Nov. 6, 2009

Box Score

Washington, D.C. - Senior Caitlin Titus scored in overtime to lift the third-seeded Lafayette Leopards (14-5) over No. 2 Bucknell in the Patriot League Tournament Semifinals Friday at William I. Jacobs Recreational Complex. This marks the second time under head coach Andrew Griffiths the field hockey team will play in the finals against American.

Bucknell (12-7) took an early lead when Christine Weiss scored off a penalty corner five minutes into the game. Minutes before the half was over, Bucknell's Kelly Bruvik slipped past the Leopard defense and shot the ball into the back of the cage brining Bucknell up 2-0 at the half.

The second half was all about the Leopards. In the 49th minutes freshman Maria Machalick scored off of a penalty corner by Kelly Hilovsky. The Leopards were able to tie the game up at 2-2 when junior Meghan Cicchi scored off of another penalty corner, assisted by Emily Valeo and Bridget Hilbig.

With the score tied at 2-2, the game went into overtime for the sixth time in tournament history. Three minutes into overtime, Titus took advantage of a turnover right in front of Bucknell keeper Jessie Atieh and deposited the ball to the back of the cage for the game-winner.

"I am very proud of the determination and persistence that the team showed today," Griffiths said after the thrilling game. "There was no panic. Even when we were down by two goals, the players just kept working. It was a solid performance throughout, and a great time for senior Caitlin Titus to score her first goal of the season!"

The unassisted tally sends Lafayette to the title game where it will look to win its eighth League title. The Leopards will face American, which is looking to tie Lafayette in titles with seven. Lafayette ended American's 46-game winning streak over League opponents earlier this season with a 2-0 double-overtime win on Oct. 24.