PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Lafayette took Drexel to the final minutes, 3-2, on Friday evening at Buckley Field.

The Dragons struck first with a goal by Valentine Van Hellemont at the three-minute mark of the first period. Marti Sanabria added another at 13:49 to give Drexel a 2-0 lead before the second quarter.

Lafayette's Josephine van Wijk tallied the first Leopard score at 34:46 (Q3), dribbling in from the 25-yard line and evading the opponent's goalkeeper. Drexel retaliated with a third goal of its own just a minute later to keep a 3-1 advantage.

India Ralph earned her ninth career goal to put the Leopards within one, 3-2 at 51:42. The senior defender rocketed a penalty corner shot up into the net off an inserter tip.

Despite last-minute opportunities in the attacking half, the Leopards were unable to escape the final. Drexel held the narrow advantage in total shots (12-11) and penalty corners (9-7).

Lafayette's junior goalkeeper Raffi Fragomeni made five saves, while her Dragon counterpart, Alana Poole, made two.

Next up, the Leopards host No. 20 Temple on Sunday during Senior Day.

 
For the latest on the Lafayette College field hockey program, follow the Leopards on Twitter @LafayetteFH and Instagram @lafayette_fh.