Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Wagner
Bison Turn to Defense in 6-5 Win at Wagner, Lukowski PL Attacker of Week
3/14/2016 5:17:00 PM | Women's Lacrosse
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Bucknell's red-hot offense had been grabbing the headlines throughout the first six games of the season, but on a wet, chilly Monday afternoon at Hameline Field it was the Bison defense that came up big in a 6-5 victory over Wagner. Jamie DeWitt made six saves in goal, and Lucia Smircich, Eve Lukowski and Emily Becker had critical takeaways in the final minutes of the game to help Bucknell improve to 5-2 on the season.
The Bison came into the game leading the nation in scoring at 16.8 goals per game, but they struggled with turnovers in the difficult playing conditions in this one. But while Bucknell turned the ball over 17 times, the defense forced 20 miscues and limited the Seahawks to just two second-half goals.
It was a 3-3 game at the half, and then Wagner took a 4-3 lead just over five minutes into the second half on a goal by Olivia Streilein.
The Bison tallied the next three to take the lead for good. Lukowski made a nice feed to a cutting Emily Becker for the equalizer just over two minutes later. Sam Rickels put Bucknell on top with a hard, low shot from the right flank at the 16:24 mark, and then Maddy Molinari provided a much-needed insurance goal with a free-position shot with 12:44 to play.
After Wagner won the ensuing draw, DeWitt came up with a big save on Streilein. DeWitt then held the ball in her own defensive area for nearly a minute before a Wagner attacker finally charged at her. The ball got checked loose, and that led to a Gretchen Fay goal that made it a 6-5 game with 10:04 still to play.
The Bison defense locked up the Seahawks from there. Just inside three minutes remaining, Smircich knocked down a pass, giving possession back to Bucknell. After a Bison turnover, Lukowski chased down a Wagner player near midfield and checked the ball loose, and Erika Stube came up with one of her four ground balls on the day.
Again the two teams swapped turnovers on errant passes, and finally with 45 seconds remaining Bucknell took the ball back for good. Becker and Christina Manis sandwiched Katie Quigley as she tried to clear the ball for Wagner, and Becker nabbed the ground ball. After a timeout, the Bison were able to work the ball around and run out the clock.
Bucknell trailed 2-0 early in the game but battled back to take the lead on consecutive goals by Lukowski, Becker and Mary Margaret Kenney. Shea Gegan tied it for Wagner with 37 seconds left before intermission.
Lukowski, who entered the contest leading the nation in scoring with 5.5 points per game, tallied a goal and two assists to give her 36 points on the season. Becker scored twice, and Rickels had a goal and an assist.
Stube and Ally Furbay led all players with four ground balls apiece, while Annie Gilbertson and Gretchen Richter had three each. Richter also had three caused turnovers.
The Bison return home on Wednesday to face 8-1 Winthrop at 2 p.m. at Graham Field.
Lukowski Named Patriot League Attacker of Week
Earlier in the day on Monday, sophomore Eve Lukowski was named the Corvias Patriot League Attacker of the Week.
Lukowski tallied six goals and five assists in two games for the Bison last week. She tallied four goals and an assist in a mid-week game against Monmouth. Bucknell trailed 16-10 in the late stages of that game, but Lukowski scored three times in a 6-0 run, including a dramatic tying goal with 3:08 to play. The Hawks would score shortly after, however, and pull out a wild 17-16 decision.
On Saturday, Lukowski added six more points with two goals and four assists in a 21-12 road win at Saint Francis (Pa.).
Including her three points in Monday's win over Wagner, Lukowski has 19 goals and 17 assists for 36 points on the season. She had six goals and eight assists for 14 points all of last year.
Lukowski picked up her first career Patriot League weekly honor.
