Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
#14 Hartwick (Bucknell Invitational)
Bucknell Upsets No. 14 Hartwick 12-10 in Women's Water Polo
2/19/2005 7:00:00 AM | Women's Water Polo
Feb. 19, 2005
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Meg Blitzer scored a season-high six goals, including the go-ahead score with 3:21 remaining, as the Bucknell women's water polo team defeated a ranked Division I opponent for the first time, upending No. 14 Hartwick 12-10 Saturday afternoon during the Bucknell Invitational at Kinney Natatorium.
The Bison, who battle Slippery Rock at 9 p.m. Saturday night, matched their best-ever start by improving to 5-1 this season. The 2001 squad also opened up 5-1.
Bucknell and Hartwick were tied 8-8 at halftime, but the Hawks scored twice within the first three minutes of the third quarter to jump ahead 10-8. However, a goal by Bronwen Knox with 4:10 to play was the final goal for Hartwick as the Bison scored the final four goals of the contest with Blitzer and Katie Hartigan each finding the back of the net twice.
On the possession after Blitzer scored the eventual game-winning goal, Hartigan had a chance to give Bucknell a 12-10 lead, but her shot caromed off the left post. That was not the last chance for the Bison to extend the lead as Elizabeth Jensen snuck behind the Hartwick defense to lead a breakaway opportunity. The Hawks were whistled and Bucknell was awarded a penalty shot. Hartigan came in to attempt it, but hit the crossbar with 1:36 left. Fortunately for Bucknell the shot glanced off the goalie's hand and out of bounds so the Bison retained possession.
On the ensuing possession Hartigan took a pass from Jensen and bounced in the 12th goal of the game for Bucknell with 1:19 on the clock.
Hartwick still had a chance to even the score, but a steal in the open water by Ashley Aiken with just over a minute to play sealed the victory.
In the high-scoring first half, Bucknell scored five of six goals at one point to jump out to a 6-2 lead before Hartwick battled back to even the score before halftime. At the end of the first quarter Blitzer fired a shot from the opposite end of the pool, and as time expired, the ball snuck into the net. She nearly equaled that feat at the end of the second quarter when she scored with nine seconds remaining to even the score.
Along with Blitzer's six goals, Hartigan added two, Cody Keffer two, Eileen Ketterer one and Amanda Nogic one. Meagan Gins, who had six goals against George Washington Friday, tallied a team-high two assists. Keffer, Hartigan, Jensen and Mallory Sullivan added one assist apiece.
Mandy Bynum made nine saves in goal and added one assist.
Hartwick, which played a physical game, had 18 players ejected during the course of the contest. The Bison tallied just five ejections.
Bucknell, which is hosting the 10-team Bucknell Invitational this weekend, returns to action Saturday night against Slippery Rock at 9 p.m. The Bison will face Wagner (10 a.m.) and Marist (3 p.m.) during the final day of the three-day event Sunday.
HARTWICK 2 6 2 0 -- 10
BUCKNELL 5 3 3 2 -- 12
Goals: Blitzer (6), Hartigan (2), Keffer (2), Ketterer, Nogic.
Assists: Gins (2), Keffer, Hartigan, Jensen, Sullivan, Bynum.
Ejections Drawn: Gins (4), Aiken (3), Keffer (2), Hartigan (2), Blitzer (2), Ketterer, Trimis, Jensen, Nogic, Sullivan.
Saves: Bynum (9 svs., 10 ga).
Steals: Blitzer (3), Keffer (2), Aiken (2), Hartigan, Sullivan.
Record: 5-1
