Bucknell University Athletics
Big Weekend for Field Hockey Includes Home Games with Boston U. and Drexel
10/2/2014 2:13:00 PM | Field Hockey
LEWISBURG, Pa. – A key Patriot League game and a tough non-conference opponent are on the slate for the Bucknell field hockey team this week as the Bison will host Boston U. on Saturday and Drexel on Sunday. Both games will be aired free of charge on Bison Vision on the Patriot League Network.
Bucknell is coming off a big win over perennial conference power American last weekend to improve to 5-2 overall and 1-0 in the Patriot League. The Bison now prepare for another one of the conference's elite teams when they welcome Boston U. at 11 a.m. The Terriers played their way into the NFHCA Coaches Poll a couple of weeks ago, but dropped out of the latest poll following a 2-1 loss to in-state rival Northeastern.
Following its big win Bucknell jumped 10 spots to 18th in the latest RPI rankings. Boston U. (28), American (32) and Lafayette (35) give the conference four teams in the top 40.
Saturday marks just the fourth meeting between Bucknell and Boston U. The Terriers have won all three games in the series, including a 2-0 shutout in Boston last season.
Following its shutout of American last weekend, the Bison moved closer to becoming the top defensive team statistically in the nation. They currently rank fourth in the country in goals against average (0.84), and lead the Patriot League in scoring margin (0.98) and goals allowed per game (0.98).
That defense will be tested against a Drexel team that ranks comparatively to Bucknell among teams in its own conference, the Colonial Athletic Association. The Dragons (6-3, 0-0 CAA) lead their league in scoring margin (1.53), goals against average (0.99) and goals allowed per game (1.00).
The Dragons' numbers have been bolstered by a recent three-game winning streak that has included numerous dominant performances. They have out-scored their opponents 11-3 during that stretch, which was highlighted by a 1-0 win in overtime over No. 13 Temple.
Bucknell goalie Shannon Keen is fourth in the nation in goals against average (0.85) and seventh in save percentage (.824). While Keen has been great in goal, it has been a true team defensive effort this season for the Bison. The junior has had to make just 28 saves, the least among starting goalkeepers in the conference.
Drexel leads the all-time series with Bucknell 15-9-1, but Bison head coach Jeremy Cook will coach against his alma mater for just the second time when the teams take the field on Sunday for a 1 p.m. start.
