Althouse's Ten Saves Not Enough as #14 Ohio State Beats Field Hockey, 4-1

COLUMBUS, Ohio- Sarah Althouse posted ten saves and Reese Czajkowski scored her first collegiate goal but the Ohio State Buckeyes (2-0) defeated the Bucknell Bison (0-2) 4-1 on a steamy Sunday afternoon.

Ohio State immediately attacked the Bison defense and launched a barrage of shots at beleaguered goalkeeper Sarah Althouse. She and star defender Kira Leclercq turned away multiple chances, via defensive saves and goalkeeper saves. Eventually, Ohio State's Cam Standish sent a shot past the valiant keeper and scored the opening tally.

The Buckeyes dominated the quarter, recording ten shots and six penalty corners to Bucknell's zero in both categories. The Bison were hemmed in by constant Buckeye pressure. A brief moment of freedom came when an aerial pass escaped Ohio State's Maginot Line but the ball rolled past any available Bison sticks.

The second quarter went much better for the Bison. Bucknell drew its first penalty corner several minutes into the segment. Lily Neilson lined up her shot, but Ohio State's veteran goalkeeper Abby Danson denied the prolific scorer her season's first tally. Later in the quarter, freshman Reese Czajkowski darted down the right flank and sent in a shot that Danson saved. Ohio State's offensive pace slackened but produced enough danger requiring Althouse and Leclercq to save the day.

Bucknell had a golden opportunity one minute into the third quarter. Ohio State received a green card and the Bison used the advantage to draw a penalty corner. Neilson's shot was blocked and Gianna Puorro's follow-up chance flew wide right.

Ohio State received their penalty corner a few minutes later and did not waste the opportunity by converting on a Makenna Webster goal for the 2-0 lead.
Bucknell cut the deficit to 2-1 when Lily Neilson gathered the ball in Bucknell territory and drove through the Buckeye defense, deftly handling the ball with her left hand. She moved into the scoring circle and passed it to Czajkowsk. The rookie placed it in the left-hand corner for her first collegiate goal.

The Bison had a chance to tie the game early in the fourth quarter with a penalty corner but Leclercq's shot went wide.

Ohio State's Webster showcased her superior maneuvering abilities by weaving through the heart of the Bison defense and passing to Lindsey Roberts. The Buckeye was alone and deposited it in the open goal for the 3-1 lead.

The Bison appeared to cut the game to 3-2 but Hope Davis's shot was deemed too high and Ohio State played it off the ricochet and attacked down the field. Althouse deflected the first shot and the Bison tried to pass it to Neilson who was wide open down the right side. Ohio State blocked it, advanced, and Brenna Bough scored their fourth goal. Abby Zanelli entered the game as Bucknell's goalkeeper.

The game ended without further scoring.

Notes

Leclercq collected three defensive saves, giving her 15 for her career. She is now tied with Steph Graf (2005-08) for second in Bucknell history. Monica McCorry (1998-2001) ranks first with 29.

Ohio State outshot Bucknell 25-8 and 12-5 in penalty corners.

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Bucknell opens its home schedule this Friday at 6 p.m. when Delaware travels to Lewisburg.

Althouse's Ten Saves Not Enough as #14 Ohio State Beats Field Hockey, 4-1

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Team Stats

Reese Czajkowski

Lily Neilson

Gianna Puorro

Kira Leclercq

Players Mentioned

Sarah Althouse

Reese Czajkowski

Hope Davis

Kira Leclercq

Lily Neilson

Gianna Puorro

Abby Zanelli