Bucknell University
(4-10)
Richmond
(6-9)
Field Hockey Falls 3-2 to Richmond in Back-and-Forth Affair
10/16/2022 2:53:00 PM | Field Hockey
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Rachel Apa scored two goals in the opening quarter of Sunday's game against Richmond at Graham Field, but the Bucknell field hockey team was unable to hold off the Spiders as they scored once in the first quarter and twice in the third to win 3-2 over the Bison. Bucknell (4-10, 3-1 PL) held a 16-13 advantage in shots and was unable to convert on any of its eight penalty corners.
Apa's first goal was unassisted, and Lily Neilson provided a great pass on the second to collect her first assist of the season. Apa now has four goals this fall.
Bison goalkeeper Clara McCormick finished with three saves, and Richmond keeper Kristen Rake posted four.
Apa got the Bison on the board less than 60 seconds into the game, as an initial shot from Neilson at the top of the circle was saved by the Spiders and Apa went backhand on the rebound to make it 1-0 with just 55 seconds gone.
The lead lasted less than five minutes before Richmond tied the game at 1-1. Ella Hayes shot wide of the cage, but Lainey Nichols managed to get a stick on it before the ball went out of bounds and deflected it into the cage.
Apa's second goal came on a fast break with 2:10 left in the first when Neilson sent the ball into the circle, and Apa shot to the far side of the cage past the Richmond keeper to give Bucknell a 2-1 lead. The Bucknell advantage would last until shortly after halftime.
GOAL! Apa has her second of the opening quarter after a great feed from Neilson. Bison lead 2-1 at the end of the first. @ESPN | @PatriotLeagueTV
— Bucknell FieldHockey (@Bucknell_FH) October 16, 2022
Watch: https://t.co/vQhZP9txgU pic.twitter.com/94lPOM2zB3
The Spiders were awarded a penalty corner just under three minutes into the second half, and while McCormick made the save on the initial attempt, Lindsey Frank made good on the second chance shot to even the contest at 2-2.
Richmond took the lead four minutes later, as Nichols worked the ball into the circle and put a shot on goal. It initially appeared that McCormick made the save, but the ball got caught between her pads and leaked through for Nichols' second goal of the game.
The Bison continued to see chances, attempting seven shots in the third quarter and two more in the fourth as well as earning five penalty corners in the second half, but they were unable to get the score back to even.
It was Bucknell fourth consecutive loss, but the Orange & Blue remain in second place in the Patriot League standings with a 3-1 league record. The Bison will host American in a pivotal Patriot League matchup on Saturday, Oct. 22.
Team Stats
Apa, Rachel (2)
Rebound off shot from #12
0:55
NICHOLS, Lainey
Assisted By: HAYES, Ella
GOAL by UR NICHOLS, Lainey, Assist by HAYES, Ella.
5:22
Apa, Rachel (3)
Assisted By: Neilson, Lily
Fast break, pass ahead by #12
12:50
FRANK, Lindsey
Rebound after deflection following penal
32:58
NICHOLS, Lainey
Ball got stuck in goalie's pad an trickl
36:55
