Oct. 24, 2009
Box Score
Easton, Pa. - It was Senior Day out at Rappolt Field Saturday afternoon for the Lafayette field hockey team that took on American in a windy battle that ended 2-1 in a double overtime victory for the Leopards.
Junior Meghan Cicchi scored the game winner in double overtime to give Lafayette its fourth win in five games and improve the team's record to 12-5 overall and 2-2 in league play.
In the sixth minute of the game, American's Christine Fingerhuth broke away to come down the middle of the field, get inside the circle and shoot past the goalkeeper into the back of the box giving American an early 1-0 lead, which remained the score going into the half.
Lafayette was awarded two early penalty corners in that first half, but was not able to convert them into early points. The Leopards took two shots at the goal, one that went wide and one that was blocked.
Ball control was equal throughout the first half, playing mostly in the middle of the field. Lafayette took four shots while American took two.
In the middle of the second half, senior Amanda Saber sent the ball soaring in the air to land in the circle but there were no Leopards to meet it and make the play. Minutes later, senior Caitlin Titus was able to steal the ball and make a run down the field. Desptite tripping, she was able to get the shot off but it was saved by American's Alyssa Poorman.
The Maroon and White controlled the ball for awhile, with Deanna DiCroce looking for a goal but was not able to find the cage.
Lafayette goalkeeper Kelsey Andersen had two key saves in a span of two minutes that both came from outside the circle but Andersen's quick reflexes were able to stop both shots.
With only three minutes left in the half and coming off a corner, Megan Cicchi took the shot and it was blocked, but she was able to find it right away, send it to Kelly Hilovsky who then was able to get behind the keeper and tie the game at 1-1. The game then went into overtime for the fourth time this season.
American was the first to take a shot in the overtime period but Andersen did not let it past her. Neither team was able to score in the first overtime, bringing in a second overtime.
With less than seven minutes to play in the second overtime period, Cicchi put the game away with her score, her second goal of the fall and her first game winner of the season.
"This was a very important win in the Patriot League for the girls," head coach Andrew Griffiths said after the exciting win. "I am happy for the seniors and the rest of the team. They deserved this win today."
The Leopards will take the week to get ready for their final game of the season when they travel to New York to take on Patriot League competitor Colgate on Saturday at noon.
