The Bison took a tough 12-13 loss against #19 Lehigh this past weekend in Bethlehem, Pa. The Bison made a run in the fourth quarter cutting into the Mountain Hawks lead but could not complete the comeback. The loss drops the Bison record to 7-4 on the season and 1-4 in league play.  

Lehigh, who came into the game undefeated in Patriot League play, jumped out to a quick 8-4 lead at halftime. However, the Bison came out hot in the second half outsourcing the Mountain Hawks 8-5. Dutch Furlong ’24, who scored a hat trick in addition to four assists, scored twice in the final three minutes to cut the Mountain Hawks’ lead to one. The Bison had a chance to tie the game late as they earned a man advantage following a Lehigh penalty with 42 seconds left. However, they were unable to get a shot off and lost 13-12.

In addition to Furlong, Cam Doolan ’25 also scored a hat trick for the Bison. Reid Delanois ’22 had an all-around great game for the Bison securing five ground balls and forcing five turnovers. Alston Tarry ’25 (2), Harry Wellford ’25 (1),  Matthew Barkauskas ’22 (1), Ethan Gyllenhaal ’24 (1), and Joe Scattareggia ’23 (1) all got on the score sheet for the Bison. Goaltending was a group effort for the Bison with Rich O’Halloran ’25 making 10 saves and Jack Van Slyke ’22 making five saves during their stints in net. 

Lehigh led narrowly 44-42 in shots and 28-25 in shots on goal. The Bison defense was superb, forcing their opponents to commit 19 turnovers. But where Lehigh really gained an advantage over the Bison was in faceoffs and ground balls. The Mountain Hawks won 20 faceoffs to the Bison’s seven while collecting eight extra ground balls. 

Senior midfielder Frankie Higgins ’22 found the game worthwhile, despite the loss. “For the Lehigh game it was disappointing to have our second one goal loss to a top 20 opponent in a row, but we played really well and came back to almost tie it which showed that we are a good team and have the potential to beat anyone in the league. We are really excited for the Holy Cross game and having the chance to bounce back and start a strong finish to the year,” Higgins said.

The Bison will be back in action on April 17 hosting Lafayette on Graham Field at 12 p.m.