Neilson Sets the Bucknell Career Points Record as the Bison Fall 7-2 to #12 Syracuse

LEWISBURG, Pa.- Lily Neilson added another milestone to her lengthy resume but the Bucknell Bison (8-7) fell 7-2 against the #12 Syracuse Orange (11-4) in a Thursday night clash at Holmes Stadium. Neilson tallied both Bison goals to move into first for career points (124) in Bucknell history. She passed Bison hall of fame member Karin Wegener who recorded 122 career points.

The two-goal performance increased Neilson's streak of two plus tallies to a nation's best five games. It surpassed Penn State Sophia Gladieux's mark of four.

Neilson moved into eighth place in Patriot League history for career points passing Holy Cross's Margaret Connolly. Her 59 goals are tied for second in PL history with Holy Cross's Tara Welch.

The Orange's offense proved too much for the Bison defense to turn away. The Orange ran its lead to 4-0 before Neilson scored her first goal. Syracuse responded with a goal before Neilson tallied a second time. Two more Orange goals finished the scoring at 7-2. The visitors recorded 18 shots to Bucknell's seven and held the Bison to zero first half attempts.

A scoreless first quarter seemed to argue for a narrow, low-scoring affair. Neither team generated much offense as defense ruled the period. As the second quarter dawned, Bo van Kempen changed the process quickly scoring two goals off penalty corners in five minutes. A Willemijn Boogart goal five minutes later netted the Orange a 3-0 halftime lead.

The Orange stormed out of the locker room and tallied their fourth goal one minute and four seconds into the second half. Bucknell settled down and prevented further goals.

Neilson's first goal came 33 seconds into the final period. The Bison drew its second penalty corner. Head coach Kelsey Kojojelchick called for a masterful play where Kira Leclerca appeared to take the shot but passed to the Australian senior. Neilson slammed home the shot for her 16th goal of the season.

Three minutes later, Hamilton scored her second goal whe Bo Madden supplied a perfect pass in front of the Bison goal.

Neilson set the Bucknell points record when Zoe Carlson-Pietraszek sent a pass into the circle. Neilson collected the sphere, maneuvered between the Orange defenders, and delivered a hot shot past the Orange goalkeeper to claim sole possession of the cherished milestone.

The Orange finished the scoring with another Boogert goal and a tap-in by Vivian Rowan.

Bucknell finishes the regular season on Nov. 2 versus American with the regular season title and hosting for the Patriot League Tournament on the line. Bison fans must pack Holmes Stadium to cheer on the team.

Neilson Sets the Bucknell Career Points Record as the Bison Fall 7-2 to #12 Syracuse

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Team Stats

Lily Neilson

Kira Leclercq

Zoe Carlson-Pietraszek

Gianna Puorro

Players Mentioned

Zoe Carlson-Pietraszek

Lily Neilson