Bison Women's Lax Returns Home Saturday to Face Colgate

LEWISBURG, Pa. -- Looking to bounce back from a tough five-game road trip, the Bison women's lacrosse team will be glad to be playing at home again on Saturday when Patriot League rival Colgate visits Graham Field. The 1 p.m. contest will be webcast live on the Patriot League Network.

After falling 15-7 at No. 16 Loyola on Wednesday, the Bison are 2-7 overall and 0-2 in the Patriot League on the season. But they are 2-1 at home, with their last game at Graham a 13-10 win over Saint Francis back on Feb. 25. Colgate has won two straight to improve to 4-3 overall, 1-1 in the Patriot League.

Maddy Molinari recorded a hat trick for the Bison at Loyola, and she now leads the team with 16 goals on the season. Molinari's 19 points are second to Emily Kookogey, who has 20 points from 13 goals and seven assists. Christina Manis leads the squad with 10 assists.

Bucknell has held its own in the draw circle this season, with freshman Gretchen Richter ranking second in the Patriot League with 46 DCs. Defender Lucia Smircich leads the squad in ground balls (21) and caused turnovers (12).

Colgate is coming off an 18-7 rout of Longwood on the road on Wednesday. In league play, the Raiders have a 13-7 win over Lehigh an a 12-11 overtime loss to Holy Cross.

Colgate has outscored its opponents 84-58 on the season, with Haley O'Hanlon leading the way with 16 goals and 21 points. Isabel Kreitler has a team-high 20 draw controls, and goalie Jennie Berglin leads the Patriot League in save percentage (.532) and saves per game (9.4).

Colgate has a 32-3 lead in the all-time series, including a current 12-game winning streak. Last season in Hamilton, New York, Colgate won 16-6. Bucknell's last series win was a 13-9 decision in the 2003 Patriot League Tournament semifinals.

Following the Colgate game, the Bison will host Lehigh on Tuesday at 5 p.m. in a game that was postponed due to icy field conditions on March 6.