Women's Soccer Battles Pitt but Falls in Double OT, 1-0

Sunday, August 25

Lewisburg, Pa.

1 p.m.

Bucknell University

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Pittsburgh

1-0-0, 0-0-0

Pittsburgh

Bucknell

Photo by: Marc Hagemeier

Women's Soccer Battles Pitt but Falls in Double OT, 1-0

8/25/2019 4:20:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

LEWISBURG, Pa. – The Bucknell women's soccer team turned in a hard-fought 101-minute effort against Pittsburgh on Sunday in front of 1,070 fans at Emmitt Field, but Panthers freshman forward Amanda West spoiled the day with a goal one minute into the second overtime period to give her team a 1-0 victory.

Freshman goalkeeper Kaylee Donnelly was brilliant for the Bison, making 12 saves, including a remarkable point-blank stop on Margret Arnadottir in the first overtime period.

Facing a Pitt squad out of the Atlantic Coast Conference that put up five goals against Loyola Marymount on Friday night, including three by West, Bucknell's young defensive corps was put to the test in this one. Sophomores Alana Carlucci and Holly Burns had very strong games shadowing West on Pitt's left flank, but West finally broke through in the 101st minute on a quick counter attack.

A long goalkeeper clearance out to midfield was collected by Anna Rico, who played West into the box. West dribbled around the charging Donnelly all the way to the end line to the right of the goal, and with a Bucknell defender on her hip, West managed to poke the ball into the goal from a tough angle.

"We have all positives to take out of the opening weekend," said head coach Kelly Cook, whose team beat Robert Morris 2-1 in overtime in the season opener on Thursday. "I couldn't be more proud of the effort and our competitive mentality. Defensively, we handled a high-powered attack very well for such a young group back there. They are starting to feel each other out, and Kaylee made some big saves for us."

It took about a half-hour for the Bison to settle into the game and adjust to Pitt's speed, but once they did there were a number of bright moments on the attack, and the game was evenly played for long stretches. The Panthers generated the game's first eight shots, but the Bison nearly cashed in on their first attempt in the 33rd minute. Pitt keeper Amaia Pena came well off her line to block a shot from Emilene Parham.

Pena had to make a similar save on Ali Russo at the other end of the field in the 75th minute. Left back Leanne Engemann delivered a perfect service over the top to Russo, but Pena was again quick off her line to cut down the angle. Earlier, Lilly Courts just missed over the bar in the 67th minute.

Both teams had looks in the box in the closing minutes of regulation. Donnelly's 10th save of the day came 1v1 on Anna Bout in the 86th minute to help force overtime.

Pitt finished with a 27-11 shot advantage, but Bucknell led 9-8 in corner kicks. The Panthers evened up the all-time series at 2-2.

Bucknell wraps up a three-game homestand to start the season when Wright State comes to Emmitt Field on Thursday at 5 p.m.

Gallery: (8/25/2019) Women's Soccer vs. Pittsburgh