Category: Sports

Leopards Return From Impressive Performance In Chicago To Face Temple At Home

The Leopards flew back from Chicago with a 1-1 record having faced two opponents, one of which was the two time National Champion. The game was a solid 2-1 against Kent State at Northwestern’s field. Kent State scored their only goal with minutes left in the fourth period. Lafayette had just scored earlier on a Stella Malinowski strike which was disallowed. The official refused to recognize the Lafayette call for a review which they were entitled to. In my opinion it was a good goal. Lena Thedrian and Malinowski scored the previous two goals.

The following day was occupied by a baseball game at Wrigley Field and a visit to the “Bean,” in downtown Chicago. During the bus ride the coaches were hard at work on the game plan for Northwestern.

The game itself was a defensive tour de force by Lafayette. It was highlighted by PL goalkeeper of the week Addison Kahn, who had 15 saves all weekend, earning a season 88 pct save percentage.

The 0-1 loss was filled with impressive performances as Lafayette’s veteran defense held back Northwestern’s offense for 58 minutes led by captain Thedrian who had defensive saves as well.

The Leopards will don their home uniforms this Friday at 6 as they take on the Temple Owls who are also 1-1, having beaten JMU 2-1 and losing to Maryland 1-3. The Temple goalkeeper was not as successful as Kahn as she arrive in Easton with a 69 pct save pct. Goals were scored by Riley Gallagher, Lucia Magro and Brooke Weaver. Both Lafayette and Temple faced 31 shots this season. Coincidentally, both teams had 15 shots over the weekend.

Malinowski grabs the ball

The Owls and the Leopards are no strangers, since they have faced each other many times over the years including spring scrimmages. Make no mistake this will be an intense contest as either team would like to leave the turf with a winning record. I would hope the Leopard faithful will be out in force to tilt the energy towards the Leopards.

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Leopards Finish Preseason On High Note

In five days the Leopards will be playing for real. It’ll be a non conference game with Kent State on Friday August 28 2;30 CT. Today, they finished their preseason with a home game against Wagner. There was a lot for coaches to be pleased with, especially with a dominant performance by the offense. I don’t know if it would be wise to identify goal scorers etc, but suffice to say the Patriot League coaches got it right in their preseason selections.

Stella Malinowski can make her presence known

However, one could add to the story, the progress made by the first year players, and the improvement of the returning squad members, as well. Today I saw excellent speed and good skills against a team that at the end of last year was ranked ahead of Kent State.

Corners were well executed with Lena

The hockey was as sound as it was exciting to watch. As they step on that plane Thursday, I don’t see how they can be better prepared. In a cautious observation, first games can be difficult and I remind everyone of last years game with William and Mary…a game that should been a W, The second game on Sunday may be a different story but the Leopards should not look ahead. The most important game is always the next one.

I think Lafayette fans are in for a treat this fall and the team deserve every bit of support. This is a serious minded battle tested group and it will be fun to watch this all come together. Wagner opened with a press and Lafayette handled it in way that should give concern to opponents, League and Non League. It time to set the tempo early.

I have my tickets in hand for Chicago and I hope the return trip will be with a smile on my face. The first game will NOT be televised and Sunday’s match will be on the Big Ten network.

Go Pards!!!

Leopards Continue Preseason Prep

The 2026 Leopards continue to work under hot late summer conditions preparing for the coming season which is only one week away. They traveled to Monmouth and got taste of intense high level hockey. Monmouth showed their skill and experience by jumping out to a first quarter two goal lead, surprising Lafayette fresh off the bus ride from Easton. However, this is a gritty team and they battled back and soon would get help from first year Elsa Wood nailing her first goal in a maroon and white uniform.

Following Elsa’s lead, senior Katie Gibb would even the score in the second quarter. Monmouth would eventually add one more goal, but this was a good afternoon as the upper classmen showed the skill that brought them success last season while the first years gained confidence.

As each day goes by the team is starting see where they are on the field and where their teammates are. Lena Thedrian deserves special mention as she had 3 defensive saves during the afternoon. Her work last year merited recognition as the preseason defensive player of the year. She was selected along with Stella Malinowski and Rosalie van Gool to the Patriot League preseason all league team. Lafayette was recognized by being picked second in the Patriot League poll…American was picked first by the coaches.

In 25 years of watching Leopard hockey, I have never seen us picked first. The first League game is September 18 th at Colgate.

Preseason Beginning To Show Results…Lafayette Reloads

Stella Malinowski finds open space

Lafayette Field Hockey had their first live competition of the season during a preseason game with the University of Albany. Remarkably, for an early early preseason game, the offense showed strong organization with considerable depth. Scoring was spread around the squad with Lafayette being able to solve the Albany defense from the first push-off. The defense was strong and played a role in starting attacks and showed strong field awareness.

