Doug Hendry

Staff Writer

Women’s Soccer Stuns Lehigh, Beats Loyola, for first conference wins

A two-goal first half deficit could not deter the women’s soccer team on Sept. 27, as it came back against Lehigh for a 3-2 overtime victory at the Ulrich Sports Complex. Sarah Bresette ’17 led the Bison with two goals, while tri-captain Liz Dwornik ’14 dished out three assists. On Oct. 2, the Bison’s winning streak continued with a 2-1 win at Emmitt Field against Patriot League newcomer Loyola (Md.).

Lehigh’s only two shots on goal in the first half ended up in the back of the net, and the Bison were unable to cut into the lead during the first half. With 45 minutes to go, the Bison entered the second half a new team.

“Going into the second half, we really just came out with the belief that we could turn things around. Every Patriot League game is so important and we knew we needed the three points that come with a victory,” Dwornik said.

Their first score came in the 57th minute, when Evelyn Nicinski ’15 redirected a header past the keeper. Less than seven minutes later, Chelsey Garkowski ’14 and Dwornik kept the pressure on the Lehigh goalie, and Bresette powered the loose ball into the net for her first goal of the game.

The Bison almost ended the game early, as Garkowski’s run up the right side led to a cross into the box in the closing seconds. Despite the pressure, the offense couldn’t finish, leading to the Bison’s third overtime match this season. It didn’t take long, as the Bison were able to end on the winning side this time. Bresette’s second goal was a far-post rocket from outside the 18. Bresette’s first multi-goal game, with the help of Dwornik’s career-high three assists, capped an amazing comeback and first conference win for the Bison.

“It felt so great to finally get an overtime victory,” Dwornik said. “This was one of the best experiences I have had since playing soccer at Bucknell. I honestly could not wipe the smile off my face even hours after the game had ended.”

Five days later, the Bison returned home for a match against Loyola (Md.). This was the first game between the Bison and Loyola as conference rivals. Loyola had not won in its past nine matches, and the Bison took control of the game through the first half. Cassie Denger ’15 had her left-footed shot go over the Loyola keeper after a beautiful long through ball by Nicinski. With less than four minutes in the half, the Bison took a 2-0 lead when Corey Tipton ’14 scored her first goal of the year after some chaotic play inside the box.

Loyola fought back in the second half, cutting the deficit to one goal, but couldn’t muster enough offense to defeat the Orange and Blue. The Loyola goalkeeper was busy all night, and the Bison earned its second conference victory.

Bresette earned Brine Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week, and the Bison (5-6, 2-1 PL) will travel to face American tomorrow at noon.