Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Penn State
Bucknell Field Hockey Challenges Penn State but Drops 2-1 Decision
10/13/2009 8:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 13, 2009
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Kelly Bruvik (Skillman, N.J./Stuart Country Day) scored her third goal in two games, but the first-half tally was not enough to dig Bucknell field hockey out of an early hole as the Bison fell 2-1 to Penn State in University Park, Pa., on Tuesday night. It was the first time since 1988 a game between Bucknell (8-5) and Penn State (5-9) was decided by one goal or less.
Penn State (5-9) struck hard and fast in the opening moments of the game. The Nittany Lions' Kelsey Amy and Jessica Longstreth scored back-to-back goals just 1:48 apart. After almost 3:30 of play, the Bison found themselves down 2-0.
In typical Bucknell fashion, however, the Bison stayed on the attack and it paid off toward the end of the first frame. Bruvik netted her fourth goal of the season on a low shot coming in from the right side.
The second half might not have had any scoring, but it was not without its excitement as Penn State drew a penalty stroke with 20:20 to go. Jessie Atieh (North Caldwell, N.J./West Essex) made a huge save against Longstreth for the Bison to keep the score where it was.
The Nittany Lions got 10 of their 19 shots on goal throughout the night, compared to five of seven for the Bison. In addition to Atieh's six stops in goal, Marci Richard (Olley, Pa./Olley Valley) and Sarah Ebright (Hummelstown, Pa./Lower Dauphin) also registered defensive saves.
Bucknell will be back in action at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 when it takes on American at Graham Field. A lot is riding on the league contest as the Bison are trying to protect their 5-0 home record and 2-0 Patriot League tally. The winner between the Bison and the Eagles will take sole possession of first place in the league. The game will be broadcast live on Bison Vision and live stats on GameTracker will be available, both at BucknellBison.com.
