Field Hockey Falls to Top-Seeded Boston U. 1-0 in Patriot League Semifinal Game

LEWISBURG, Pa. – The top-seeded Boston University Terriers scored with just under 14 minutes remaining in Thursday's Patriot League field hockey semifinal game, and Bucknell was unable to find an equalizer as its season came to an end. Bucknell, which was playing as the No. 4 seed, saw a pair of scoring chances in the first half and one in the third quarter, but the Terriers led 8-3 in shots and 9-1 in penalty corners over the final 30 minutes.

Bucknell sophomore goalkeeper Nora Frederick put up a solid effort in the cage, registering six saves, while freshman Kira Leclercq posted an incredible three defensive saves. Bucknell was playing in its 15th consecutive Patriot League tournament and its 24th overall, which ranks most in the league.

Rachel Apa, Reanne Burgess and Mackenzie Kile each finished with shots for the Bison.

The Terriers' goal came during a flurry of penalty corners, as they attempted four in the final five minutes of the third quarter before finally finding the back of the cage on the first corner opportunity of the fourth. Patriot League Rookie of the Year Martu Coulo got the tip-in on an initial shot from Payton Anderson from the top of the circle.

The Bison were unable to get another shot off over the remaining 13:16 of game time.

One of Bucknell's best scoring chances came from defender Reanne Burgess 3:17 into the second quarter. Following a broken penalty corner, Burgess carried the ball back into the circle and put a shot on goal. Boston goalkeeper Caroline Kelly made the save and the ball remained loose in front of the cage, but the Terriers eventually kicked it out wide to prevent a score.

2nd | Bucknell 0, Boston 0

The Bison with a chance to make something happen off a broken penalty corner, but we remain scoreless through 24 minutes. @ESPN | @PatriotLeagueTV

Watch: https://t.co/pFZfMwU0Xe pic.twitter.com/xUGiomp4jy
— Bucknell FieldHockey (@Bucknell_FH) November 3, 2022

Early in the third quarter, Kile got a great feed from a teammate out wide and fired a one-timer towards the cage. Kelly made a diving effort for the save, but the ball went just wide of the goal.

Leclercq, who was named Second Team All-Patriot League as a freshman earlier this week, recorded and outstanding three defensive saves, including one on a corner with three minutes left in the third to keep the game scoreless. Her eight defensive saves are tied for second in a single season in the Bucknell record book.

3rd | Bucknell 0, Boston 0

Outstanding stop by Leclercq to keep this thing scoreless! The Terrier penalty corners are piling up in this quarter. They're up to six in the frame. @ESPN | @PatriotLeagueTV

Watch: https://t.co/pFZfMxbBOM pic.twitter.com/Cq6dY4Dll2
— Bucknell FieldHockey (@Bucknell_FH) November 3, 2022