Tag: Women’s Athletics

Lafayette Rolls Against Boston U

October 30, 2026 was the date that Lafayette captured lone possession of the Patriot League regular season title. It was also the date that the Lafayette Leopards showed they are among the best field hockey teams in the country. Yes, they are ranked 15 in the NCAA rpi rating, and 17th by the NFHCA, but they demonstrated it to the 700 fans who saw them dominate a very good offensive Terrier squad.

The Leopards were 13-3 better in shots, 6-1 better in penalty corners, undefeated at home, highest margin of victory in the League, 81 % save percentage, and a .71 goals against average all season. Only one goal was scored against them in all league games. We now start 0-0 in the League tournament and they will have to prove themselves all over again to get to the NCAA tournament. I believe they will be ready as they have drawn Holy Cross in the first round this Thursday at noon. If they prevail they will play for the auto bid on Saturday.

What I saw Friday night was a thing of beauty. Anyone who views that game could not deny, this is a special team. Everyone was playing championship field hockey. The Leopards used 18 players. The Terriers used 15. The Leopard’s 18 kept the intensity all night.

As expected, the first quarter was hard fought but Lafayette managed to set the tone early with a 5-1 advantage on shots and a 3-0 edge on penalty corners. One had to know it was only a matter of time before the ball would reach the back of the cage. We had to wait until 25:59 when Lena Thedrian would connect with Lea Good and Katie Gibb, using her drag to rocket past the Terrier GK for the first score. Lena was to have 3 shots, all totaled 2 on target.

The Leopards exited the first half with a 1-0 lead and the Lafayette faithful wishing for a little insurance. The insurance goal came off the stick of sophomore Feline Reuskin, who solved that problem using a rebound after a penalty corner 8 minutes and 40 seconds into the third period.

From the first shot from Linda Nova 2 minutes into the first period to the impressive controlled passing at the end, that denied Boston the ball and a chance to even the score, it was a demonstration of fine hockey. The coaching staff will have this team ready for the challenge as they did Friday night. The coaches have worked tirelessly planning each game through out the season. This team has the best record of any Lafayette team this fall and the coaches should take a bow!!!

Moving on to Thursday the Leopards should keep in mind the narrow 1-0 victory earlier in the year over the Crusaders. Somehow I am sure there will be no let down. It was a great privilege to witness Friday’s game. I look forward to this coming Thursday!!

Lafayette Extends Record to 13-2 Off A 6-0 Win Against William And Mary

Lafayette advanced their home undefeated record before 368 fans with 6-0 dominating display against the Tribe of William and Mary. The Leopards had 28 shots against 3 for their opponents and led 6-2 in penalty corners using one of their corners to deliver the initial blow by sophomore Rosalie van Gool assisted by Juniors Mia Freeman and Olivia Krey. Freeman added to the board 11 minutes later with a goal of her own making the score 2-0.

Despite an effort by the Tribe to get back into the game Senior Maddie Evans sent a message with less than 4 minutes left in the half by delivering an unassisted strike leaving a 3-0 lead at the half.

The crowd was treated to an introduction of the 2011 -12 PL Champions. They were accompanied by a least 7 potential recruits aged from 6 months to 5 years. Our friends and parents were relieved to see each other looking better than ever!!

Maddie Evans continued where she left off in the first half with a solo strike at 9:44. Evans continued in the fourth with an assist for classmate Stella Malinowski delivered the 5th goal with 7 1/2 minutes to go. Coach Stone substituted liberally and second keeper Campbell Lemmink finished the final three minutes of play after Mia Freeman made it 6-0 with her second goal of the day.

There remains two games in the regular season, Brown ( next Sunday) and Boston University on the 30th which will determine the home field for the playoffs. It would great to get a nice crowd for the BU game, 400 or 500 partisans might make a difference.

More to come…

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Mental Toughness Is Built In October

As we moved to this past weekend in the schedule, we realized how it would demonstrate the mental toughness to challenge for the championship. The Leopards, as they continued to win and climb in polls were beginning to to paint a large target on their back. No longer was Lafayette looking for the upset, but others were looking to upset the Leopards. A win would set the agenda and tone for their season.

