Field Hockey kicks into high gear with wins

Author: Ryan W. Reese

In recent history, the Middlebury field hockey team has dominated NESCAC play while extending their campaign deep into the postseason. Playing for a national championship has almost become routine for the lady Panthers, but that ultimate title, that final goal has narrowly eluded their grasp in recent years. With a solid group of returning players and some outstanding first-year talent, the Panthers look as though they will not only join the title hunt, but also lead the pack again this year.

This past weekend, head coach Katherine Delorenzo's squad opened its season against Connecticut College before traveling to Springfield for a tough road match.

The Panthers emerged from the weekend unscathed with a 4-1 win over the Camels and a tight 2-1 victory over The Pride. Senior Ashley Lyddane provided the spark on both sides of the field on her way to earning NESCAC Player of the Week honors. The Greenwich, Connecticut native tallied three goals over the weekend including the game winner against Springfield. Not only did she provide this much-needed offensive spark, she got in on three defensive saves as well.

Saturday's game against Connecticut College could be summed up in saying that the Panthers simply created more offensive opportunities than their counterparts. With 18 shots on goal to the Camels eight, Middlebury simply took advantage of a somewhat suspect Camel defense while dominating throughout the match.

Sophomore Nina Daugherty struck first before Lyddane sent home not one, but two cage rattlers of her own. Senior captain Allison Smith wrapped up Middlebury's scoring with less than two minutes left before Alex Albright of Connecticut College hit the lone Camel goal home as time expired. The 4-1 'W' got the Panther season off to the right start and set the tone for a tough road battle against the always-tough Springfield squad.

The first half saw a gritty battle for dominance without anyone truly taking control. At the break both teams were still feeling each other out and two goose eggs were left standing on the scoreboard.

At the 17:08 mark, Emily Enos '06 changed that situation as she tipped home a shot from Junior Dana Rye during a penalty corner situation. The Pride was not to be discouraged and charged right back at the 10:18 mark with a goal of its own. Only twenty seconds later, Lyddane provided the Middlebury answer. With a sparkling individual effort, the senior slashed through the defense before knocking in the go-ahead goal and eventual game winner.

Looking ahead, the Panthers are facing a road game against the Tufts Jumbos this coming Saturday before hosting Skidmore on Tuesday. The Jumbos finished in the middle of the NESCAC last season by posting a modest 5-4 record and seem to be quite the underdog in Saturday's contest. As usual, the Panthers will be taking one game at a time while working their way towards the postseason.

With the bitter taste of a 6-3 NCAA title game loss to Salisbury still fresh in their minds, the Panthers will undoubtedly be hungry for success throughout the fall. Expectations are high and this team will indubitably deliver.