Leclercq's Penalty Stroke Not Enough in Bucknell's 2-1 PL Semifinals Loss to Lafayette

WASHINGTON, D.C.- History repeated itself on Thursday afternoon at Jacobs Recreational Complex as defending conference champions and second-seeded Lafayette (13-6) defeated third-seeded Bucknell (10-7) 2-1 in the Patriot League Semifinals. The result replicated the same format of the 2024 semifinals when another two-seeded Leopards squad edged a three-seeded Bison program 2-1. Lafayette scored twice in the third quarter and held on for the 2-1 win. 2025 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year winner Kira Leclercq converted a penalty stroke during the 57th minute but Lafayette's defense prevented any heroics.

The Bison were lethal all year on penalty corners, entering the weekend second nationally with a 25.3% (25-of-99) conversion clip. Bucknell obtained six tries to Lafayette's three but the Leopards' defense led by Katie Gibb repeatedly blunted Leclercq's shots, and held the Orange & Blue scoreless on the set-pieces.

Lafayette's masterclass defense dampened Bucknell's red-hot offense, which entered averaging 3.5 goals over the last eight games during which the Orange & Blue posted a 7-1 record. The Bison were held to zero shots originating from the field of play. Leclercq took all seven of Bucknell's shots and all those attempts came via penalty corners or her successful penalty stroke.

Goalkeeper Sarah Althouse played hardily against constant pressure. The Second Team All-Patriot League member, owner of the conference's best save percentage, tallied nine saves. Lafayette was offensively loquacious outshooting Bucknell 13-7 with 11 attempts on target.

The Bison's best chances arrived in the first quarter. Bucknell dominated the pitch repeatedly keeping the Leopards on their heels and generating four penalty corners. Lafayette's flyers blocked three of Leclercq's missiles, as goalkeeper Raffi Fragomeni only needed to save one.

The situation flipped in the following period. Lafayette controlled the pace of play and recorded five shots to Bucknell's one. Althouse collected five saves amidst the barrage.

Lafayette scored three minutes after halftime. Althouse saved the first shot attempt but could not prevent Stella Malinowski from sending the rebound into the cage. Bucknell called for a review to see if the goal could be disqualified but the score was upheld and Lafayette led 1-0.

Gibb, who directed Lafayette's defensive operations, decided to assist in the offensive charge. She collected the ball during the 42th minute, wrapped around Jip Swaard's left flank, sped past an assisting Nicky Punt, and somehow slipped the ball underneath a diving Althouse for the 2-0 advantage.

Bucknell displayed a frantic play during the final period. Bella Notaro drew a penalty stroke when Fragomeni cut the Bison sophomore's legs out from under her. The play went to review and the penalty stroke was upheld. The Bison tabbed Leclercq for the assignment. The senior calmly skidded the sphere inside the right post for her 13th goal of the season - tied for first in the conference - and 27th of her career - ninth in Bucknell history.

The Bison were reinvigorated by the score but found themselves hampered by Lafayette's elite keepaway defense. The Leopards hid the ball in the corner and repeatedly retained possession when a Bison player, desperate to steal, knocked it out of play. The clock ran out without another Bucknell attempt on goal.

Bucknell will regroup and plan for the 2026 season after winning ten games for the first time since 2018. Lafayette advances to the Patriot League Championship Game on Saturday versus fourth-seeded Boston, who upset the first-seeded American Eagles 1-0.

Leclercq's Penalty Stroke Not Enough in Bucknell's 2-1 PL Semifinals Loss to Lafayette

Team Stats

Kira Leclercq

Players Mentioned

Sarah Althouse

Kira Leclercq

Bella Notaro

Nicky Punt