Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Rutgers
Field Hockey Opens Season with Tough 3-2 Overtime Loss at Rutgers
8/29/2014 8:17:00 PM | Field Hockey
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Bucknell seniors Cassie Lawrence and Liz Wills scored goals, but an overtime tally by Rutgers' Jasmine Cole 5:53 into the extra period gave the Scarlet Knights a 3-2 victory over the Bison in field hockey action Friday evening at Bauer Track and Field Complex. It was the first game of the season for both teams as Bucknell embarks on a five-game road trip to start the campaign.
The two squads played a wild overtime period that featured seven total shots, including five by Rutgers, three of which were on goal and turned aside by Bison junior goalie Shannon Keen.
After Rutgers' early flurry in overtime, it was Bucknell's turn as it had two shots off penalty corners, but was unable to convert.
Cole converted the winning goal on the next trip down the field for the Scarlet Knights.
“I am very proud of our team and our effort,” commented seventh-year Bison head coach Jeremy Cook. “We had a ton of scoring opportunities, but just weren't able to capitalize. We moved the ball well and worked well together.
“We have every reason to be confident. We are playing better than we ever have at this stage of the season. It is almost like we are already in midseason form. Rutgers is a very good Big Ten team.”
Cook raved about Lawrence during the preseason and her goal with 11:28 left in the first half tied the score at 1-1. Wills later gave Bucknell a 2-1 edge when she scored off a penalty corner just over 13 minutes into the second half. Her younger sister, Anna, earned the assist on the goal.
“One of the objectives for the season was to increase our success rate on penalty corners,” noted an upbeat Cook. “It was nice to see us get one in the first game.”
Bucknell, which defeated Rutgers 5-2 in the 2013 season finale in Lewisburg, held the 2-1 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes of play. However, the Scarlet Knights evened the score when Sofia Walia scored with just over seven minutes to play on a penalty stroke.
Rutgers held an 18-13 edge in shots, but just 13-11 in regulation. The Bison totaled five penalty corners, including two in overtime, compared to six for the Scarlet Knights.
Keen finished with a career-high five saves, including three big ones in overtime. Her counterpart, Shevaun Hayes, posted four saves, all in the first half.
Eighteen Bucknell players appeared in the game that featured a number of significant momentum swings, while just 15 Rutgers players saw action.
The Bison will continue their weekend trip to New Jersey with a 1 p.m. game Sunday at Monmouth.