Linda Novas evades an Albany defender
Linda Novas evades an Albany defender

There is still progress to be made with additional ball speed, but no doubt it will be there in time for the first game with Kent State and the game with Northwestern two days later. Of interest to all fans is the competition at the goal. The two goaltenders who played, showed that whoever prevails, the area between the pipes will be well protected.

The first year players were well represented on the field, and will make their presence known as the season progresses. I was particularly impressed with the speed of Mia Barreto, who chased down an Albany player in the second half attempting a fast break.

The attack penalty corners and defensive penalty corners were up to the challenge as they exhibited mid-season form. As the weeks go by, I expect to see more deception in the APC’s and maybe more attempts to fast break after DPC’s.

The returning players seem to have made progress which will be bad news to upcoming opponents, including the League Rivals. I am trying to temper my enthusiasm, but there is still a week to go and two more preseason games with Monmouth and Wagner before it begins for real!

Next up is Monmouth which should provide another measure of progress.

For those of you attending the opening week end at Northwestern, there will be a reception after the Kent State game Friday afternoon. More on those details later.

Patriot League Turns Over 57 Percent Of Head Field Hockey Coaches

Leopards go to Championship game

Apparently, in an attempt to upgrade the weaker programs in the League, or to replace a retiring Head Coach, the Patriot League will see a huge turnover at the top of four programs. Lehigh, Holy Cross, Boston University and Colgate will be changing leadership. In recent years, Lafayette, American, Bucknell and Boston have had regular appearances in the League Tournament. Perhaps these changes, if accompanied by cultural and material support can raise the profile of the League and give the League two bids to the national tournament.

In an era of NIL, portal activities, and eligibility extended to five years, these changes may be an action in response. I have for years recognized that the regional nature of the League corresponds to Field Hockey’s regional nature. It is not unusual to see a majority of the domestic players on the power school’s roster coming from the areas domiciled by Patriot League schools.

The list of changes follow:

Lehigh- Corey Mayer joined in May from an asst coaching position at Villanova

Holy Cross- Kim Coszenza joins from WPI and has already filled her staff of three assistants plus a technical director,

Colgate- Gareth Tenet comes from a five year tour as an assistant at Cornell and filled his staff. He has strong international background and I would bet we will see more internationals in Red Raider uniforms. Interestingly he has a very strong recruit from Easton in Olivia Milian

Boston University- Sarah Shutte is a 2008 alum in the well planned succession to Sally Starr. Boston beat Lafayette in the Patriot League final last year. Sarah was the head coach at MIT and has her staff in place.

Meanwhile, the three remaining teams are not letting grass grow under their cleats. American has recruited two transfers from Michigan State and Boston College to add to its five member class. Lafayette has its five member class ( and perhaps two international players) to announce along with a new assistant coach. Bucknell has shown improvement on many fronts.

Lafayette opens with Kent State and national champion Northwestern on the 28th and 30th of August respectively, It is about 30 days before the team reports for preseason and the full roster and staff additions should be announced by then! Lafayette has a number of nexus players coming in and two players are playing for the Canadian National team.

It will be a challenging year of hockey and fun for our fans.


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 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,

Lafayette Punches Ticket To Championship Game

Josephine Van Wijk unloads a shot against Bucknell

In an action packed four quarters of field hockey, Lafayette College defended their title like the Champions they are. It was a match that has become a standard when these two teams, Lafayette and Bucknell, meet. For the last 9 meetings these two team dueled to a one goal result with Lafayette getting the advantage.

The first half ended 0-0 with Lafayette turning away five Bucknell penalty corners, with Katie Gibb meeting Kira Laclercq’s near the top of circle shots. Laclercq took every penalty corner opportunity but could not solve the Leopard penalty corner defense.

Katie Gibb and Lea Good moves against Bucknell

The game was played at consistent high intensity. Action moved from end line to end line testing the boundaries of fitness and skill. As Bucknell seemed to turn the action their way Lafayette defenders were there to intercept or tackle a Bucknell player recapturing the ball.

Lafayette used their strong bench, eventually testing the Bucknell depth. Eighteen Leopards made it into the game which Bucknell managed to sub in only three players from their reserves.

The relentless pressure eventually gave way to a two goal second half that was to break the tie with two goals at 33.53 and 42:26. Stella Malinowski drew first blood with a scrambling unassisted goal. While a scrum developed and multiple player were on the turf the Lafayette forward found the handle to deliver the first goal of the game.

The second goal was delivered nearly ten minutes later by the ubiquitous Katie Gibb in much the same matter. The Leopards used the two goal lead to control the fourth quarter until the Bisons decided to pull their Goalkeeper with nearly half the fourth quarter gone.

Katie Gibb scrambles to score!!

With two and one half minutes left the Leopards suffered a penalty stroke call, which Leclercq executed bringing the score to 2-1. Lafayette was to control the rest of the period to making their ticket reality, with a date to meet Boston in the final on Saturday.

