Over the weekend, the Bucknell Field Hockey team faced off against Penn State and Richmond at Graham Field, but were defeated by both Penn State 4–0 and Richmond with a close score of 3-2.

On Friday night, the Bison came out with a strong start against Penn State. They kept the score 0–0 for the first quarter and let up only one goal in the second quarter right before halftime. 

Within seconds into the third quarter, the Nittany Lions scored again. The Bison fought hard, but were unable to keep a 2-0 deficit. Later in the third quarter, the Nittany Lions solidified two more goals, heading into the fourth quarter up 4-0.

During the fourth quarter, the Bison had several shots on goal and earned two penalty corners. Ultimately, neither team was able to find the back of the cage in the fourth, ending the game with a 4–0 Nittany Lions victory. 

Overall, goalkeeper Clara McCormick ’23 finished the game with seven saves. Penn State took 27 shots, however, many of them were not on target. Additionally, some game leaders for the Bison were Gugulethu Sibanda ’24, Nicky Punt ’26, and Kira Leclercq ’26 all taking two shots each, while Lily Neilson ’25 also contributed with one shot. 

Along with Louisville, Penn State was the second ranked team that Bucknell has played this season. 

On Saturday against Richmond, the Bison came out hungry for the win. Opening up the first quarter of the game, Rachel Apa ’24 got the goals started for Bucknell around the 55 second mark. Shortly after, around the 5:22 mark, the Spiders retaliated with a goal. 

With 2:10 left in the first quarter, Neilson played the ball into the circle, and Apa was there to make contact, sending it past the Richmond goalkeeper to the far side of the cage. 

The Bison held a 2–1 lead heading into halftime, as the rest of the first quarter and the entire second quarter remained scoreless for both teams. However, almost three minutes into the third quarter, the Spiders evened the score 2–2, and four minutes after that, they took a 3–2 lead. 

The Bison continued to have chances as they took nine shots total in the second half. Despite the hard work and determination, the Bison were unable to score again, facing a close 3–2 defeat. 

Throughout the game, McCormick made several critical saves for the orange and blue, keeping the score at a one point deficit. Furthermore, other game leaders were Apa with two goals, Neilson having six shots, Leclercq taking four shots and Gianna Puorro ’26 contributing one shot. 

“Although we didn’t get the outcome we all wanted, I think all of us worked really hard on the field for each other and dominated most of the game,” said Puorro.

The games this weekend did not end in the Bison’s favor, but they still remain in second place in the Patriot League with a 3–1 record. On Saturday, Oct. 22, Bucknell will return to playing against Patriot League schools as they host American University.