EASTON, Pa. – The Leopards clinched a berth in the 2025 Patriot League Tournament, defeating rival Lehigh, 2-1, on Wednesday at Gummeson Grounds: Home of Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium. The win over the Mountain Hawks also marked the 100^th career victory for head coach Mick Statham.

Lafayette got on the board in the 23^rd minute, as a Lehigh defender attempted to clear the ball to the Mountain Hawks' goalkeeper, Maggie Ousouljoglou, but instead put the ball straight into the Lafayette goal, giving the Leopards a 1-0 lead on an own goal. The Maroon and White took the 1-0 lead into the halftime break.

In the second half, the Mountain Hawks evened the score in the 54^th minute. Sophia Lis received a pass from Cyndea Labissieri and Lis chipped the ball into the goal, tying the score, 1-1.

Just four minutes later, in the 58^th minute, senior Sofia Ruggiero sent a bounding ball into the box for junior Nadia Zaffanella. Zaffanella ripped a one-time shot to the upper right corner of the goal, giving the Leopards a 2-1 lead with 32 minutes left to play.

The Maroon and White played solid defense for the remainder of the contest, keeping the Mountain Hawks off the board and securing a 2-1 victory over Lehigh.

Lafayette recorded 11 shots, four of which were on goal. Lehigh was credited with 13 shots, nine of which found the cage. The Leopards were led by senior April McDonald and Zaffanella, who had four and three shots, respectively.

Junior goalkeeper, Catherine Apker, played 90 minutes and recorded eight saves. Ousouljoglou also played 90 minutes and had two saves.

With this win, the Leopards have clinched the fifth seed in the Patriot League Tournament. This is the first tournament berth for the Maroon and White since 2019. Lafayette will travel to Worcester, Mass. to take on Holy Cross on Sunday at 1 p.m.