Bison Women’s Soccer clinches the title of Patriot League Regular Season Champions and #1 seed for the conference tournament after defeating Lehigh 2-0 last Wednesday, Oct. 30.
One of the lead players this season, Sydney Hess ’26, said, “During my three years here having the opportunity to be Patriot League Champions two times in a row has been amazing. However, it was always the goal for us to be first in the league every year. Winning that title this year was such an amazing, gratifying experience. Our team has worked so hard to achieve this and doing it against Lehigh was such a great team experience”.
The Women’s Soccer team has had an amazing season and defeating Lehigh was the final obstacle before earning the top seed position. Paige Temple ’25 and Kelley Francis ’25 led with goals early in the game, taking some pressure off the Bison. Jess Benattar ’26 and the back line executed the team’s ninth shutout of the season. They allowed only two shots on target by Lehigh in the second half and no goals.
By the 15th minute in the first quarter, Temple, Evans and Teresa Deda ’25 had a breakthrough via another assist from Deda who shielded off a defender to maintain control in the box. Then, Deda squared up a perfect pass across the 18 for a one-time rocket from Temple and into the goal.
By the 29th minute, Bucknell was up 2-0 against Lehigh with ease. Julia Palitti ’27 played a 40 yard ball into open space and Francis outran two Lehigh backs to get on the ball first to stop a sharp-angle shot behind Lehigh’s goalie.
One of the lead players, Henna Andican ’26, who was out due to an injury that ended her season early said, “it was a great team win and a huge day all around to celebrate victories. Coach Kelly was able to get the recognition she deserves with tying the record of most wins as a coach in Bucknell Women’s Soccer history and gives us lots of momentum going into playoffs, which we’re excited to host”.
“Regular season champs is an accomplishment that we are all very proud of, but we have so much more left to give as a team! The job isn’t finished yet, so we are excited for the week ahead… we hope to make history” said Benattar.
