The Lafayette Leopards will step on a bus early Thursday morning to travel to Columbus, Ohio for two games, Friday, with a ranked Ohio State squad, and an undefeated Indiana squad on Sunday. The Ohio State game will be the home opener for the Buckeyes after losing this afternoon to Kent State 3-1.

I viewed the game this afternoon, which had several interesting moments. Ohio State seemed to have the better of the action in the opening quarter. The Buckeyes managed to spend most of the quarter in Kent State’s half of the field and managed two shots to Kent State’s zero.

The game was played at Kent State under video review which played a key role in the first Ohio State goal. Midway into the second quarter Ohio State was in the attacking circle when it appeared they earned a corner. Instead the Buckeyes called for a video review which indicated a more serious foul in which the officials then called for a penalty. stroke.

Megan McKenna delivered the goal at 21:10 giving Ohio State the first lead. Kent State then seem to energize itself as they were able to finally get to the circle through breakout runs. Luisa Knapp found herself in front the goal keeper to even the score with 3 1/2 minutes left in half. The pace had now tipped in Kent State’s favor as they got off 5 shots to the Buckeye’s 3.

The second half had an invigorated Kent State get the go ahead goal at 34:33. Ohio State continued to attack the right side, trying to get close to the keeper for the tying goal! Although managing 2 shots Kent State had the better of it with 4 shots mostly set up by long runs, and the final goal at 35:24, this time with an assist.

Ohio State changed their goal keeper in the fourth quarter which ended up even on shots. For the game, corners were 3 to 3. Ohio State had 6 saves to Kent State’s 5. They used 19 players during the contest. Kent State led in shots 12 to 10.

This should be a very competitive game on Friday which will be televised on BTN +at 4 pm as will Sunday’s game at 11 am with Indiana.

It is hard to judge the outcome of preseason games as each coach has their own objectives, but Coach Stone and her staff saw a lot to be pleased about and a number things that can be improved upon. If you count shoot out goals, Lafayette ended on top with two more goals than the host Blue Hens. During the regular game Lafayette came out firing on all pistons scoring a sweet goal early in the first period by senior Audrey Sawers. It was followed by a strong goal from Molly McAndrew.

In between Lafayette’s two goals, Delaware was to have a breakaway that put Delaware within one at the half. In the second half, as the temperature rose, the Blue Hens were to find themselves behind the Leopard’s defense to score two more goals, one by their all American Femke Strien.

Lafayette was to use their stars to take advantage, Audrey Sawers was all over the field. Simone Hefting anchored a defense that kept the Delaware offense off balance. Unfortunately, Delaware got one more goal minutes before regulation time. They played two overtime periods to a stalemate and went to practice shootouts, where Lafayette was to get a three goal advantage highlighted by two circus like goals from Molly McAndrew.

I always like to see how our unfamiliar names would do and there was half the team that was playing in their first Division one contest.There was a plethora talent on the field which will challenge future opponents. I saw stand out performances from Alden Boccella, Lineke Spanna, Filine Gerbrandij, and Mackenzie Hall.

Goaltenders Haile Abbott and Becca Herbert, who was playing against her old teammates did well, collecting numerous saves on the day. In the regular game I counted six shots and three corners.

So the Leopards will lick their wounds, correct their mistakes and build upon a generally good showing against a good team.

Meanwhile the Patriot League Coaches voted today in a preseason poll picking Lafayette to finish fourth. Audrey Sawers was picked as an all league player. American was picked first, Bucknell was in second position, Boston third, Lafayette fourth, Lehigh fifth, Holy Cross sixth, and Colgate ended up seventh. I normally don’t put much stock in preseason polls but it is what it is.

Lafayette’s first Patriot League game is with American University on Sept 18th at 11 am!!!

.Finally Albany comes to Rappolt Field on Sunday and Lafayette will look to polish their skills before meeting Hofstra for a regular season game on August 27th

I am often asked by parents of rising college first year athletes about the adjustment to a Division One level. The jump to any elite college level sport can be difficult and challenging whether it be in football, basketball or field hockey. The first adjustment is to speed and tempo of the game. At first glance, they may seem like similar characteristics but they are not. Clearly, whereas many first years will have played their high school game with a good team with some good players. It’s not a stretch to imagine that given only the best players rise to this level. Everyone will be good!!

It is not to say, that some will be better than others, and many will be more experienced on a veteran team. After an initial Division One season there will be some faster, stronger, bigger players,  more in tune with the current team. So when I write the word tempo, I mean there is less hesitation on passes, self starts and even on penalty corners.

As to speed, many will be just faster. Unlike high school the condition of water based astro turf just makes the ball faster and more like an ice hockey game. The new player will have to get used to finding space where their teammates will be, rather than where they are at the moment. 

Passing is more accurate and designed to create one on one situations, which makes defense a very important part of the game. Playing defense does not mean you are out of the offensive schemes. Many of Lafayette’s finest players were in the backfield and played key roles in counter attacking and on offensive and defensive corners. The counter attack can start many offensive scoring opportunities, and likewise defending against the counter attack is important.

Finally, especially in the United States version of the game, fitness plays a key role. Speed, tempo, and skill cannot be executed with out being physically ready. Most if not all coaches will be absolutely intense about the level of fitness. Players should expect extra sessions in the strength center, which not only increases strength and conditioning, but plays a role in injury prevention.

It goes without saying players are selected with their ability to handle the academic rigors as well as the athletic demands of Division one. A player on academic probation will not be helpful to the team.

President Hurd’s First Pronouncement To Faculty Is To Get Vaccinated

President Byerly left unresolved the requirements for staff vaccinations, even though students were compelled to be vaccinated or not be allowed to attend Lafayette. As of today, all staff are required to be vaccinated. If they are not vaccinated by a date this fall they will not be employed by the school. Kudos to our new president!!!