If it weren’t already difficult for the American field hockey team, which has lost in the NCAA Tournament to a finalist or champion in three of the last four seasons, this year another hurdle has been added to their national title quest.
But first the Eagles have to make it through a postseason prelude, the Patriot League Tournament, where they are favorites to capture a fifth-straight title.
“What I really like about this team is that we don’t rely on one or two players to carry the team,” said Eagles head coach Steve Jennings.
However, American has legitimate stars, including conference defensiveplayer of the year Denise Infante (10 goals, 11 assists), as well as All-Patriot League selections Hall (six goals) and Irene Schickhardt (9 goals, 9 assists).
The reward for this year’s Patriot League title won’t be an NCAA berth but a play-in game against the Mid-American Conference champion. It’s a result of a lower conference RPI due to less than desirable league-wide results last year.
“Whichever team wins [this weekend],” said Jennings, “needs to play well to get us some extra points for next year.”
Patriot League semifinals
Today at American
No. 1 American (14-4, 5-0) vs. No. 4 Colgate (8-8, 2-3), 11 a.m.
Storyline » The Raiders gave the Eagles their toughest conference home game of the year, taking a one-goal lead into halftime before succumbing, 2-1.
No. 2 Lehigh (8-9, 2-3) vs. No.3
Lafayette (8-10, 2-3), 1:30 p.m
Storyline » American head coach Steve Jennings on the Mountain Hawks’ Christy Smith (eight goals, five assists), the Patriot League offensive player of the year: “She’s a rarity as a player because she can dominate a game from the midfield.”
Championship game » Saturday, 1
