Bucknell University
Lafayette
Bucknell Field Hockey Shuts Out Lafayette for Record-Setting Fifth Home Win
10/3/2009 8:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 3, 2009
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell field hockey won its first Patriot League matchup of the season and extended its home winning streak to five games with a 1-0 shutout against Lafayette at Graham Field on Saturday afternoon. Corinne Raczek (Ocean Township, N.J./Ocean Township) earned her first goal of the season to keep the Bison (7-3, 1-0) on a winning track.
With the victory, Bucknell has become the first team in program history to open its season with five consecutive home wins. It also became the first team to win its league opener since the 2003 squad defeated Colgate 3-1 on the road.
Bucknell and Lafayette (8-2, 0-1) appeared relatively evenly matched through the first frame. Both teams had scoring opportunities, although the Leopards managed only one shot in the opening half. Bucknell, however, got off five shots, two of them on goal.
That shooting advantage paid off for the Bison and for Raczek in particular. After looking like the teams would head into halftime in a scoreless tie, the junior midfielder made her way through traffic and got off a close shot from right in front of Leopards goalkeeper Kelsey Andersen. Raczek got the ball past her opponent in net for her first goal of the season and second of her career.
Raczek's goal included, Lafayette had allowed just eight goals all season. The Leopards came out in the second half looking like the defensive team that could brag about such a statistic. The Bison were unable to maintain control of the ball and play continued in front of the Bucknell goal for much of the second half.
Bucknell goalkeeper Jessie Atieh (North Caldwell, N.J./West Essex) helped to keep her team in front despite having to be on high alert throughout the final 35:00. The senior made a pair of key kick saves following penalty corners, blanking the Leopards' Amanda Saber on both occasions. Atieh finished the day with her first shutout of the season and the second of her career after making four saves.
Bucknell will have little time to enjoy its big win. The team travels to Lock Haven for a 7 p.m. game on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Lock Haven, Pa.
