Friday, Oct. 4, Bucknell Field Hockey fell 2-0 to the Lafayette Leopards. The Bison were unable to produce any goals, despite a valiant effort, ending The Orange and Blue’s undefeated record in the Patriot League this season.
In the first quarter, the Bison generated one penalty corner, but neither team could put the ball in the net. In the second quarter, both teams shot, but the defenses held up strong.
The first goal of the game occurred in the third quarter. In a penalty corner for the Leopards, Sarah Althouse ’26 moved to stop a shot amidst commotion in the circle, but the ball deflected and Lafayette struck the open net and put the Leopards on the board.
In the fourth quarter, the Leopards obtained another penalty corner, providing Lafayette with an insurance goal.
With less than five minutes left, the Bison pulled Althouse in an attempt for more offensive pressure. The Leopards’ defense prevented the Orange and Blue from scoring, causing the Bison’s first conference game loss.
Sunday, Oct. 6, the Bison came back strong in a 6-1 Senior Day victory against the Lock Haven Bald Eagles, improving their record to 5-6. The Bison impressively outshot the Bald Eagles 38-9, emphasizing their offensive efforts.
Zoe Carlson-Pietraszek ’25, Hope Davis ’25, Lindsey Fogelsanger ’25, Nora Frederick ’25, Tallulah Fuhs ’25, Hannah Guarente ’25, Lily Neilson ’25 and Isabella Pavlides ’25 were all honored.
Neilson’s Senior Day was extra special, scoring two goals and passing the 50-goal milestone with 51 total, now ranking fifth in Patriot League History for career goals. In addition to providing an assist for five points, Neilson’s 108 career points puts her in second place in Bucknell history.
Starting strong, the Bison scored four goals in four minutes in the first quarter. Gianna Puorro ’26 shot from the left wing, putting the Bison on the scoreboard. Two minutes later, Kira Leclercq ’26 assisted with an aerial pass to Fuhs, who maneuvered around the goalkeeper with a reverse stick shot into the goal. Shortly after, the Bison obtained a penalty corner. Pavlides inserted the ball to Nicky Punt ’26, who got the ball to Leclercq, who scored the third goal of the game. 14 seconds later, Reese Czajkowski ’28 intercepted a pass and directed the ball to Neilson, who scored, achieving the 50-goal milestone.
In the third period, Fuhs assisted another Neilson goal, giving the Bison a 5-0 lead. Neilson and Czajkowski swapped roles, this time Neilson passing to Czajkowski, who scored the Bison’s final goal of the game.
With less than three minutes remaining, Lock Haven managed to score, but their efforts were not enough to defeat the Orange and Blue.
Up next, the Bison travel to Colgate on Oct. 11 for a competitive conference matchup.
