill and aggression displayed during the last part of last season, but as I should have know that comes back as the spring progresses.

The Leopards will waste little time meeting their next opponent, Lehigh on Friday at 6 pm at home. I love to see the progress from game to game and a preseason Lehigh meeting will hit the spot.

Coach Jennifer Stone To Be At Lafayette Event In Bucks County On March 7

The Marquis de Lafayette visited the United States in 1824 as a guest of President James Monroe. While in Philadelphia, 200 Eastonians including James Madison Porter met him. He was so impressed he set off to work to establish a College in Lafayette’s name. A group of prominent citizens led by Porter met at White’s Hotel to begin the process.

On March 9,1826 the governor of Pennsylvania signed the charter officially establishing Lafayette College. Each year on or around March 9, alumni get together at parties all over the world to celebrate their alma mater and toast the Marquis.

This year there will be an event on March 7 at the Bucks Club, 2600 York Road , Jamison, Pa. 18929. It will be a cash bar with small food. The highlight will be the attendance of Head Field Hockey Coach Jennifer Stone. The Field Hockey team could rightly be called the most successful team at Lafayette. They are regular participants in the annual Patriot League tournament and as champions represented the Patriot League in the national NCAA tournament.

This year, the team had a league leading, 5 all Patriot League awardees including an All American selection, Leneke Spanns. National teams are no stranger to Lafayette athletes as the captain of the US Olympic team will have alumna Amanda (Magadan) Golini leading the squad in this year’s Paris Olympics. Alumna Audrey Sawers is a member of the Canadian National Team. There are currently 3 players on the squad who were selected to the under 21 Canadian national team.

There is no doubt next year’s team will be in the hunt for a championship!!

The event is from 5:30 to 7:30. The host is Bill Messick class of ’68 Messy12@aol.com. You can also contact Alumni Engagement at 610-330-5040 or alumni @lafayette.com to make a reservation!! See you there.

USFH IS GOING TO PARIS!!!!!

There are games that can just be a win, because of luck or just superior talent. Then there are games that demonstrate character…..today’s game with Japan in India was one of those games. The skill was there, but character drove them to the finish.The nervousness rose in this house this morning as the US was scored upon for the first time in this Olympic Qualifying tournament in the second half. Could they score and a least go to overtime!!!??

Not only did they score, but they scored twice in the closing fourth quarter minutes to secure that elusive ticket to the Paris Olympics. Japan pulled their goalkeeper to try even the game in the closing minutes, but the US was able to win a corner running clock in the process.

Team captain and Lafayette Alum Amanda Golini will be the first Lafayette alum to become an Olympian in one hundred years. The emotions were overwhelming. driving the team, its fans. and coaches to tears. David Passmore the head coach, was seen a little teary eyed at the end as well.

The team had been through the difficulties of coaching changes, and moving to Charlotte. In the end, not only did they persevere but thrived.

They will move on to play in the finals, their Paris ticket in hand. They are remaining in SE Asia for several weeks for pro league games, as they polish their skills before coming home.

Congratulations To Amanda And The Team As They Prepare For The Olympics!! Go USA

USWNT In Semi-Final For Olympic Qualifiers

Amanda Golini ’17 shows how defense is played by the underscored upon US Team

The US Women’s National Team launched themselves into the qualifying semifinals on the back of a 1-0 win over New Zealand today. The US is now undefeated and unscored upon after wins over India, Italy and New Zealand. They will now meet Japan on Thursday ( CBS Sports) in the semis. A win will place them in the finals and a sure trip to the Paris Olympic Games. A loss will move them to a play-in game in which a win will also buy them a ticket to Paris.

As to their latest tournament win, victory came on the back of a strong defense. A goal by Beth Yeager in the second quarter off a penalty corner, was to stand up after a strong defensive performance for the win. The US had 4 shots to 2 for New Zealand and the US had 11 penalty corners to 7. There was a streak in the 3rd corner when New Zealand had several corners in a row.

Lafayette parent/fan, Silvia Magadan beams with pride for her daughter’s accomplishments

The US had to work through 2 yellow cards in the second half which included a 3rd period in which New Zealand pulled their goalkeeper in an effort to put a score on the board.

This is a team that is coming together to the astonishment of the world hockey community. They entered the tournament ranked 15th. They will certainly leave the tournament much better than that. In the meantime they will need to tidy up their corners and finish more of their offensive opportunities.

Amanda Golini ( Amanda Magadan ’17) is displaying her leadership skills as captain. She is active on the field and had several key plays from her midfield position and on defensive penalty corners.

GO USA

US Women Score Huge Win Against India

The US Women’s National Team won their first game in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament today against India 1-0. Aside from the score and the Olympic berth at stake in the outcome, this game with the number six world ranked Indian team had special drama attached to it. Four years ago, India had knocked the US team out Olympic contention in a play in game. Janneke Shopmann had been the US coach at the time and was relieved after the series. She has since become the Indian coach and the US has had a series of coaches before settling on David Passamore.