This was no more obvious than the battle between American and Lafayette friday night. It was a struggle between rivals for the regular season title and the home turf for the Patriot League tournament. No doubt each coach, Jennings and Stone peeked at earlier season games for a clue to success on Friday. Additionally there was the national rankings as an additional painted target!!!

For most of us fans, it was given that the end result would go to who could successfully navigate the details and make the least mistakes. For most of game it was this cautious respect that would dictate play. The game was played at the midfield interrupted by forays to the circle as openings showed themselves. Goal tending was crucial as Addisson Kahn turned away four shots and Teagan Harmon from American turned away two in five periods of play.

At the end of the fifth period both teams were left standing at 0-0 and would go to a shootout. American had accumulated seven shots ( mostly on corners) and Lafayette had tallied five. Each had two corners apiece. American’s second penalty corner in overtime was a crucial turning point in the game. It was after that it became clear that a shootout was likely.

Each coach, at the end the overtime period would designate their shooter for the overtime, but it was Coach Stone who was to change her Goalkeeper to Campbell Lemmick, a second year player who had yet to record minutes in any college game. Stone knew that Campbell had the quicker feet required to the task. Addison had done her part and the cage was ceded to the sophomore.

Stella Malinowski and Lena Thedrian each made their goal Gools, when American Emila Winkler was to stopped by Lemmick. Van Gool was stopped as well along with American’s Sam Kokx. Lea Good stepped to the line beating the American keeper making it three to one. Nora Tremble, American’s last hope was denied by Lemmick’s leg pad putting the win in the Lafayette column.

The first challenge ( and most important win) was to go to Lafayette who now is undefeated in League play. Sunday in another overtime battle the Leopards were to go down 3-2 to Penn State. It was clear this was again well contested but Lafayette was to come up short. It was an upset but the Leopards will still have a challenge ahead against League rival Bucknell on Friday. A loss by Bucknell could go a long way to eliminating them from the post season and putting Lafayette in the driver seat with a 4-0 record in the league, with five straight home games for the rest of October.

It will be a do or die test for Bucknell as Lafayette will need to beat them on Bison turf!! The Leopards have the heart and skill up for the task!!

Lafayette On A Mission…. 7-1…. Holy Cross Next

Leopards surround VCU player

Winning two games this weekend Lafayette made significant statements that they are patient, purposeful, and determined. They are focused on the end result but their eyes are always looking forward to the most important objective….the task at hand. That was not more evident than in the first game of the weekend, against league opponent Colgate. It was an exercise in believing in the process.

They were not looking to self promotion or trying to run up a large score by padding individual accomplishments. Colgate came with a reasonable game plan throwing their resources into a high press and a strong defense hoping to get a winning goal in a low scoring game. The Leopards persisted eventually finding the opening goal by Rosalie van Gool assisted by Lea Good and Katie Gibb at 42:26 into the game. It was then lanes opened for Katie Gibb assisted by van Gool and Lena Thedrian seven minutes later to add an insurance strike. Cool and surgical was the play as the Leopards took home their first League win of the season.

The Leopards had 21 shots to the Raider’s 5. They also managed to keep the play in their offensive end for most of the game. Addie Kahn had two saves preserving the first of two shutouts this weekend.

Sunday’s game with VCU was equally surgical with VCU determined to end their long road campaign with a win. Having played a challenging schedule ( including a loss to Northwestern), they tried as well to pin the Leopards back in their end. It was Katie Gibb who opened the scoring at 12:59 assisted by Stella Malinowski . Stella had a goal of her own at 39:31 delivering on a penalty stroke. The game got a tad physical, but the Leopards prevailed with another 2-0 win on their record.

Stella gets ready for a penalty stroke

Lafayette was rewarded with an number 11 national RPI rating from Field Hockey Corner along with a 19 ACR rating. We await tomorrow’s ranking from the NFHCA. Rankings aside, this team will focus on the next important task.. the game with Holy Cross on Friday!!.

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.

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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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.

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!!

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!!