Bucknell University
(1-2)
Ball State
(0-3)
Field Hockey Has a Ball; Defeats Ball State 2-1 in Overtime
9/1/2023 3:20:00 PM | Field Hockey
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Bucknell Bison field hockey team beat MAC member Ball State 2-1 in overtime play at a neutral site on Friday. Lily Neilson recorded both goals.
"We are happy the team was able to pull out a win," said head coach Kelsey Kolojejchick. "It was a hard fought game and a lot of credit goes to Ball State, they kept fighting like us. We do need to work on capitalizing more on our opportunities inside the circle but I am happy with the effort that the team put out there. We are excited to keep growing as a unit from here."
Recap
The Bison fell behind early 1-0 when Ball State's Paloma Rengifo tallied a goal nearly four minutes into the contest. The remainder of the first period was only substitutions, except for a Bucknell penalty stroke. Neilson was selected to take the attempt, but the usually surefire Australian's shot was snagged for a save by the Ball State goalie.
Bucknell outshot Ball State 5-1, including three shots by Neilson, in the second quarter, but the Cardinals' defense stood tall and turned away the Bison's efforts. In the 25th minute, Bucknell goalkeeper Sarah Althouse made a sweet save off a Ball State penalty corner to prevent a further deficit.
It took five Bison shots in the third quarter, but Bucknell scored when Neilson slammed home a tally in the 38th minute. Isabella Pavlides provided the assist on the goal. It was Neilson's first goal of the year and the 30th of her lustrous career. Before the goal, Ball State had three penalty corners and four shot opportunities, but the Bison held firm. There were only substitutions and a single Bucknell shot for the remainder of the quarter.
Both teams had two shots but advanced no real threats at goals in the final quarter to send the game to overtime. The last three minutes of action ended without a zero chance at goal.
The game processed into overtime, where Bucknell scored off a penalty corner situation. Once again, the Pavlides-to-Neilson connection proved fruitful. Pavlides delivered a beautiful ball into the sharpshooting Neilson, who settled the sphere and slammed it home past the Ball State keeper to win the overtime clash.
Notes
Neilson now has 31 goals in her career. She is now one tally behind Dena Ebert (1998-2001) for fifth in Bucknell history.
The Bison had 18-9 shots to Ball State, including an 11-5 advantage in shots on goal.
Up Next
The Bison play Ohio State on Sunday to conclude the Buckeye Invitational.
Team Stats
RENGIFO, Paloma
Assisted By: KNOPERT, Fleur
pass from left to rigth, shot from just
3:41
Lily Neilson
Assisted By: Isabella Pavlides
GOAL by BUCKNELL Lily Neilson, Assist by Isabella Pavlides.
37:58
Lily Neilson
Assisted By: Isabella Pavlides
shot from top of circle off PC, review c
68:42
