With a thrilling 2-1 win over Lafayette at Graham Field on Oct. 18, the field hockey team clinched a postseason berth in the 2014 Patriot League Tournament. Goals by Kayla Sullivan ’16 and Kiersten Sydnor ’16 led the Orange and Blue to an important victory, boosting the team’s overall record to 9-4 and landing them in sole possession of first place in the league.

After a tight first half, the Bison trailed 1-0 to the Leopards. Lafayette had managed to find the net past goalkeeper Shannon Keen ’16 in the eighth minute of the game, but the rest of the half was a close battle between two talented teams.

The Orange and Blue came out flying in the second half of the match, and their hard work was rewarded with two goals. Sullivan capitalized on the team’s first penalty stroke of the season and beat the goalie to the left side to put the Bison on the board.

The tie did not last long, as a collaborative play by Cassie Lawrence ’15, Abby Watson ’16, and Sydnor put the Bison ahead for the remainder of the match. The goal was Sydnor’s fourth of the season, as she continues to stand as a great threat against tough defenses.

The Orange and Blue were able to hold off the Leopards for the game’s remaining minutes with a dedicated defensive effort and one save from Keen, as she picked up her ninth win for the team.

The Bison hope for another win on Oct. 25 in their matchup at Colgate. A win against the Raiders would solidify the Bison’s role as host for the four-team Patriot League Tournament on Nov. 7 and 8.