Field Hockey Readies for Game at Lock Haven on Tuesday

LEWISBURG, Pa. – The Bucknell field hockey team returns to its tough non-conference schedule Tuesday as it travels to play Lock Haven. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Charlotte E. Smith Field.

The Bison are 3-5 overall after a 4-2 win over Lehigh in their Patriot League opener on Saturday. The Bald Eagles enter at 8-2, including a 1-0 win at La Salle in their most recent contest, and are ranked 24th in the latest RPI. Lock Haven holds a sizable lead (25-7-1) in the all-time series, but Bucknell has won three of the past four meetings.

Four players scored in Bucknell's win over Lehigh, including the game-winner by Anna Wills in the 52^nd minute. Her team-leading third goal of the season came off a penalty corner and was assisted by Emily Hitchings and Kayla Sullivan. Nicole Rupnik and Kelsy Kauffman both had tying goals during the game, while Claire Lesher tacked on an insurance goal in the second half, the first of her career.

The game against Lehigh was indicative of the team's season as a whole. Ten players have combined to score Bucknell's 15 goals. Wills is the team leader, while Kiersten Sydnor, Hitchings and Rupnik have two apiece. Emma Fitzgerald and Stephanie Dressler lead the team with two assists apiece.

Lock Haven has proven to be a team with few weaknesses so far this season. The Bald Eagles lead the Atlantic 10 in defense, allowing less than one goal per game, and are second in offense, scoring 2.30 goals per game. They also lead the league in scoring margin (+1.43) and shutouts (4). Individually, Rachel Valentine leads in points (19) and goals (8).

The game at Lock Haven is the first of three in a span of six days for Bucknell. The Bison will host Patriot League foe Colgate on Saturday at 11 a.m. and Saint Joseph's on Sunday at 3 p.m.