Field Hockey's Fourth Period Rally Falls Short Against #1 Seed American

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Bucknell Bison field hockey team (8-9) attempted a ferocious fourth-period comeback but fell tantalizingly short in a 3-2 defeat to the #1 seed American Eagles (10-7) in the Patriot League Semifinals on Thursday. Bucknell trailed 3-0 for most of the contest but tallied twice on Rachel Apa's goals in the final period to raise the dramatic stakes. Bucknell had two penalty corner chances in the fleeting seconds but could not obtain the equalizer.

Recap

The game was a tale of two periods. American scored all its goals in the opening stanza as the Eagles dominated, recording six penalty corners and six shots to the Bison's zero and one in the same categories. The host team received its first penalty corner 35 seconds into the contest and scored a minute and a half later off another penalty corner opportunity. The shot was sent in, skidded off goalkeeper Sarah Althouse's leg, and was tapped in for the first tally. Four minutes later, another penalty corner set up the Eagles' second goal. At just over the eighth minute act, American scored for the third time when another penalty corner resulted in a tally. The first period ended with the Eagles up 3-0.

The second quarter featured more American pressure, but no further goals were allowed by the regrouped Bison defense. Bucknell had a chance to score 45 seconds into the period off a penalty corner opportunity, but Kira Leclercq's shot was saved. Bucknell had a penalty corner chance with five seconds remaining in the period. However, the Orange & Blue could not attempt a shot.

The Bucknell defense continued its bulwark capabilities by holding the Eagles to only one shot attempt in the third period. The Bison had three shooting opportunities, including Offensive Player of the Year Lily Neilson's only two shots of the game. But the Eagles continued to frustrate the potent Bison attack.

Bucknell broke through with a goal early in the fourth quarter. Hannah Guarante inserted the pass to Leclercq, who fired it into the circle. Apa's stick flew out and tipped the flying sphere past the goalie. Bucknell had a goal, and the momentum was given to the Bison. American immediately tried to counterattack, but Althouse and the defense kept the deficit at 3-1.

Head coach Kelsey Kolojejchick made a brilliant strategic maneuver by pulling the goalie with five minutes left. The extra Bison combined with American having a player out on a yellow card switched the attacking advantage to the Orange & Blue. Bucknell kept pressing and was rewarded with a penalty corner. Leclercq fired in a shot that Apa once again tapped in for her second goal. The Bison were down one with three minutes left.

Bucknell kept coming at the Eagles and received a penalty corner with two seconds remaining. Leclercq fired the sphere into the cage area, but the shot was wide. However, a second penalty corner was awarded with time expired. Leclercq once again loaded up and sent the projectile toward the enemy cage. But her shot was wide, and American escaped to the Championship Game.

Notes

Apa finishes the season with six goals to become the second leading scorer on the squad.

Katie Lintz made her Bucknell debut today. She tallied six minutes of action.

Up Next

The 2023 season has concluded for Bucknell.

Field Hockey's Fourth Period Rally Falls Short Against #1 Seed American

Team Stats

Rachel Apa

Kira Leclercq

Lily Neilson

Gianna Puorro

Players Mentioned

Sarah Althouse

Rachel Apa

Kira Leclercq

Katie Lintz

Lily Neilson