Bucknell University Athletics
Saturday, October 3
Worcester, Mass.
11 a.m.
Bucknell University
at
Holy Cross
Photo by: Steven Schoenfelder
Field Hockey Travels to Holy Cross for Saturday Showdown
10/1/2026 2:42:00 PM | Field Hockey
Bucknell (4-5, 0-2 Patriot League) at Holy Cross (5-3, 1-1 Patriot League)
When: Saturday, Oct. 3 – 11 a.m.
Where: Hart Turf Field & Hart Track – Worcester, Mass.
Streaming:Â ESPN+
Live Stats: goholycross.com
When: Saturday, Oct. 3 – 11 a.m.
Where: Hart Turf Field & Hart Track – Worcester, Mass.
Streaming:Â ESPN+
Live Stats: goholycross.com
About Bucknell
- Bucknell's losing streak increased to five games after falling to Boston and Penn State. Reigning Patriot League champion Boston defeated Bucknell 7-2 and Route 45 Rival Penn State won 3-0.Â
- The Bison have to regroup and avoid an 0-3 start in conference play when Bucknell makes its second road trip of 2026 to Holy Cross on Saturday.Â
- The game will be streamed on ESPN+. The link is available in this preview and on the Bucknell field hockey schedule page. Live Stats will also be available on the Bucknell field hockey schedule page. Live updates will be posted on the Bucknell Field Hockey X page.
- Bucknell finished 10-7 overall and 4-2 in Patriot League play during the 2025 season and clinched a spot in the Patriot League Tournament for the 18th consecutive season. The 10 wins marked the first time Bucknell hit double-digits since 2018. The Orange & Blue repeated as the third seed and faced second-seeded Lafayette in the Patriot League Semifinals. The Bison dueled the Leopards but for the second straight year dropped a 2-1 game to Lafayette.Â
- Head coach Kelsey Usefara enters her fifth season in Lewisburg. Her 35 career wins are fourth-most in Bucknell history. Bucknell has made the Patriot League Tournament every year under her direction.
- Graduation and transfers impacted the Bison roster. Bucknell lost two-time Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, Kira Leclercq, and All-Patriot League midfielders Gianna Puorro and Nicky Punt to diploma-receiving. 2025's leading goal-scorer Reese Czajkowski transferred to Penn.Â
- However, the team heavily restocked with nine freshmen. The newcomers have been a huge boost for the Bison, with most of them starting and playing significant minutes while displaying elite athleticism on the pitch.Â
- Bucknell was projected to finish fourth in the Patriot League preseason poll. American was picked to finish first followed by Lafayette, reigning champion Boston, and Bucknell as the four teams selected to make the tournament. Holy Cross, Lehigh, and Colgate rounded out the poll.
- Goalkeeper Sarah Althouse was named the Patriot League Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year. The senior finished sixth nationally in save percentage (.781) in 2025.Â
- Althouse ranks third in wins (29) all-time at Bucknell.Â
- Senior forward Ryane Fisahn and junior Sally Hunter joined Althouse on the All-Patriot League Preseason Team. Â
- Althouse and Katie Lintz were named captains.Â
- Seven different Bison have scored Bucknell's 11 goals. Julia Corropolese paces the Bison with four goals, all occurring on penalty corners.Â
- Bucknell has not scored an open-field goal since Bella Notaro's insurance goal against Cornell on Sept. 6.Â
Scouting Holy Cross
- Holy Cross has been the surprise PL team of 2026. The Crusaders sit at 5-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play.Â
- The Purple and White have almost matched its win total from 2025. Holy Cross went 6-10 overall and 2-4 in league action. They missed the Patriot League Tournament.Â
- Saturday's game could be the tiebreaker between entry or denial for the conference tournament.Â
- Holy Cross demolished Lehigh 4-0 and narrowly lost to Lafayette 1-0 in conference action.Â
- Marianna McLean leads HC in goals (6), assists (5), and points (17).Â
- Mia McCloskey has played most of the minutes in the cage, recording 26 saves.Â
- Kim Cosenza is in her first season as head coach and has made an immediate impact. She spent the last five years as head coach at neighboring Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Series History with the Crusaders
- The all-time series is tied at 20-20. For a deadlocked series, the two programs have traded long periods of dominance. The Bison have won the last 16 out of 17 games after Holy Cross controlled the rivalry in the 1990s and early 2000s.Â
Up Next
No. 19 Lafayette visits Lewisburg on Oct. 9 for Friday night field hockey.Â
Players Mentioned
GK
/ Field Hockey
D
/ Field Hockey
F
/ Field Hockey
F
/ Field Hockey
M
/ Field Hockey
D
/ Field Hockey
F
/ Field Hockey
F
/ Field Hockey
M
/ Field Hockey
F/M
/ Field HockeyWednesday, September 30
Wednesday, September 30
Wednesday, September 30
Wednesday, September 30