The Bison women’s soccer team sought to improve their 1-3 record in a double-header weekend facing Cornell and Towson. After coming up short against Cornell, the latter game marked a massive turnaround for the Bison, ending a four-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over the Towson Tigers.

On Sept. 6, the Bison hosted Cornell for their first matchup since 2011. While the Big Red ended with a record of 1-13-1 last season, they arrived at Emmitt Field having already doubled their wins with an undefeated record of 2-0 for their current campaign. The Orange and Blue were determined to match their opponent’s win record after coming off three close losses, one of which went into double overtime.

The competition was fierce throughout the game as both teams displayed top-notch defense that held the Bison and Big Red to 10 and nine shots on goal, respectively.  Cornell managed to take the coveted win with the lone goal of the game during a breakaway in the 57th minute, although the Orange and Blue came close with notable efforts from Gabby Bair ’20 and Jenna Marek ’21.

It was a quick turnaround as the Bison traveled to Towson for a match on Sept. 8.  The Tigers were coming in hot after tallying their second win of the season after defeating UMBC earlier in the week, while the Bison were seeking to end what was now four consecutive losses. The Orange and Blue managed to do exactly that when Bri Kropinack ’21 found the back of the net and Abby Gearhart ’23 scored her first collegiate goal in the 84th minute.

In her first game back from a preseason injury, Gearhart dribbled past Tiger defenders after receiving a pass from Rylee Donaldson ’23 to send the ball past the Towson goaltender.

Gearhart earned the Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors as a result of her efforts, the second time this season a Bison player has received the honor, with goaltender Kaylee Donnelly ’23 being named on Aug. 26.

“Our win against Towson was huge,” said Kropinack. “We are looking to keep the momentum going this weekend and into next as we start Patriot League play. We are a very hard working team and I think we showed that this past weekend.”

The Bison will seek to extend their winning streak as they host defending Ivy League champions Penn on Sept. 13.