For the women’s water polo team at the University, last weekend began tough with a 15- 9 loss to Princeton. It was a slow start for the Orange and Blue as Princeton scored six of the game’s first seven goals. Isabelle Monaghan ’24 started the Bison off with a successful penalty shot. However, the Bison struggled to keep up and went into halftime trailing 10-3. After the second half the Orange and Blue secured  six more goals but was ultimately unable to decisively break through Princeton’s defense.

Falling to another quick start of the opposition, the Bison lost 12-7 to Brown. They had another opening goal from Monaghan but could not get more on the board, heading into the break down by five. With two more goals in the second half, they struggled offensively. 

Senior night celebrated attacker Paige Furano ’22 and center Larissa Hodzic ’22, who accounted for five of the Bison’s seven goals. 

“The senior game was a great experience as it was one of the first times since I have been playing at Bucknell that a large cheering section was presented or even allowed. Being able to share the moment with the parents and friends of various players on the team made it very memorable for myself and fellow senior. Even though we lost the game it presented the team with another opportunity to grow, learn, and prepare for our later competitions,” said Furano.

Sunday was a more successful day of competition for the Bison as they broke even in games, losing in overtime to Harvard and securing a win against Mount St. Mary’s.

Harvard entered the pool with a nine-game winning streak and began the game with a three-point lead against the Bison. The Orange and Blue battled as Furano put the first point on the board. At halftime the Bison trailed behind with a score of 5-2.

They came back strong in the second half with goals from Furano and Megan LaCroix ’23, tying the game at five. The Crimson scored two goals in response before Ali Jackson ’25 scored another goal, leaving the Bison behind by one entering the final quarter. Monoghan converted a five-meter attempt to tie the game at seven, resulting in overtime. Harvard scored the game-winning goal. Annika Lampen ’25 had her best game for the Bison, making 12 saves in 38 minutes and having an aggressive steal.

In their second game of the day the Bison found themselves offensively taking Mount St. Mary’s by force with a score of 16-8, tying their season’s best of 16 goals. Of these 16, Monaghan contributed four, Furano contributed two, Hodzic contributed two, Chloe Smith ’23 contributed two and one from all Caroline Oates ’25, Lacroix, Bella Moynihan ’23 and Sidney Finkler ’25.

“Our team’s abilities were definitely tested this weekend, playing against some of the best east coast teams, but it was a great learning opportunity before heading into the height of our season. We were able to turn the dynamic around on Sunday, playing competitively against an even stronger team than both of those on Saturday, which really showed how much potential and passion the team has. I am eager to play these teams again and to see what the rest of the season brings!” stated Monaghan.

After this past weekend, the Bison now sit with a record of 6-5. They will look to improve on this at the upcoming Michigan Invite next weekend. They will take on Saint Francis (P.A), Michigan, Iona, and Salem on March 5 and March 6.