Team congratulates Amy Tamer on goal

Comparing the two teams one has only to count the number of caps vs the Indian team. Amanda Golini (nee Magadan) and Ashley Hoffaman by far have the most caps on the team ( about 260 together). No one else comes close. India is an experienced side who was expected to dominate their Pool. There are two Pools for a total Eight teams playing. The top three will go to Paris in the coming Olympics this summer.

US defense was on it all game

This tournament is being played in Rachi, India and a second tournament is being played in Valencia, Spain with another three to get their bid the same way.

The name of game was defense, as the Red,White and Blue made a second period goal stand up in the end. It was made possible as Kelsey Bing, the US goalkeeper and player of the game turned back threat after threat.

The first period saw team captain and Lafayette alumna Amanda Golini apparently scoring the opening goal. However, under video review by the referees there was an obstruction violation negating the score. The US had to wait until the second period when Abby Tamer scored to make it 1-0.

Goal Keeping Was Excellent by Kelsey Bing

In terms of circle penetrations, corners and offensive possessions the home team had the edge. At one point India had 4 corners in row turned away by Kelsey Bing. But the US defense as whole maintained their 4-3-4 scheme turning way the attacking Indian Team.

The US will be taking on Italy tomorrow at 6:30 am EST. The games are televised by the CBS sports channel.

Leopards Nab Four All Region Slots

Lafayette led the Patriot League with four all region selections. Lafayette is in the Mid East region along with schools like Penn State, Yale, Bucknell, Syracuse and Connecticut. The other Patriot League school that had multiple selections was American who had three in the Mid Atlantic Region.

Leading the Leopards was no surprise as Junior Lineke Spaans was selected for the first team. Joining her on the second team were Sophomores Josephine van Wijk and Makenzie Switzer along with the Patriot League rookie of the year Stella Malinowski.

Remarkably, all four will be returning to compete for the Patriot League title!!! In addition freshman Katie Gibbs and Junior Laine Delmotte have been selected for the Junior Canadian World Cup team playing in Santiago, Chile this week and next!!

The Leopards will be returning to their team, a group that saw the majority of minutes during their run as runner up in the League. They missed going to NCAA tournament because of a one goal loss in the Patriot League Championship.

By adding a decent freshman class next year and the return of several injured players the Leopards should be favored to take it all next year or I might eat a hockey ball if they are not !!! I can’t wait for spring, as skills improve and we can insert a healthy team to the pitch.

Go Pards!!

Lafayette Just Misses Championship 1-0

Alex Darrah is on it

In a hard fought contest, the Leopards narrowly missed winning it all but for a a goal by American early in the fourth quarter. Lafayette out shot the Eagles and the Eagles out cornered the Leopards, both stats proving both teams executed to their strength.

In an interview with the on camera host, America Coach Steve Jennings revealed he likes to substitute early to preserve freshness for the later quarters. Lafayette was hampered with a shorter bench due to injuries and several walking wounded on the field. It was a courageous effort by all as the Leopards were in reach of the trophy.

Lena Thedrian sprints upfield

Leneke Spaans was circled by three and sometime four America defenders during the course of the game. Lena Thedrian and co-captain India Ralph picked up the slack in moving the ball downfield.

The Lafayette defense was stout, turning the Eagle offense away especially in the first half. However, in the third quarter American turned it up a notch and they were helped by two back to back green cards against the Leopards!!

Josephine van Wijk sizes up American

Clearly the longer American bench was helpful, but I had to be impressed by Lafayette’s spirit and effort in the afternoon. Which brings to mind..what now!???

This is clearly a talented and spirited team with virtually all coming back next year. To my mind a new freshman class of 8 or 9 good players would be enough to bring the trophy to Easton. This team deserves the support of the college and their fans. IF WE ARE AT ALL SERIOUS ABOUT CHAMPIONSHIPS reasonable but vigorous support will put us in a good place next year at this same time. That is what Title IX is all about!!! Live it just don’t talk it!!!

We will be playing American, Boston University, and Lehigh at home…and if I am correct in my assessment…hosting the tournament!!

Field Hockey team cheers on Men’s Soccer team in their shoot out win!!

PS. I was pleased to see our team cheering on the soccer team last night to their shootout win in the quarter finals at home. This is a quality group and I could not be more proud of this group of young women!!

GO PARDS!!

Leopards Win In Character Effort In Patriot League Semi Final

Spaans looks to Thedrian

Lafayette Comes From Behind Twice To Win In Overtime 3-2 On Thedrian Goal

In an afternoon where the Leopards slowly gained possession time and in the end dominated statistically, Lafayette walked away with a 3-2 win over Boston University. At 64:09 the Leopards were executing a offensive penalty corner which was blocked by Boston. The ricochet ended on the stick of Josephine van Wijk who saw first year player Lena Thedrian on the far post who took the “rock” and delivered the goal for the win. It was Lena’s first goal of the season and career. The team erupted in happiness and swarmed the Lafayette defender.

