Tag: NCAA Division one

Not The Outcome We Wanted

Stella Malinowski and Josephine van Wijk surround a Boston player

It was a game well anticipated….a chance for our Leopards to add another ring to the finger, but Boston had other ideas. It needed a record setting effort by Boston and they got it. Boston always brings a stout defense, and they delivered, but they also got a record hat trick from Caroline O’Brian, that the Leopards failed to halt when needed.

For a while it looked like the Leopards would pull it out…a goal by. Maddie Evans in the third tied things up, but answered by O’Brian 6 minutes later…then 9 minutes later a goal by Malinowski only to be trumped by O’Brian with only 2 1/2 minutes to go in the game. This was the first time a 4 seed won the tournament and the first time there was a hat trick that did it.

I delayed writing this blog because I wanted to reflect on this and the upcoming tournament. First of all the Leopards left it all on the field and all praise to a marvalous senior class who led us here. Mackenzie Switzer, Carolina Rubel, Ellie Barton, Josephine Van Wijk, Peyton Guinter, and Raffi Fragomeni, who thrilled us with their courage, skill and determination for four years. They earned their rings from last year, something a majority of teams in Patriot League cannot say.

To the team, you prevailed through training, injuries and other adversities, for that you have our admiration and thanks. We are proud to be your fans!!

Josephine Van Wijk unloads a shot against Bucknell

To our amazing freshman, sophomores and juniors, you will challenge again I am sure, using this game as motivation. The League is getting better and the challenges will certainly be there, but I know you are up to it. To our coaches, who will hit the recruiting trail to replace and strengthen an extraordinary squad, our good wishes.

For the moment to Boston, congratulations on overcoming a difficult season. Best of luck and carry the League Flag with pride!! Boston will move onto Fairfield for the play in game, and I suspect after that. Princeton.

The success of the Ivy League this year has come as a shock to the power schools. Harvard, Princeton, and Yale will continue playing, pushing out teams like Maryland and Michigan.

A black mark to the Patriot League for asking the Lafayette team to leave the pitch after the game. The optics made it seem like they were bad sports. Several American players in the stands corrected the impression by noting the League had demanded the loser leave the field….terrible optics!!!

The success of the Ivies shows that excellence is possible, even at the Patriot League level with all its demands!!

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!!

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 Celebrates Senior Day With 5-0 Triumph Over Dartmouth

DPC unit locates the ball

A second half surge sealed the deal on a 5-0 dominating win for Leopards over visiting Dartmouth on a beautiful day for senior celebration. The first half saw the score knotted up 0-0 maybe just to give the fans a little tension. But we all should have known better. After introducing the seniors and their families, the game opened with Dartmouth providing a stout defense for Lafayette’s 9 shots and 3 penalty corners. They successfully jammed the circle and cut off any clear space for Lafayette to operate.

After the half time break, giving the team and the coaches time to come up with a solved strategy, the goals began to come. At 2 1/2 minutes into the second half, Junior Maddie Evans took a feed from senior Josephine van Wijk who had penetrated the defense and started the ball rolling with a nifty deflection into the cage.

Senior Van Wijk penetrates the circle

Lafayette did not have to wait long for the second goal, as less than two minutes later, freshman Rosalie van Gool was to get the first of two goals on the afternoon by freezing the keeper and delivering a solo strike to the back of the net. Her second goal was also unassisted 3 minutes later. that 3rd quarter was to see the Leopards collect 9 shots and 2 penalty corners.

The home team was not done as the fourth quarter was to see more goals from sophomore Mia Freeman from Downingtown with help from Junior Lea Good, and the final goal came from senior Josephine van Wijk with the assists from Junior Stella Malinowski and Junior Katie Gibb.

The stage is set for Senior Day festivities

After the final whistle fans, and the team retired to Kamine Field house to celebrate and honor our amazing seniors Makenzie Switzer, Catalina Rubel, Ellie Barton, Josephine van Wijk, Peyton Guinter, and Raffi Fragomeni. The Juniors roasted the Senior with inside barbs ( most of which I will ignore or don’t want to know).

Juniors entertain fans with a roast of senior teammates

The Leopards ended the day with an 7-3 record and a crucial game upcoming with American in DC on Friday. But that’s for another day…..

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 Pounce On Lions In 2 OT Win

It’s a full house of 700 fans

You would think an overtime time win filled with drama and action would be easy to write, but as I type this I find it hard to convey how this was a team effort! Yes there were some individual heroics, which I will describe later, but I want to leave the reader with the impression of how much every player, and every coach, contributed to the outcome…there were no small efforts this afternoon.

Penn State opened the afternoon ranked 16th in the nation. The Leopards had just won an important league game at Lehigh two days before. From the first push off, there was every indication to the capacity level fans in attendance that they were going to be treated to a special event.

The first quarter saw Penn State fend off the first attack and shot by Lafayette’s Lea Good at 1:24 into the contest. However, it only took the Lions 6 minutes to first challenge the Leopards, with a penalty corner which was blocked. The Leopards quickly responded by clearing the ball up field, and earning a corner of their own 30 seconds later. Lena Thedrian, with an assist by Lea Good and Katie Gibb delivered a hard shot to the lower right hand corner putting Lafayette up 1-0. It was then revealed that this was to be no ordinary contest

Lena Thedrian delivers the strike to open Leopard scoring

The Leopards were to lead in shots 3-2 in the first quarter as Penn State was to redouble efforts to get control from their opponents. Raffi Fragomeni was to collect two saves in that half and five during regular time. But at 21:04 Penn State was to even the score as they found an opening to tie the score which was to hold up til the end of the half. The Leopards were to turn away several later attacks and press the Lions on there on. The defensive penalty corner team was especially effective turning away three corners.

