Sep 8, 2013

(3-1) 1 2 Final Delaware 1 1 2 Lafayette 1 0 1 Box Score | Box Score (PDF) (1-2)

Newark, Del. - The Lafayette field hockey team was unable to overcome a 48^th minute goal from the Blue Hens as the Leopards fell to Delaware 2-1 on Sunday afternoon at Rullo Stadium.

"I was very pleased with the team's performance today," head coach Jennifer Stone said. "They worked together and we created a lot of quality opportunities for ourselves against a strong Delaware team. These close games will prepare us as we move deeper into the season."

Delaware's Maddie O'Beirne opened the scoring in the 11^th minute on a feed from Michaela Patzner. O'Beirne fired a shot from ten yards into the Lafayette cage, past Leopards' goalkeeper Jessica Deutsch. Just five minutes later, the Leopards tied the game at 1-1 on a penalty corner.

Junior Kelsey Mead sent the corner to the top of the circle where classmate Brittany Blass fired the ball towards the Blue Hen goal. Mead made her way from the corner to the front of the goal for a tip-in to tie the score. It was Mead's first goal of the year.

With five minutes to go in the first half a penalty corner by Mead found Jenna Seybert at the top of the circle. Seybert's shot was blocked by the Blue Hens defense. The Maroon and White turned away back-to-back penalty corners in the final three minutes of the first half to keep the game knotted at the break.

The Blue Hens opened the scoring in the second half in the 48^th minute. Delaware's Kelsey McKee fired a shot off a penalty corner that Deutsch blocked, but the rebound was shot into the back of the net by Allie Mikeisoson.

In the 56^th minute Mead fired a shot that beat the Blue Hen goalie, but hit the post. The Leopards sustained pressure and a minute later earned a penalty corner. On the resulting corner, Mead tried to redirect a pass in front but was unable to put it on frame.

The Maroon and White remained in the Delaware zone with Kirby Szalkowski hitting a shot on goal, but Delaware's Sarah Scher was able to turn it aside. A penalty corner with 57:57 on the clock was sent to the top of the circle where Seybert's attempt was stopped again by Scher.

The Blue Hens outshot the Leopards 13-9, including 5-4 with attempts on goal. They also held a 7-6 advantage in penalty corners.

Deutsch made three saves in a losing effort, while Sher turned away three in the win.

The Leopards are back in action on Friday night when they host Qunnipiac at 6 p.m.