The women’s lacrosse team traveled to Annapolis, Md. on April 22 to take on Patriot League rival Navy. Despite the 7-4 loss, the Bison played excellent defense as they geared up for Patriot League Playoffs that begin May 2.

Goalie Jamie DeWitt ’19 was the backbone for the Bison defense, recording 12 saves total, nine of which came in the second half. The Midshipmen are nationally ranked fifth for average goals per game at 15.9, but the Orange and Blue held them to seven. This was the first time this season that Navy has scored fewer than nine goals.

At half, the score was even 2-2. Becca Golding ’17 scored early in the second half to give the Bison a 3-2 lead. However, Navy stepped up with a 5-0 run giving the Midshipmen a 7-3 lead. Audrey Walsh ’19 shot on a free position with just under two minutes to go, but the Bison weren’t able to completely close the gap.

Annie Gilbertson ’17 had an exciting day for the Bison with five ground balls and two caused turnovers. Cristina Manis ’17 leads the Bison in assists this season and recorded her 33rd against Navy.

“Preparing for the game against Navy consisted entirely of mental toughness. Three years ago we lost by almost 20 goals, and last year fell short by one. The game on Saturday was back and forth for over 45 minutes. It came down to defense. The Bucknell defense held Navy to only seven goals, a season low for them. However, we failed to find the back of the net in the second half and lost 7-4. This game only fires us up for our senior day game this upcoming Friday versus Lehigh,” captain Lucia Smircich ’17 said.

The Bison continue conference play on April 28 as they host Lehigh for their last in-season game.