Bucknell Women’s Soccer kicked off Patriot League action on a high note with a victory against rival Lehigh on Saturday, Sept. 20. A shutout 2-0 victory gave the Bison another win to their tough schedule, leaving them 3-5-2 for the overall season and 1-0-0 for league play.

The match started strongly for the Bison as they dominated the first half, scoring both their goals in the first 35 minutes. 

The Mountain Hawks were keeping control of the ball offensively in the first couple of minutes, making three attempts on the goal. However, Reese Dolan ’28 made six saves to tally her first career shut out and deny Lehigh a chance at scoring. Katie Connell ’28 scored the first goal in the 12th minute from the penalty spot with assistance from Henna Andican ’26 and Dani Howard ’29 from midfield to quickly give the team the upper hand. A few minutes later, Howard and Gabby Parker ’29 played a 1-2 near the edge of the box for an attempt at scoring, but were blocked by a save from the Mountain Hawks. Parker attempted again in the 22nd minute, but was blocked again. On her third attempt, she finally contributed the second goal ten minutes later with assistance from midfielder Louisa Thomsen ’28 securing the Bison win.

Lehigh tried to come back in the second half, but thanks to Dolan’s last two saves, the Mountain Hawks were left disappointed. Her performance from the match earned her Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Week honors. The Bison finished the game with a shutout over the Mountain Hawks and established themselves as a league powerhouse.

The Bison will be back in action against Holy Cross on Saturday, Sept. 27.