Boston stunned American with 1-0 win in the first game. Despite being out cornered, the Boston defense was to stuff the strong APC’s, which is the foundation of American’s scoring.

The games were played with recently installed video review. By my count it was used at least 8 times between the officials, and calls by the teams during both matches. That leaves Lehigh the only team without review at their site.

Lafayette and Boston remain in DC to prepare for Saturday’s 1 pm meeting!!

Lafayette Gets Come From Behind Victory 3-2

Katie Gibb scores winning goal with one minute left in the game

With several players nursing injuries the depth of Lafayette carried the day in a 3-2 thriller ending in a strike by Katie Gibb with less than one minute left in the game. Katie put in 60 minutes and was very involved in the offense all game. However, it was Junior Maddie Evens who got off the first shot of the game at 4:09. which was stopped by the Raider’s Claire van Kempen who had 8 saves during the day. The second shot came from Lea Good 2 1/2 minutes later again to be stopped by the Raider GK.

Lea Good put the Leopards in the lead in the first half

It was early in the second quarter when Lea was to find the back of the cage scoring a goal with the help of Linda Nova at 21:36. That goal was to stand up through the first half with the Leopards in the lead 1-0. with a 7-0 lead in shots and 1 penalty corner to none.

Two and one half minutes into the third quarter Colgate came alive as they got off three shots, two of which found the back of the net. The first came as it deflected off the glove of Fragomeni, the Lafayette goal keeper. Three minutes later the Crusader attack struck again to make it 2-1 on a fast break and the Leopards found themselves behind for the first time in the game.

The Leopards were to have success challenging Colgate one on one. It was one such drive up the middle of the field by Josephine van Wijk that set up the Leopards for a scrambling goal to tie the game. With 40 seconds left in the third quarter van Wijk charged towards the goal with Lena Thedrian and Sophomore Laila Pasic putting themselves in position. Thedrian got hold of the ball as Colgate tried to organize eventually passing to Pasic who tipped it in for the tying score.

The intensity increased throughout the final quarter as both teams had opportunities. Colgate and Lafayette had 2 penalty corners. With one minute and three seconds left and facing overtime Lafayette earned their last penalty corner of the game. Again, with a scramble in front of the cage Rosalie van Gool found Katie Gibb who delivered the winning goal with 50 seconds left on the the clock.

Van Wijk used her considerable skills to wind down the clock and seal the 3-2 win.

By virtue of the win the Leopards have now secured a place in the Championship tournament. Ironically, halfway through the game Lehigh lost to Holy Cross securing a spot even before Gibb’s final goal.

So there is still a mathematical chance for either Holy Cross, Boston University, Bucknell and Lehigh to qualify. Lafayette will play Boston next Friday in their final regular season game on Friday in Boston.

American took a large step in securing home field by beating Bucknell. Lafayette would need American to lose its final two league games for Lafayette to host. It is a shame should American host the championship it will be played without video review. In the American v. Bucknell game there several times that video review would have been helpful. It’s time for the League to mandate video review for championship matches. American is NOT qualified to host an NCAA Tournament game without it, as is Lehigh!!

Leopards Battle With Number 5 Syracuse But Stumbled In The End

Josephine van Wijk speeds past Syracuse

Yes, in the end it was a 2-5 loss but our Leopards for much of the game were going toe to toe with perhaps the toughest opponent of the regular season. At 1:57 van Wijk stunned the Syracuse visitors with goal putting Lafayette up 1-0. Wijk delivered without an assist and expertly drove the ball passed the stunned Orange goal keeper. It would take Syracuse 5 minutes to find the equalizer from Graduate Student Bo van Kempen with the assist of Pati Strunk and Lana Hamilton.

First year Rosilie van Gool puts Lafayette ahead 2-1

The tie held up until Roselie van Gool with the help of Lea Good and Katie Gibb put Lafayette ahead 2-1 at the half. At that point, Syracuse led in shots 11-4, but Raffi Fragomeni stood tall having six saves to 2 for Syracuse. Lafayette showed much of the determination and skill that emerged in the preseason. I was also impressed with the play of Lena Thedrian whose strong presence in the backfield and was starting much of the offense with long accurate passes.

However, it was the two penalty strokes by Van kempen in the third and fourth quarter that was to prove the Leopards undoing. Despite all that, there were moments that showed the Leopards determination and heart. I saw long strong and accurate passes, a defense that sparkled at times, and effort that if continued will serve this team well for the 2/3rd of the the season to go!

This first third of the season has prepared for the Leopards for a championship run at a second League championship. I still believe this team has extraordinary talent that will be refined when the “second act” begins its quest to host the championship tournament. That second act opening curtain is against Lehigh at Lehigh on Friday night. What a better way to start than to get that W against the “Brown from Bethlehem.” SIX PM BE THERE!

I will preview the game later in the week!