Field Hockey was once again up against the Lafayette Leopards in the Patriot League Semifinals on Thursday, Nov. 6. The match was a close one, but the Orange and Blue walked away with a loss, closing out their 2025 season.
The Bison were ranked second nationally in conversion rate from penalty corners, scoring 25 of the 99 (25.3%) they had. Kira Leclercq ’26 was named the 2025 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row, the first two-time winner in history for the Orange and Blue. Sarah Althouse ’27 also proved impressive this season, with the highest save percentage in the Patriot League at 77%.
The Bison started strong offensively, obtaining four penalty corners in the first quarter alone. Three of these shots were blocked by defenders, leaving only one to be saved by the Leopards’ goalie. The second period was the opposite of the one before. Lafayette proved challenging, recording five shots to the Orange and Blue’s one. Althouse was able to save all five, leaving the scoreboard blank going into the half.
Just three minutes after halftime, the Leopards scored their first goal. Althouse was able to make one save but couldn’t keep the rebound by the Leopards from making it to the back of the net. The Bison had the play put under review, but the call was upheld, keeping the score 1-0. Still in the third quarter, the Leopards had a skilled drive down the field past the Orange and Blue. While Althouse made attempts to save the ball, Lafayette was able to extend their lead to 2-0.
In the fourth quarter, the Bison had an opportunity to start their comeback. A penalty shot was given from a penalty on Lafayette. Leclercq was put in charge of the task, who calmly put the ball away, marking her 13th goal of the season. The game remained at 2-1 while the clock ran out, ending the game with a loss for the Bison.
The Orange and Blue end their 2025 season with a 10-7 record. For the first time since 2018, the Bison had a double-digit season in wins, a highlight for the campaign despite its disappointing end.
