Field Hockey Hosts Davidson this Sunday, Will Honor Six Seniors

Bucknell (8-6) vs. Davidson (8-7)
When: Sunday, October 26 –Noon
Where: Graham Field at Holmes Stadium – Lewisburg, Pa.
Streaming: ESPN+
Live Stats: bucknellbison.com

About Bucknell

Bucknell met Lock Haven on Wednesday and prevailed 4-0 to win its eighth-straight game in the I-80 Romp Rivalry. The Bison controlled the game with 31 shots (22 on target) but did not score its goal until the 27th minute when Nicky Punt found the cage. Gracie Kothari added the second goal and assisted Katie Lintz for the third tally. Reese Czajkowski capped the shutout with a spectacular one-woman effort.
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 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 29 career wins are the fifth-most in Bucknell history. Bucknell has made the Patriot League Tournament every year under her direction and is on track to repeat the honor.
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 Orange & Blue stocked 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.
Bucknell named Leclercq, Punt, and Alexandra Shizas as captains.
Several Bison sit high in the conference leaderboards. Punt ranks first in the circuit in assists with nine. Leclercq is tied for first in goals (10) and second in points (25). Reese Czajkowski is tied for fifth in goals (8).
Multiple Bison are represented in the national rankings. Leclercq is tied for fourth in defensive saves (4). Punt sits 18th in assists per game (.69).
Bucknell will honor six seniors on Sunday: Vivienne Lachaux, Kira Leclercq, Nicole Moran, Nicky Punt, Gianna Puorro, and Alexandra Shizas.
The Orange & Blue can clinch a Patriot Leauge Tournament spot on Sunday if Lehigh drops its game to conference-leading American.

Scouting Davidson

The Wildcats are 8-7 overall and 2-3 in Atlantic 10 play - the most wins since 2015 when Davidson went 8-11.
That was also the year the Wildcats earned their only Atlantic 10 Tournament bid, going 5-3 in the league.
Davidson went 7-8 overall and 3-4 in A-10 play last year. They did not qualify for the conference tournament.
The Wildcats are celebrating 50 years of field hockey.
Davidson was predicted to finish fourth in the seven-team A-10.
Matilda Collins and Sib Naaktgeboren made the A-10 Preseason Team.
Sib Naaktgeboren continues to be the catalyst as the A-10's topscorer with 15 goals, which is tenth nationally. It is the most goals a Wildcat has scored since Finley Amato had 16 in 2010.
Head coach Zoe Almquist enters her seventh season at Davidson and has a career record of 37-77.

Series History with the Wildcats

The two teams have only met once in 1993. Davidson emerged victorious in overtime, 1-0.

Up Next

The Bison complete the regular season with a home game versus Lehigh on All Saints Day.

Field Hockey Hosts Davidson this Sunday, Will Honor Six Seniors

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Reese Czajkowski

Gracie Kothari

Vivienne Lachaux

Kira Leclercq

Katie Lintz

Nicole Moran

Lily Neilson

Nicky Punt

Gianna Puorro

Alexandra Shizas

Field Hockey Hosts Davidson this Sunday, Will Honor Six Seniors

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Reese Czajkowski

Gracie Kothari

Vivienne Lachaux

Kira Leclercq

Katie Lintz

Nicole Moran

Lily Neilson

Nicky Punt

Gianna Puorro

Alexandra Shizas

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