Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
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Durkin Scores Twice as Bucknell Field Hockey Upsets American 3-1 on Senior Day
10/22/2011 8:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
Oct. 22, 2011
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LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell field hockey could hardly have asked for a better outcome on Senior Day as the Bison snapped an 11-game losing streak to American, defeating the Eagles 3-1 at Graham Field on Saturday afternoon. Katie Durkin (New Canaan, Conn./New Canaan) stole the show with two goals, including the game winner early in the second half, to improve Bucknell's record to 6-9 overall and 2-2 in the Patriot League with just three games remaining in the regular season.
The victory was Bucknell's first over American since the 2001 season, ending a stretch of 11 straight games that went the Eagles' way. It was the fourth win for the Bison in series history and only the first by more than one goal. As if that weren't enough, the win was also the 300th in program history for Bucknell.
Although it was Senior Day, it was a pair of juniors that took control in the goal-scoring department. Kelly Stefanowicz (Landsdale, Pa./Mount St. Joseph's Academy) gave Bucknell a lead in the first half, shooting low on a penalty corner. A corner opportunity also paid off for the Bison's second goal of the game. After inserting the ball, Durkin stationed herself at the net post and pounced on a rebound. The junior tipped the ball past goalkeeper Ashley Dalisera to put the Bison in front 2-1.
Just less than 32 minutes remained after Durkin's first score, leaving plenty of time for a strong American (7-7, 3-1) attack to make up the difference. The Eagles had entered Saturday's contest undefeated in league play and had a 17-1 goal differential against conference foes. Their last loss in the Patriot League came 2-1 in overtime against Lafayette on Oct. 24, 2009, and Saturday marked only their second conference defeat since 2003.
American could not make up that difference, however. Bison goalkeeper Erica Perrine (Bridgewater, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan) played a major role in keeping the Eagles at bay. They fired off 24 shots in the game, 12 of which were on goal, and Perrine made a career-high 11 saves to secure the victory. While every stop was important, few were as noteworthy as an impressive stick save with less than six minutes remaining in the game.
That marked the last offensive attack for American, but Bucknell had one more shot. With 5:19 left in the game, the Bison showed off their passing skills and got ahead of the defense. The last pass went from Rachel Misko (Morristown, N.J./Madison) to Durkin in the circle. With no defenders between her and the goalkeeper, Durkin worked her away around a sprawled-out Dalisera for a two-goal lead.
Durkin's offensive effort gave her the first multi-goal game of her career. She now has four goals on the season. Misko finished the day with two assists as she and Kelsey Mucelli (Kutztown, Pa./Kutztown Area) also earned the assists on the Stefanowicz goal in the first half.
At the final horn, Perrine improved her record to 6-6 in goal while Dalisera fell to 5-2. Dalisera made five saves and allowed all three goals.
American's lone goal came at the 7:22 mark in the first half. Natalie Ellenberger took advantage of a rebound and snuck it past Perrine for a short-lived tie before halftime.
Bucknell has one more Patriot League game remaining on the regular season, set for Saturday, Oct. 29 at Colgate. The Bison are still looking to clinch a conference tournament berth, but are currently tied with Lehigh for fourth in the standings at 2-2. With its win over Lehigh today, Lafayette takes over sole possession of first place at 4-0 and American is second at 3-1. Colgate defeated Holy Cross today, improving its record to 1-3 while the Crusaders are now 0-4 in league play. The top four teams in the standings will advance to the Patriot League Tournament Nov. 4-5.
Before they can worry about their November plans, however, the Bison will have to pay attention to Penn State. Bucknell will face the No. 8 Nittany Lions at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Graham Field. The game will stream like on Bison Vision.
