Field Hockey Welcomes the Crusaders This Saturday for Pivotal Patriot League Battle

Bucknell (4-5, 1-1 Patriot League) vs. Holy Cross (4-5, 0-1 Patriot League)
When: Saturday, October 4 – Noon
Where: Graham Field at Holmes Stadium – Lewisburg, Pa.
Streaming: ESPN+
Live Stats: bucknellbison.com

About Bucknell

The Orange & Blue split last weekend's matchups, falling 2-1 in overtime to reigning Patriot League champion Lafayette and routing Big Ten Michigan State 4-0. Bucknell led 1-0 over the Leopards before the veteran opposition steeled its nerve and scored the equalizing goal late in the final period. After Bucknell wasted a fast break opportunity, Lafayette counterattacked and won with a tap-in goal.
Bucknell made easy work of Michigan State on Sunday with four different players tallying a goal. Gracie Kothari started the scoring and sophomore Bella Notaro continued the spree with her first career goal. Ryane Fisahn added her third tap-in tally of the season and Reese Czajkowski concluded the festival with a brilliant open field goal.
The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and the link is available in this preview and on the Bucknell field hockey schedule page. The Live Stats link are is available on the Bucknell field hockey schedule page. Live updates will be posted on the Bucknell Field Hockey X account.
Bucknell finished 8-9 overall and 4-2 in Patriot League play during the 2024 season and earned a spot in the Patriot League Tournament for the 17th consecutive season. The Orange & Blue earned the third seed and faced second-seeded Lafayette in the Patriot League Semifinals. The Bison dueled the Leopards and dropped a 2-1 game to the eventual Patriot League champions.
Head coach Kelsey Kolojejchick enters her fourth season in Lewisburg. Her 25 career wins are the fifth-most in Bucknell history. Bucknell has made the Patriot League Tournament every year under her direction.
The Bison lost eight players to graduation, including seven starters, the most notable being two-time All-American and career goals leader Lily Neilson. The Bison restocked seven freshmen to blend with the 16 newcomers.
Bucknell was projected to finish third in the Patriot League preseason poll. Reigning champion Lafayette was picked to repeat, followed by American, Bucknell, and Boston. Colgate and Holy Cross rounded out the six-team poll.
Senior Kira Leclercq repeated as Patriot League Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, after winning the 2024 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year award. Leclercq dominated on defense in 2024, leading nationally in defensive saves (9), earning First Team All-Patriot League, All-ECAC, and NFHCA Regional honors.
Senior midfielders Nicky Punt and Gianna Puorro joined Leclercq on the All-Patriot League Preseason Team.
The Bison named Leclercq, Punt, and Alexandra Shizas as captains.
Several Bison sit high in the conference leaderboards. Punt ranks second in the circuit in assists with five. Czajkowski and Leclercq slot tied for fourth with five goals.
Punt ranks tied for 29th nationally in assists per game (.62).

Scouting Holy Cross

Holy Cross opened conference play against Boston, losing a heartbreaking 3-2 game in the annual Turnpike Trophy game.
The Crusaders went 7-10 overall last year but were 0-6 in Patriot League action.
Unlike their courageous namesakes, the Crusaders have not ventured outside their region and remains ensconced in the Northeast, sitting 4-5 overall and 0-1 in PL action, with every contest taking place in New England.
Holy Cross defeated Georgetown 2-1 in overtime last Sunday.
The Purple & White were projected to finish sixth in the seven-team circuit. One player, midfielder Maguire Sturgis, made the All-PL Preseason Team.
Sturgis leads the Crusaders in goals (7) and points (18).
Lindsay Jackson enters her 11th year at Holy Cross with a record of 67-105.

Series History with the Crusaders