By Sarah Frohnapfel ’13

Photo courtesy of Athletic Communications

Two road games less than 24 hours apart headlined a challenging weekend for the Lafayette Field Hockey team, who recorded a split decision. The Leopards won 2-1 against James Madison University, but had little time to celebrate as they traveled to Happy Valley, losing 3-2 against the ninth-ranked Nittany Lions.

Against the Dukes of JMU, Lafayette faced an early deficit before scoring two goals in the second half.

“We knew going into the second half what we needed to make changes in,” Maria Machalick ‘13 said, who scored the eventual game winning goal in the 64th minute. “Everyone needed to make the extra effort on every play, both offensively and defensively.”

While Machalick’s goal clinched the win, Aimee Smith ignited the comeback with a goal in the 53rd minute. Providing support on the other end of the field, goalie Jess Deutsch ‘15 played the entire game, recording one save.

In an ideal world, the momentum would have carried Lafayette to victory against nationally ranked Penn State. However, reality hit hard as the Leopards lost their first game of the season.

Before the game, Kristin Heaney ‘14 said Lafayette needed to start strong because it was no question Penn State would do the same. Heaney was dead on as it only took 30 seconds for the Nittany Lions to score, who added two more first half goals to put the contest out of reach.

The Leopards scored early in the second half to tighten the score, but could not find another spark to tie it.

“We were disappointed that we couldn’t pull out the win, but we know now that we are able to play right along with a team of that caliber,” Dana Thomas ‘14 said.

A huge disparity in shots (23-6) and corners (15 for PSU) put pressure on the defense all afternoon.

After a four-day break, Lafayette returns to action tonight at Metzgar Fields against the Rider Broncs.