Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Cornell
Bucknell Field Hockey Defeats Cornell, 3-2
9/13/2008 8:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Sept. 13, 2008
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell senior co-captain Amanda Faust (Kingston, Pa./Wyoming Valley West) scored two goals and assisted on her team's third, leading the Bison to a 3-2 victory against Cornell. Bison goalkeeper Jessie Atieh (North Caldwell, N.J./West Essex) registered five saves, and Katie Ruiz (Lewisburg, Pa./Lewisburg Area) scored her third goal of the season in the win, improving Bucknell's record to 3-2 this year under new head coach Jeremy Cook.
"We did a fantastic job today of finishing," Cook said. "We were able to keep our composure, started strong and finished strong against a tough Cornell team. It is not surprising that Cornell contends for the Ivy League title each season."
Faust, who set Bucknell's all-time assist record against Ball State last Saturday, scored on a penalty corner six minutes and 33 seconds into the contest. Corinne Raczek (Ocean Township, N.J./Ocean Township) and Morgan Kauffman (Millersville, Pa./Penn Manor) assisted on the goal. The trio would repeat that performance just 4:25 later, as Faust notched her third goal of the season and 21st of her career, tying her for 10th on Bucknell's all-time list.
The Big Red got on the board with just over 10 minutes remaining in the first half, as Kelly Kantarian scored a goal from directly in front of goal cage on a nice pass by Kate Thompson. Bucknell entered halftime with a narrow 2-1 lead, as a shot by Cornell's Catie De Stio went off the inside of the goal post, but not into the net. It was one of three shots on the day for the Big Red that hit a goal post, but did not find the back of the net.
The Bison received a much needed insurance goal 13:44 into the second half on a nice shot by Ruiz in front of the net, assisted by Faust. With five points Faust tied her single-game high, matching a one-goal, three-assist effort she had against Colgate in 2006, and a two-goal, one-assist outing against Monmouth last season. Faust has 10 points this season, giving her 70 (21 goals, 28 assists) for her career, three shy of moving into sole possession of fifth place on Bucknell's all-time scoring chart.
Cornell would not go away however, as Belen Martinez scored for the Big Red with just under 10 minutes to go in the game off of a penalty corner. The Big Red controlled play for most of the second half, attempting 10 penalty corners and 10 shots, compared to four penalty corners and four shots for Bucknell. Atieh stood strong though, making four second-half saves, and defender Emily Hutchison (Leola, Pa./Conestoga Valley) recorded a defensive save to preserve the lead.
The Bison hit the road for their next two games, traveling to Philadelphia, Pa., to play La Salle on Friday, Sept. 19, and Lock Haven, Pa., for a contest with Lock Haven on Sunday, Sept. 21. Bucknell then returns to Graham Field on Wednesday, Sept. 24, for a 7 p.m. game with Saint Francis (Pa.).
