Bucknell University
(8-9, 4-2)
Lafayette (PL Semifinals)
(13-6, 5-1)
Neilson's 60th Career Goal Not Enough as Field Hockey Falls 2-1 in Patriot League Semifinals
11/7/2024 4:48:00 PM | Field Hockey
Bucknell and Lafayette were even in shots with eight apiece. The Bison held a 6-4 advantage in penalty corners, including five in the second period alone, but could not take advantage as Kira Leclercq and the Bison's attempts were frustrated by a stout Lafayette defense that entered the game riding a three-game shutout streak.Â
Neilson concluded her career as arguably the finest player in Bucknell history with one final tally. The senior striker's 18th goal of the season 30 seconds before halftime when Neilson received the chance off a penalty corner and delivered an absolute bullet past the Lafayette defenders breaking the Leopards's mark of 300+ scoreless minutes versus Patriot League opponents.Â
Lafayette scored one goal in the first and second quarters to build its 2-0 advantage. The first tally came seven minutes into the game when Josephine van Wijk scored off a penalty corner play. The second score also came off a set-piece penalty corner when Lena Thedrian smashed in the sphere past goalkeeper Sarah Althouse.ÂLily Neilson's final Bucknell goal resembled all her previous tallies for the Orange & Blue: decisive and elegant in their flight; a flash of light with the speed of a comet.
— Bucknell FieldHockey (@Bucknell_FH) November 7, 2024
Thanks for all 60 goals, Lily! @PatriotLeagueHQ #rayBucknell | #PLTop3 pic.twitter.com/bf56dhWDm0
The second half was a defensive masterclass as the Bison could only generate one penalty corner and one shot in the fourth period against the defensive-minded Leopards. The penalty corner situation occurred in the third period. Leclercq received the insertion but her fiery shot flew over the crossbar. Neilson took her final shot as a Bison but the Lafayette goalkeeper saved it.Â
The game and Bucknell's season ran out with Lafayette cornering the ball deep in Bucknell's side.Â
Neilson's 60 goals moved her clear of Holy Cross's Tara Welch for second place in Patriot League history. The Australian forward finished her career as Bucknell's top player in goals and points (126). She became the first player in PL history to win Offensive Player of the Year three times and to lead the conference in goals all four seasons.Â
Bucknell finished the season at 8-9, same as last year's total, but the team improved one game in the conference at 4-2. The Bison will return to action next August.Â
Team Stats
Josephine van Wijk
Assisted By: Lineke Spaans , India Ralph
GOAL by LAF Josephine van Wijk (FIRST GOAL), Assist by Lineke Spaans and India Ralph.
7:26
Lena Thedrian
Assisted By: Lineke Spaans , India Ralph
GOAL by LAF Lena Thedrian, Assist by Lineke Spaans and India Ralph.
21:30
Neilson, Lily (18)
Assisted By: Punt, Nicky , Pavlides, Isabella
GOAL by BUCKNELL Neilson, Lily, Assist by Punt, Nicky and Pavlides, Isabella, goal number 18 for season.
29:56
