Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Rutgers
Field Hockey Drops Opener to Rutgers, 3-1
8/28/2015 8:46:00 PM | Field Hockey
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Bucknell field hockey hung with a Big Ten team that returned nearly its entire starting lineup from a year ago, but came up short in a 3-1 loss at Rutgers on Friday in the season opener for both teams.
Junior Anna Wills scored the first goal of the season for the Bison, tying the game at 1-1 exactly 22 minutes into the first half. The score came following a Bison corner and was assisted by sophomore Stephanie Dressler. It was the third career goal for Wills and the third career assist for Dressler.
The goal by Wills came just over a minute after Rutgers took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Nicole Imbriaco. Prior to that, the Bison had controlled the field. They didn't allow a Scarlet Knights' shot for the first 19 minutes of play and didn't give up a shot on goal until Imbriaco's score.
Rutgers took momentum into the half thanks to a goal in the 33rd minute. Rachel Yaney recorded the game-winner off an assist from Simrin Dhillon. The Bison were still in good position to tie the game until Ali Stever put the Scarlet Knights' up 3-1 on an unassisted goal with under five minutes remaining in the second half.
Bucknell finished with six shots on goal, but Rutgers' goalie Shevaun Hayes made five saves to get the win. Bison goalie Shannon Keen stopped five shots – all in the second half - in a losing effort.
The final stats were fairly even between the teams. Rutgers held a 15-11 advantage in shots and an 8-6 difference in shots on goal. Bucknell finished with a 5-4 edge in corners.
Bucknell returns to Lewisburg for its home opener against Monmouth on Sunday at Graham Field. The game is scheduled for 11 a.m.
