Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Villanova
Misko Nets Game-Winning Penalty Stroke to Push Bucknell Field Hockey Past Villanova, 2-1
10/2/2011 8:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 2, 2011
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Riding a wave of confidence from yesterday's convincing Patriot League victory, Bucknell field hockey won their second consecutive game, 2-1 over Villanova at Graham Field on Sunday afternoon. Kate Bowen (Forty Fort, Pa./Wyoming Valley West) scored her third career goal of the season, and Rachel Misko (Morristown, N.J./Madison) logged the game-winner on a penalty stroke as the Bison (4-6) earned their first win over the Wildcats (5-6) since 2006.
The first half could hardly have showcased two more evenly matched teams. Both squads finished the frame with four shots and two penalty corners. The game remained scoreless for 31 minutes, but once Villanova got things rolling, Bucknell followed suit. The Wildcats' Jessica Swoboda knocked in a dribbling pass from Leah High to put her team ahead by a goal. Exactly one minute later, Bowen scored following a penalty corner to tie things up with 2:47 left in the half.
Bowen now has three goals on the year. The senior entered the season without a score. She is now tied with Misko for the team lead and is third on the team in points with six.
Thanks to the jolt at the end of the first half, Bucknell hit the ground running in the second and proved to be the stronger team. It did not take long for the Bison to pull in front for the first time in the goal. They spent much of their time in the circle in front of Villanova's net, and that paid off especially when Misko earned a penalty stroke less than four minutes after halftime. On her first career attempt, the sophomore put the ball in the upper left corner past keeper Megan Goelz and gave Bucknell a 2-1 lead.
The stroke gave Misko her second game-winning goal of the season. She also netted the overtime winner against Central Michigan last month.
Villanova appeared to grow tired as the game wore on, making a comeback bid difficult. The Bison's more composed play resulted in eight shots, compared to just one for the Wildcats. Bucknell also drew six penalty corners while not giving any up to its opponent.
Erica Perrine (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan) improved her record in goal to 4-3 after making two saves, both in the first half, and allowing the lone goal. Goelz (5-6) took the loss with two saves and two goals allowed.
Bucknell enjoyed an offensive breakthrough this weekend. After scoring just five goals in their first eight games, the Bison totaled nine in their last two outings. Mallory Smith (Schnecksville, Pa./Parkland), who earned the assist on Bowen's goal, and Misko shared the team lead with six points apiece. Both posted two goals and two assists this weekend.
Bucknell will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 8 when it hosts Lafayette at noon at Graham Field. The Leopards were responsible for ending the Bison's season early in 2010 as they knocked the Orange and Blue out of the Patriot League Tournament with a 3-2 decision.
