Tag: division one sports

Stars On A Team Or A Team Of Stars

Lafayette has certainly gotten off to a good start to the 2026 championship season. The only blemish is a 0-1 loss to the number one team in division one, Northwestern. To date they have a 3-1 record ,and along the way individual efforts have highlighted that record. Certainly and foremost could be the performances of Addie Kahn the Leopard goal keeper whose outstanding performance against Northwestern earned her goalkeeper of the week for the Patriot League last week, but her performance continues on with an outstanding game against Cornell stopping not one, but two penalty strokes preserving a 2-1 victory. She currently ranks 18th nationally in save percentage.

Another shining star on the Leopard lineup is Lena Thedrian whose goals per game, 1.25 ( which includes a hat trick against Temple), puts her ranked 9th in nation and second in the conference. Kate Gibb is ranked 7th in the nation in assists with at least 1 per game. Lena is ranked 14th in points per game.

The team itself is ranked 6th in country for defensive saves. The most important stat of course isthe won loss record of 3-1, which was against quality opponents. It does not getting any easier with Drexel, Penn State, Delaware, and Brown as future non conference foes.

However, there is always the in conference competition. Bucknell is off to its first 4-0 start in decades, BU has demonstrated a strong offense, Colgate has dangerous energy and there is always American lurking. Each game will be a”championship” game ,and Holy Cross and Lehigh will be looking for that playoff spot as well.

The prize in the conference battle of course is home field for the conference tournament. Hosting is a big advantage, as each field has it’s own characteristics. It’s been years since Lafayette was the site….it would be sweet if this year would see activity out there in late fall.

There is a whole team wearing Maroon and White and I suspect this team of stars will be making their mark in the record books.

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!

Leopards Finish Regular Season With 6-4 Win Over Delaware

Lauren Kurek Lines Up Shot That Opens Scoring

In a game that seemed to cram a season’s worth of action in four quarters, the Leopards showed their character and spirit by turning away a game Delaware team to end up on top 6-4.

Half the scoring came from a three goal hat trick by Lena Thedrian. It was the second time this season that Lena was to get three goals in a single game. In this game it involved an effort that was to turn away a strong effort by Delaware.

The game had everything to offer. I can’t remember the last time there were three official’s reviews, along with several other reviews at crucial times during the action. The game was played on a windy cold afternoon, that rivaled any game played at Metzgar, the Leopards home turf. Adding to the action was a Delaware turf that was very fast that promoted offensive fire works.

First year player Lauren Kurek opened the explosion of scoring by taking a feed from Ellie Barton 13 minutes into the first quarter. In a skilled one on one move, she found her opening, delivering a strike using her back hand giving the Leopards a one goal lead.

Delaware answered seven minutes later with a goal of their own knotting the score at 1-1. Delaware seemed to take control by adding a second goal at 25:02, as the Leopards tried to find the answer to the Blue Hens resurgence. Lafayette retired at half time trying to figure things out on the short end of a 2-1 score in Delaware’s favor.

Four minutes into the second half captain Josephine Van Wijk, using an assist by Lea Good and Katie Gibb during a penalty corner tied the score again. It was Lena Thedrian who scored the first of her three goals, putting Lafayette ahead 3-2 using a drag flick during another penalty corner.

It wasn’t much more than a minute later that Delaware was gifted a penalty stroke, allowing them to tie the game and shift momentum in their favor. They followed with a score 5 minutes later putting them up for the last time 4-3.

It was then that the Leopards and Thedrian took charge with a surge with goals at 48:00 and 54:21 giving Lafayette a one goal lead with assists from Olivia Krey, Katie Gibb and Lea Good. Delaware then pulled their goalkeeper in a last attempt to rescue the game, but it was Stella Malinowski who delivered the “coup de grace” with a final goal a 57:07.

Raffi Fragomeni had 7 saves during the contest as Lafayette faced 17 shots from Delaware, while delivering 15 of their own scoring the 6 goals. It was aided by 12 penalty corners to Delaware’s 8 including the stroke.

The Leopards will move on to the post season with a meeting at American University with Bucknell on Thursday at two o’clock. The last encounter was a 2-1 overtime win against the Bison. American will meet Boston University at 11.

Unfortunately, the Patriot League tournament will be played without the customary video review since American is without the technology.

Leopards Finish League Regular Season With 1-0 Win Against Boston University

Feline Reuskin closes in on Boston player
Katie Gibb executes DPC

In a game that Boston had hoped to advance their bid for the Patriot League Tournament, Katie Gibb scored Lafayette’s winning goal with six minutes and forty six seconds into the third quarter. It was Gibb’s third goal of the season and second game winning goal in a row.

It was a contest dominated by defense, but had all the intensity of post season skills. Boston never gave up and even had 4 shots in the third quarter but never found the back of the cage. Although Lafayette did not have a shot in the fourth quarter they did turn away multiple attacks by the Terriers. With minutes left the Terriers did pull their goal keeper and the Lafayette defense stood tall and turned them away several times.

Although partly cloudy throughout the game the atmosphere turned chilly as the sun sank in the western sky. It did not deter the play on the field as Lafayette used 17 players in the game and Boston tried inserting fresh legs on their side with 20 players.The field for the Tournament did clarify as Bucknell emerged as the third qualifier and the likely opponent for Lafayette. Boston could still emerge as the fourth qualifier and the likely opponent for American, the host.

