Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Penn State
Bison Play Nationally Ranked Penn State Tough, Fall 21-9 in Home Opener
2/19/2014 10:47:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Emily Kookogey scored three goals and freshman Bridget Shaffrey added two off the bench to lead the Bucknell women's lacrosse team on the offensive end of the field in a 21-9 loss to No. 7/8 Penn State Wednesday afternoon at Graham Field. It was the home opener for the Bison (0-2), who scored their most goals against the Nittany Lions in the 18-game series.
Bucknell lost last year's matchup 18-2 and already equaled that goal output five minutes into this one as Kookogey's first goal of the game evened the score at 2-2 just 4:47 into the contest. Penn State then scored eight straight times to open a 10-2 advantage, but the Bison did not give up as Shaffrey, Kookogey and freshman Christina Manis scored three straight goals during an 10-plus-minute scoreless stretch for the Nittany Lions to bring the score to 10-5 just 64 seconds before halftime.
Penn State (1-0) tacked on two goals in the final 36 seconds of the half for a 12-5 lead at the intermission.
Bucknell took back the momentum early in the second half with goals by Katelyn Miller and Shaffery in the first five minutes of play to trim its deficit to 12-7.
The Nittany Lions then scored nine of the next 10 goals before Caroline Collins closed out the scoring for the Bison with 0.6 seconds on the clock.
“Penn State is definitely a top-10 team and has a strong chance of going to the final four,” commented Bucknel head coach Randall Goldsborough. “We've been teaching and teaching and our players are starting to get it. Their confidence was high and they were calm during the game. We showed poise on offense and the defense held its own. I am extremely proud with the way we left everything on the field today.”
Penn State, which outshot Bucknell 40-21 was led on offense by Tatum Coffey's five goals. Jenna Mosketti added four and a total of five Nittany Lions posted multi-goal outings.
Four of Bucknell's goals were scored by freshmen as Madison Molinari added a goal. Four first-year players were part of the Bison starting lineup, including goalie Elizabeth Duswalt, who posted nine saves, including seven in the first half. Penn State's three goalies combined for seven saves.
The Nittany Lions held a 19-12 edge in ground balls and draw controls, while both teams connected on three free position shots.
Bucknell will continue its string of difficult opponents to start the season when it plays a 4 p.m. game at Johns Hopkins on Saturday.