The third quarter showed no slowing of action as Penn State was to get 2 more shots and the Leopards responding with one of their own. One shot was to be a penalty stroke which was earned on an unlucky foot penalty during a defense in front of the goal. It was 2-1 at that point.

Fatigue was beginning to show in the fourth quarter as cards were being issued to both sides. However, even then, Lafayette looked in better shape. Lafayette used 11 substitutes and Penn State used 7. Coach Stone was to pull her goalie with five minutes to go as Maddie Evans came in for Fragomeni, With 45 seconds left in regulation time, Lafayette earned a corner. Penn State asked for a video review which was unsuccessful. Stella Malinowski had taken the shot. In a scrambled melee in front of the goal Lauren Kurek found the ball and delivered the tying goal with 37 seconds left on the clock.

Fragomeni returned for the final seconds and we went to overtime.

Fragomeni and the defense was outstanding as, during the two overtimes they turned away six Penn State shots which included a five minute period of working off a 5 minute penalty corner suffered by Stella Malinowski. Kiley Gallagher was especially active as was Josephine van Wijk who was able to penetrate the defensive end of Penn State challenging them. The working off of the yellow card was heroic and seemed to inspire the team and their fans!! Penn State was to get off six shots but only earned one corner which was successfully defended. Lafayette had 3 shots and 2 corners.

The game went to a shoot out. Stella Malinowski got the first goal and Penn State got their first after a retry. All the subsequent shots by Lafayette and Penn State were missed or turned away. Raffi Fragomeni was to show her experience by aggressively turning away three shots and swiping away the ball. On the fifth try by Lafayette’s Lea Good, she connected. Penn State’s Joji Purdy was cut off by Fragomeni on their last try and the team stormed the senior goalkeeper in celebrating the win.

Leopards Leap Over The Hawks 3-0

In a perfect evening setting, the Leopards attack penalty corner unit scored three times, combined with another shut out from Raffi Fragomeni, to roll to a Patriot League 3-0 win. Fans had to wait until the second quarter for the first points to be scored. With 10 seconds left to play in the half Patriot League preseason offensive player of the year Stella Malinowski earned the goal, with a strike assisted by Mia Freeman ( who also had thee shots of her own during the game).

The third period was hotly contested, though Lafayette had 7 shots to Lehigh’s 3. Coach Stone used her deep bench, substituting 11 players to Lehigh’s three, and clearly by the fourth quarter the Leopards began to wear on the Mountain Hawks. Until the fourth quarter the 1-0 lead was becoming wearisome. However, three minutes into the fourth quarter Josephine van Wijk, who may have had the best game of her career, made it 2-0, off a penalty corner with the assist of Lea Good and Katie Gibb. Josephine was all over the field, and was slashing through the Lehigh midfield leading the offense all evening.

The coup de grace was a goal by Kiley Gallagher assisted by Lena Thedrian on a penalty corner with no time left on the clock. The Leopards also dominated the stat sheet with 21 shots to 5, corners 7 to 3, and Fragomeni had a perfect 2 save evening, while Kate Burgess the Lehigh goalkeeper was forced to save 10 shots.

Afterwards, the Leopards and their fans retired to a well deserved tailgate at a discreet location near the field to receive congratulations from their fans. Although fan attendance was only 384 there was a solid contingent of enthusiastic partisans there to motivate the team!!

The next game will be at home on Sunday against Penn State. The Leopards will next pit their league record against Bucknell on the 26th at 6pm. They are scheduled to be recognized at the Lafayette Princeton game the following day after receiving their championship rings!!

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!

Fragomeni Is The Bomb In 2-0 Shutout Of Drexel

If there is goalkeeper that had a better weekend let me know. Raffi Fragomeni had two shutouts, and each day she had to defend against a penalty stroke…dispatching both, preserving the shutouts. Today against Drexel she had…count them ….9 saves preserving her perfect weekend.

Drexel, who is favored to win the CAA this year, did not go down easily, taking 15 shots, and earning 7 corners. Lafayette’s young and deep team was up to the task. They made their shots count and use their extraordinary depth to bring in the win.

The Leopards had 6 shots, and two of them found the back of the cage. The first came at 37:03 into the game after a scoreless first half. Sophomore Laila Pasic delivered, with the assist from captain and senior Mackenzie Switzer. The ball was delivered from the right side across the goal mouth and picked up by Pasic who got her first goal of the year. She was scoring goals all preseason, and finally delivered one that counted!!

A 1-0 lead did not seem enough as Drexel pressed to try to even the score. That 3rd period saw the Dragons get 5 penalty corners to 2 from the Leopards Drexel also had 8 shots to 3. It was at 39:37 that Drexel looked as though they might tie things up when they were awarded a penalty stroke…mere feet away… the stroker did her best, and Fragomeni batted it away. It was the turning point.

Lauren Kurek gets first goals of career
Lauren Kurek get first goal of her career

The fourth period saw no shots for Drexel but two for Lafayette. There were no penalty corners for either side. The victory was sealed by freshman Lauren Kurek who got her first goal of her career at 47:25 into the game. The Leopards then used their depth using 20 players to wear down the very game Drexel Dragons.

Feline Reusken competes for the ball

Lafayette is now 2-0, having dispatched two preseason favorites to win the NEC and CAA respectively. They will play Longwood (1-1) on Friday who lost to Richmond 0-3 and beat Queens 3-1 and Sunday will travel to Williamsburg to meet William and Mary on Sunday at noon. They are 0-2 having lost to American and Old Dominion.