Bucknell field hockey kicked off Patriot League action at home against Colgate with a 5-0 shutout victory. 

The ball remained on Colgate’s side for the majority of the opening period. Within the first 3 minutes of the game, Kira Leclercq ’26 scored off two penalty corners, giving the Orange and Blue an early lead. Nicky Punt ’26 contributed three assists, inserting both of Leclercq’s goals. 

The Orange and Blue added some insurance goals in the third. Two minutes into the second half, Gracie Kothari ’29 lifted the ball over two defenders’ sticks and weaved her way to a successful shot on goal. The Bison managed a fourth goal with 33 seconds left in the quarter. Reese Czajkowski ’28 intercepted a pass, came in alone on goal and fired a reverse-stick shot into the net. 

Punt weaved through the circle early in the fourth quarter and put a shot on goal that was pushed across the line by Alexandra Shizas ’26, her fellow senior co-captain.

Sarah Althouse ’27 put up four saves for the Bison before Abby Zanelli ’28 came in to finish the shutout. 

Leclercq, reigning Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, has a team-high five goals on the season and 19 in her career. Shizas and Kothari put up their first collegiate goals, and Czajkowski added her third of the season. 

The Bison outshot the Raiders 21-6 as the Orange and Blue have won the past 19 of 20 matchups against the Raiders. 

The Bison take on Lafayette next in Easton, Pa. on Friday, Sept. 26.