
Field Hockey Beats MAC Powerhouse Miami (OH), 2-1
10/15/2023 2:52:00 PM | Field Hockey
Recap
The first period was a relatively mild affair, as neither team scorched the pitch. Bucknell had the first opportunity nearly two minutes into the game, but Neilson's shot was saved. A near repeat of the incident occurred four minutes later when Neilson's chance was blocked. Kira Leclercq's attempt at the ten-minute mark went wide. Miami (OH)'s only shot came 45 seconds later, and it, too, went wide. The quarter ended without any scoring.Â
The second stanza was a supernova of activity, with both teams combining for 17 shots. Neilson shot only 20 seconds into the period. Bucknell goalkeeper Sarah Althouse recorded her first save a minute later. At 18:30, the Bison had four shot attempts in five seconds, but the RedHawks defense proved absolute in their sturdiness. Several possessions later, Althouse turned away two Miami opportunities with stellar defense. From the 20th-22nd minute, the Bison had six shot attempts but were stymied. Miami scored in the 27th minute with a goal off a penalty corner as the sphere shot past Althouse. The halftime hit with the RedHawks up 1-0.Â
The third period was a cooling-off period for the first 10 minutes of action, as only substitutions occurred. Bucknell tied up the game about a minute later when a penalty corner led to a Neilson strike. Hannah Guarente inserted the ball into Nicky Punt, who passed the sphere to Neilson. The Australian forward shot a screaming laser over the goalie's head for the 1-1 deadlock. Which is how the period ended.Â
NEILSON TIES IT UP!
— Bucknell FieldHockey (@Bucknell_FH) October 15, 2023
Her 8th goal of the year! #rayBucknell
Watch: https://t.co/IAotS6pwYt@PatriotLeagueTV | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/fOvGwZNRPG
The fourth quarter was two minutes old when Bucknell grabbed the 2-1 lead. Lily Neilson flashed her passing skills with a beautiful flick to the hard-charging Rachel Apa. Apa nicked the ball and sent it past the Miami goalkeeper for the score.Â
APA-ITUDE!
— Bucknell FieldHockey (@Bucknell_FH) October 15, 2023
Rachel Apa scores and we have the 2-1 lead! We put her on the gameday graphic and she delivers!#rayBucknell
Watch: https://t.co/IAotS6pwYt@PatriotLeagueTV | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/NerwbFrOoe
The RedHawks attack kept advancing in waves as the Ohio team outshot Bucknell 8-1 in the final period. Althouse and her defenders prevented any late-game dramatics. In the bleeding seconds, Miami launched three point-blank shots in the melee in front of the cage. Althouse turned away all the efforts amid a tumultuous melee. The ball was cleared, and Bucknell remained perfect at home.Â
The Bison withstood the final melee to beat Miami (OH)! Great defensive stand by the Bucknell wall!#rayBucknell
— Bucknell FieldHockey (@Bucknell_FH) October 15, 2023
Watch: https://t.co/IAotS6pwYt@PatriotLeagueTV | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/aG4C80IhhI
Up Next
The Bison attempt to defend Holmes Stadium again on Friday night when the Lehigh Mountain Hawks fly in for a pivotal Patriot League showdown. Bucknell must win to keep its Patriot League Tournament hopes alive. The contest has a 7 p.m. start and will serve as the White Out game.Â
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Team Stats

WEARREN, Reese
Assisted By: NEGRETE GARCIA, C.
Penalty Corner
27:13

Lily Neilson (6)
Assisted By: Nicky Punt , Hannah Guarente
Penalty corner
40:59

Rachel Apa (2)
Assisted By: Lily Neilson
Pass ahead by Nielsen past a defender a
47:43