Mackenzie Switzer closes in on BU player

Later in an interview she viewed the moment as the happiest in her life!. She later hoped her parents were watching in Germany!!

But the final goal was not the only heroics of the afternoon. The Terriers were winning 2-1 with less than one minute left in regulation when first year Lea Good took a ball delivered by Lineke Spaans to the back of the goal to tie the game and put the team into the overtime situation.

Spaans circles around a BU defender

BU started the game with an early goal by Thalia Stevenssens at 3:11 giving them a 1-0 lead which held up though the end of the first half. After halftime super player Lineke Spaans delivered the tying goal at 31:02 with assists from Mackensie Switzer and India Raph. Nine minutes later BU again moved ahead with a goal of their own. In the fourth quarter, the Leopards redoubled efforts culminating in Good’s goal with less than a minute remaining.

co captain India Ralph lines up a pass

Spaans was clearly the catalyst all game long advancing the ball, challenging defences and getting off 6 shots, scoring one goal and assisting on another. Josephine van Wijk was her usual self, placing herself in a position to be a threat culminating in her assist to Thedrian for the win!!

Offensive Penalty Corner explodes

As I mentioned Lafayette dominated the stats getting off 20 shots agains 4 by Boston. They managed to hold BU to 0 shots in the second and fourth quarter. Boston did get off a shot in overtime saved by a spectacularly by Emma Garvey. Lafayette had 8 shots alone in the fourth quarter and four in the overtime.

Catalina Rubel gets down for the block

The Leopards had 10 penalty corners to only one by BU.

Lafayette will meet American on Saturday for the championship and an NCCA bid! American also won their game against Bucknell 3-2 having scored all three goals in the first period. Bucknell came back and had two penalty corner attempts with no time left and failed to connect!!

American beat Lafayette 3-1 early in the season after the Leopards scored first!! The action begins at 1 pm on ESPN plus.

GO PARDS!!

Lafayette Enters The Post Season Capturing 5 All League Honors

Patriot League Tournament Most Balanced In Years

Spaans blows by BU defender

The top four teams in the League standings are still playing this Thursday in the semi-final round of the Patriot League tournament, and anyone is capable of the claiming the championship on Saturday. For example, Bucknell is seeded fourth but all three of their league losses came with one goal margins or overtime shootouts.

Lafayette claimed the number 2 slot, and was tied with Bucknell with a scoring margin of 1.51 positive and with number of shots (86) considering only league play. Lafayette has the stingiest defense of the group by allowing only 5 goals over the 6 games.

In corners earned, American leads the pack with 59, BU has 38, Bucknell has 37 and Lafayette has 30. Bucknell leads with 16 goals, then Lafayette with 14, American with 13 and Boston recorded 12 goals during the PL season.

But the task at hand is the semi-final game tomorrow. Lafayette plays at 2 pm after the American /Bucknell game. Boston has always been known for their defense and how it creates offensive opportunities but the Lafayette defense has been stellar this season.

The Leopards will enter the playoffs after capturing five all patriot honors. Stella Malinowski was rookie of the year, Lineke Spaans ad Mackensie Switzer made first team and Laine Delmotte, Josephine vanWijk, and Stella Malinowski were named to the second team. It should be noted that is three juniors, a sophomore, and a freshman, all returning next year.

During the play by play last Saturday between American and Boston the announcer said how that game could be the preview of the championship game. Lafayette will have something to say about that by captains Spaans and Ralph, and the team. An eleven year veteran coach, Jennifer Stone will have the team ready. This is an intense competitive group that will be on the turf in the coming days!! Couldn’t be more excited for the tournament.

Go Pards!!

Temple Slips Past Lafayette 1-0 In Regular Season Finale

Stella Malinowski takes control

It was a senior day contest at Temple as both teams battled back and forth for sixty minutes. In the end, it was Temple who came out on top with a fourth quarter goal by Tess Muller who placed an impossible angle shot into the goal at 51:48 putting the Owls up 1-0.

Catalina Rubel gets the ball past Temple

The Leopards were not done as they earned one of their 2 penalty corners of the game at 54:08. Temple asked for a video review which came back inconclusive, but in the meantime allowed the Leopard coaching staff to come up with a shot. After several dramatic minutes, play resumed and Lafayette lined up for the corner. Eventually Laine Delmotte took the feed from India Ralph and delivered the shot past the Temple goalkeeper only to have it stopped by an alert Lily Petersen with a defensive save.

Temple used 20 players during the afternoon while Lafayette used 16. Temple outshot Lafayette 8 to 3 but the shots on goal were an even 2 to 2. Lafayette had 2 corners to Temple’s 1 which displayed a game that was basically played between the 25’s. However Temple did manage to get off 4 shots in the fourth quarter.

Mackensie Hall runs past a Temple defender

Lafayette’s 8 game win streak was snapped as both teams are off to their respective League Tournaments. Lafayette will be taking on Boston University at 2 o’clock on Thursday after the American vs Bucknell game at 11 am.