Lafayette Field hockey..Patriot League Champions

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

As the clock counted down those last seconds, five years of building,teaching, training and learning finally reached its climax as teammates hugged, cried,and cheered while it all started to sink in. They were the champions, a goal that was coveted by Lafayette's two seniors for four years, and a building block for the future for this year's freshman. As the score, displayed in red on the scoreboard owned by American University etched itself into the crisp autumn sky this week end began to sink into the consciousness. American not only owned the scoreboard but had owned the league with 9 straight Patriot League championships, not this year.


Knocked out by a scrambling hungry Bucknell squad yesterday, American surrendered their title in the obscurity of a semi-final game the day before. Today, the championship was to go one of two new contestants, Bucknell or Lafayette. These two rivals have met twice every year in last five seasons, and each contest would be intense, entertaining games, pressing the skill of both teams. This game promised to be one of those games and did not disappoint.



Pamela RappoltEmily Valeo slices through the Bucknell defense
Lafayette entered the game after a dominating win against Lehigh. Perhaps, playing one of their most perfect games of the season. They carried that momentum and confidence this afternoon. The game opened with the Leopards controlling the tempo of play, while keeping the ball in the Bucknell side of the field. As the first half wore on each side had scoring chances but it wasn't until 2:28 that Maria Machalick took possession at the left circle and delivered a pass to Deanna DiCroce at the far post. DiCroce tipped ball in for Lafayette's first score. to the delight of their fans.


That goal would send both teams to the sidelines at the half with Lafayette holding a 1-0 advantage. But most fans knew that given the history of these games, a 1-0 game was not likely. Bucknell opened the second half with a goal of their own by Mallory Smith after 2:50 had run off the clock. The Lafayette goalie, Jessica Deutsch ,who had an excellent game, had smartly come out to meet the Bucknell forward, but Smith was able to chip it over her stick to even the game at 1-1.



Pamela RappoltBrittany Blass finds her way through the Bison defense
Lafayette would not be outplayed today. All day long the Lafayette offense kept Bucknell off balance by lifting the ball over their heads. Bucknell could not control the ensuing play and Lafayette would find themselves deep in Bison territory. Two minutes and forty seconds after Bucknell tied the score Lafayette answered with the go ahead goal by Kristen Heaney. Coach Griffiths described it as an "amazing goal" set up by Carolyn Cabrey and delivered "top shelf."


Deanna DiCroce would deliver the coup de grace at 56:17 as she beat the keeper from her position at the far post. Bucknell was to pull out all the stops to try to salvage the win by pulling their goalie with 4 minutes left by placing Vickie Resh in the goal to try to add some offense strength. Lafayette's defense would stiffen and shut down Bucknell for the remainder of game and end with Lafayette to travel to the Ohio University NCAA game set for tuesday at 1 pm.


Carolyn Cabrey was rewarded for her outstanding tournament play with the selection as the tournament MVP. Deanna DiCroce, Emily Valeo and Brittany Blass added to their end of season hardware by also being selected to the all-tournament team. But this was a victory constructed and delivered by the whole team and their coaches. There was no one walking around, and everyone knew and appreciated the high stakes this afternoon.


The glow of victory was enjoyed be everyone including the many alumni who were present to share in the accolades. I'm sure no one would be offended to say this trophy, carried by this team, is supported on the shoulders of the players that past through on the way to this moment. Cara Lyons and Amanda Saber were present and I thought of Megan Chicci,Kelsey Andersen, Kelley Hilovsky,Lauren Jones, Jaci DiSanti, Magee Condon and others who never got here but certainly can, with pride, share in this championship. But this team did it. Something that hasn't happened for Lafayette Field Hockey for 10 years. It's not done yet, but for today you are the champions!!!.

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