There were three video reviews during the game highlighting the deficit of video review for the Patriot League championship games because American does not have it. Along with Lehigh they remain the only sites without video review.

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!!

American Puts Lafayette On Back Foot In 3-1 Loss

If you had told me that Lafayette would have 10 shots to American’s 6, 8 corners to American’s 4 I would not have been right in assuming that Lafayette would end up on the winning end of the final score. It was a matter of timing, as a fourth quarter effort came too late to be of any help.

American University is always a tough place to be the visitor ( for fans as well as competitors). The Eagles asserted themselves right from the beginning. In fact the Leopards did not get their first shot until the third period! American made use of 2 penalty corners in the second period to start their scoring. There were a lot of close calls in first three quarters that went to the benefit of the home team which helped momentum as well. In the last quarter the far side official placed himself closer to action which seemed to help in balancing out the. penalties.

American’s Augustino Roffo showed her skill all game long and was an ever present threat. The first goal of the game came on that close call corner and a second try. Leopard offense which had proved to be effective all season long, could not get in gear.

The Eagles got their third goal before the Leopards got started but until that third quarter the field seemed tilted in American’s favor. That third goal provided added insurance in any tie breaker down the road for home field in tie beaker scenarios.

Lena Thedrian was again all over the field and was rewarded with the late goal during a Leopard corner using her drag flick to get it to the net.

One more thought

American is now in the minority by not providing video referral. It is time for the League to follow the NCAA hosting rules by insisting a championship tournament cannot be played at a site without video referral. It is time!! Excuses are hollow! At this point it’s the equivalent of a basketball team using peach baskets instead of modern metal rims and nets. All over division one it is in use…come on Eagles!!

Leopards Land On Top Against Bucknell In Overtime Thriller 2-1

It’s a full house of 500 fans

In an evening of very high level and intense hockey, Katie Gibb, and Kiley Gallagher, along with Lena Thedrian, providing two crucial assists, the Leopards delivered another overtime thriller to 501 fans. Never to be counted out, Lafayette fought through 3 periods of pretty even hockey, to finally tie it up with 6 and 1/2 minutes left in the game. It was a penalty corner and a rocket delivered by Thedrian, that found Katie Gibb in front of the goal, who responded with a much needed tip in.

Until then, it was Bucknell’s Reese Czajkowski, with a Gianna Purorro assist on penalty corner of their own at 20:24, that provided Bucknell with the single digit lead. The game had all the feel of a championship effort, and the timing of the equalizer provided the faithful a chance to appreciate the heart of this team.

But tying the score would not be enough, as the game moved to overtime. Bucknell faced a two player shortage in the opening moments of overtime due to two late green cards. For most fans, it seemed that would have sealed the deal, but the Bison’s made it through and at 5 1/2 minutes the Leopards delivered the deciding blow with Kiley Gallagher finding a looping assist from the ever present Lena Thedrian ( who played 64 minutes) ending the game 2-1.

Excitement throughout the game was also provided by Josephine van Wijk, who was limited to 27 minutes nursing a practice injury, but managed to provide one on one penetration to the circle, dribbling through an aggressive defense featuring her strong stick skills.

Again, Lafayette provided a plethora of thrills by the whole team, demonstrating courage and fitness that has captured the appreciation of their many fans.

Having to fight back Lafayette won the tale of the statistics with shots 12-10 (7 coming in the forth and overtime periods) and they out cornered their opponents 4-3 ( Bucknell’s corners were all in the first half). Fragomeni had another solid performance in the cage with four big saves!!

The team will receive their championship rings from last year and be honored at the football game on Saturday. Sunday they will meet Dartmouth at home, in pursuit of their 7th win and travel next Friday to American!!

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!

Leopard Celebrate Senior Day With Win Over Number 20 Temple

Coaches Celebrate Win

As the first fall Lafayette team to qualify for post season action, the Leopards got into the mood by knocking off Temple in an exciting overtime win in Easton. All five seniors started the game which opened with a dominating first quarter getting off a 5 shots to none for Temple. The most important shot was a Stella Malinowski penalty stroke at 11:57 which put the Leopards up 1-0.

Spanns gets ready to drive the baseline

Lafayette continued to dominate defensively with a 12-7 edge in shots for the whole game. However, the Owls did kick it into higher gear and scored a tying goal early, 35 seconds into the fourth quarter. This was indeed a contest worthy of the post season as the game went back and fourth for the remainder of regular time.

Spaans Steps Up

As the game went to overtime, the seven vs seven overtime format hindered the normal zone defense of Temple, as Lafayette and Spanns found space to utilize her speed. Fans were treated to her slashing style eluding defenders along the base line. The Lafayette faithful held their breath as the official held his whistle as Owl defenders tried all the could to stop her from dodging multiple players. As the Temple goalkeeper went to ground Spanns took a Darrah pass, pulled back and lifted the ball into the net.

Having qualified for the post season along with American, Bucknell and Boston, the Leopards are still in the hunt for hosting depending in part on the outcome of next week’s American game at Bucknell. American lost yesterday to Brown 2-1.