The Bison women’s field hockey fell short on the road against No. 21 Boston University by a score of 0-1 on Oct. 28. But, they quickly turned their game around, winning the next day at Yale with a nail biting 3-2 finish. This game closed out the Bison’s regular season schedule, and the Orange and Blue will hold the third seed in the Patriot League playoffs.

The Patriot League finale against Boston began with an early goal from the Terriers, 15 minutes into the match. The Orange and Blue put up a fight, nearly scoring an equalizer off of a corner in the first half. Bison goalkeeper Emily Finn ’18 did not allow any more balls past her for the rest of the game, making five saves total to keep the Orange and Blue within reach. However, they could not secure the equalizer. Three of the past four games in Boston have been decided by one goal.

“Our goals were to try to be more efficient outletting the ball and building attack. We also were trying to be tougher defensively and intercept some of the other team’s long passes,” Allie Christopher ’20 said. Christopher had one of the two shots on goal for the Bison, along with Stephanie Dressler ’18.

“For the most part, we had possession of the ball and had most of the shots on goal during the game, but there were still a few moments where we lost our game and they were able to put some shots in. Regardless, we were able to hold our own, especially with staying on interception lines in the back,” Claire Lesher ’19 said.

Following this match, the Bison reversed roles in their match against Yale on Oct. 29, taking the lead less than 10 minutes into the game. Dressler took a shot which deflected off of a defender’s stick, sending the ball straight into the goal and putting the Bison up 1-0 over Yale. In response, the Bulldogs scored twice before the end of the first half and went into halftime leading the Orange and Blue 2-1.

The score was tied up only seven minutes into the second half, with a goal from Katie Mannino ’19 on a tip-in off of a corner. The Bison took advantage of this newfound momentum and soon took the lead. A finish from Nicole Rupnik ’19, also on a tip off a hit into the circle, proved to be the game-winner. The Bison ended the game with a 3-2 victory. They will look to carry this success through the next week and into the Patriot League playoffs.

“We are looking forward to a good week of practice leading up to the Patriot League tournament next weekend,” Christopher said.

The Bison finished the regular season with a 9-9 record overall and a 3-3 record in League standings.

“With the way we’ve been playing lately, the team is ready to prepare [for the tournament] in this upcoming week of practice and is determined to get some more wins next weekend! Stay tuned,” Lesher said.