Making their first CWPA championship appearance since 1994, the Bison fell short in a 12-5 loss to the host and No. 7 Michigan university in their last game of the season. The Orange and Blue finished with a 8-4 record overall with three of their losses against the powerhouse Michigan Wolverines.

Before playing Michigan in the finals, the Bison defeated St. Francis (Pa.) 8-5 in the semifinal matchup. The Bison used a 4-1 run in the second and third periods to gain a 5-2 advantage that would hold until the end of the game.

Ally Furano ’21 opened up the scoring for the bison, finding the back of the cage in the first period. After the Red Flash answered back with a goal of their own, Megan LaCroix ’23 gave the Bison the lead once more, bringing the score to 2-1 to end the first period. A. Furano scored three of the four goals during the Bison’s scoring run, while her sister Paige Furano ’22 added the other. With their victory against St. Francis, the Orange and Blue would make their way to the Championship game against Michigan later that day.

Although the Bison played well and fought hard, the Wolverines used a nine-goal first half to gain momentum for the rest of the game, and eventually earn a 12-5 victory.

Michigan took control of the game early with a 4-0 lead, before P. Furano was able to score for the Bison. However, the Wolverines answered back quickly with two more goals of their own. Marcela Herrera ’21 was the one to stop the Michigan run this time, finding the back of the cage for the Orange and Blue. Michigan scored three more goals to close the second period and give Michigan a commanding 9-3 lead at halftime.

P. Furano led the Bison with three goals along with Herrera and Kali Hyham ’21, each adding a goal of their own.

“This past weekend was a great end to a season unlike any that any of us  have ever seen. Getting second place in our conference for the first time was an amazing way for all three of us seniors to end our careers at Bucknell,” Hyham said.

This past weekend marks the final games for seniors A. Furano, Hyham and Herrera who combined for 64 victories for the women’s water polo team, along with the program’s highest-ever finish at the CWPA Championships this season.