Bucknell University
(2-3)
Towson
(3-2)
A Trio of Braces Leads Field Hockey in 7-4 Triumph over Towson
9/8/2023 6:13:00 PM | Field Hockey
"I'm thrilled the team was able to pull out a win for their home opener," said head coach Kelsey Kolojejchick. "Credit to Towson as they never gave up and constantly put us under pressure, and that is a tough challenge, but a good experience to learn from. It was great to score as many goals since we made it a focal point. We still have room to grow, but we learned from this game and look forward to Sunday."Â
Recap
The Bison struck four minutes into the game when Kira Leclercq, passing off a penalty corner, sent the sphere to Guarente, who tapped the ball into the net for the first score. Seven minutes later, Carlson-Pietraszek scored her first goal when the walk-on gathered the loose ball before the goal and slammed it home. Carlson-Pietraszek added her second and Bucknell's third goal of the quarter two minutes later when she issued a shot off the penalty corner rebound. Towson put up their first score with one minute and twenty seconds remaining in the period off a tip-in.Â
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Neilson entered the scoring books in the second quarter with a beautiful U-Turn move to send a slapshot into the cage. The forward shot from the top of the circle. Amazingly, Neilson's goal would be the only shot attempt of the second quarter, a fact hard to fathom considering the frantic play in the game. The score remained 4-1 entering halftime.ZOE STRIKES!
— Bucknell FieldHockey (@Bucknell_FH) September 8, 2023
We are up, 2-0!@PatriotLeagueTV @ESPN
Watch: https://t.co/ck33aOirz3 pic.twitter.com/PtC3i2O50q
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Neilson stuck again three minutes into the third period when she used assistance from Isabella Pavlides and Mia Fields to drive home a goal off a penalty corner for the 5-1 advantage. Towson immediately counterattacked forty seconds later to score a goal. Five minutes later, the Tigers tallied another score to cut the deficit to 5-3. Neilson nearly obtained a hat trick, but the Towson goalie blocked her shot.ÂLily Neilson is her!
— Bucknell FieldHockey (@Bucknell_FH) September 8, 2023
Her 32nd career goal gives us the 4-1 lead!
She is now tied for fifth all-time in Bucknell history!@PatriotLeagueTV @ESPN
Watch: https://t.co/ck33aOirz3#rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/jLJoUXr4vB
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Rachel Apa stemmed a Tigers comeback attempt with a redirect shot in front of goal to reestablish the three-goal advantage. It was Apa's first goal of the season. Towson fought back, scoring a goal two minutes later. With nine minutes, Neilson sent a screaming shot that the Towson goalkeeper denied with an expert save. With 8:41 left on the clock, Bucknell obtained the needed insurance goal. Neilson delivered a sturdy ball that rebounded before Guarente's stick, who tapped it in for her second tally. Despite multiple Towson substitutions, the Bison allowed no Tiger shot attempts in the last eight minutes to seal the 7-4 triumph.ÂLightning might not strike twice but Neilson does!
— Bucknell FieldHockey (@Bucknell_FH) September 8, 2023
She is now tied for fourth all-time in career goals with 33!@PatriotLeagueTV @ESPN
Watch: https://t.co/ck33aOirz3#rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/xa2yC7q9Bx
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NotesGuarente scores her second goal of the game! @PatriotLeagueTV @ESPN
— Bucknell FieldHockey (@Bucknell_FH) September 8, 2023
Watch: https://t.co/ck33aOirz3#rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/BvmJUrzUJg
Neilson's two goals tied her for fourth all-time in Bucknell history at 33 with Kiersten Sydnor.Â
Kira Leclercq collected her ninth career defensive save to move into sole possession of third place all-time in Bucknell history.
Up Next
Bucknell welcomes MAC powerhouse Kent State to Graham Field for a Sunday showdown at 3 p.m.Â
Team Stats
Hannah Guarente (1)
Assisted By: Kira Leclercq
Shot off penalty corner
3:03
Carlson-Pietraszek (1)
Loose ball in front
10:06
Carlson-Pietraszek (2)
Rebound off penalty corner
12:42
Gianna Antone (3)
Assisted By: Hannah Mckeon
Tip off penalty corner
13:40
Lily Neilson (3)
Reverse stick from top of circle
26:36
Lily Neilson (4)
Assisted By: Mia Fields , Isabella Pavlides
12 walks in off penalty corner
32:06
Megan Popp (1)
Loose ball in front
32:46
Hannah Mckeon (1)
Assisted By: Samantha Aljets
From top of circle off corner play
37:46
Rachel Apa (1)
Redirct in front
45:42
Annie Keele (3)
Rebound off initial save
47:01
Hannah Guarente (2)
Rebound off initial save on corner
51:19
