Field Hockey Brushes Past Colgate in Epic Shootout Victory

Friday, October 16

Hamilton, N.Y.

5 p.m.

Bucknell University

(4-7, 0-4)

Colgate

(4-7, 1-2)

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	Final F
Bucknell	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	2
Colgate	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	1

Photo by: Cindy Zanelli

Field Hockey Brushes Past Colgate in Epic Shootout Victory

10/16/2026 8:08:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

HAMILTON, N.Y.- Bucknell field hockey has had Colgate's number over the past two decades but the Raiders nearly changed recent patterns in 2026. However, the Bison knuckled down and defeated the Raiders 2-1 in a shootout on Friday night. Bucknell (5-7, 1-4 Patriot League) outlasted a tenacious Colgate (4-8, 1-3 Patriot League) squad and rainy and windy conditions to defeat its Patriot League foe for the 20th time in the last 21 matchups. The Orange & Blue broke its seven-game losing streak, notched its first conference win, and dealt a severe blow to Colgate's Patriot League Tournament hopes.

Bucknell, which led 1-0 after Bella Notaro scored in the first quarter, nearly closed out the game in regulation before Colgate forced overtime with a late tally. The two teams battled in a scoreless period, forcing a shootout resolution. Notaro, Alexis Schultz, and Sally Hunter converted their opportunities, and goalkeeper Sarah Althouse drew an offensive foul to seal the victory.

The shootout stood at 3-2 Bucknell when Colgate's Kyleigh Welusz received the go-ahead whistle, looking to keep the Raiders' hopes alive. She headed straight for Bucknell's brick wall goalkeeper. Althouse, undeterred by the challenge, stood her ground and absorbed the contact. The referee whistled a foul. Colgate challenged the assertion and the officials headed to the monitor. After a brief replay, they declared the initial call as correct and Bucknell celebrated its hard-fought win.

"I trusted myself," Althouse said. "In terms of shootouts, I just wanted to stay as big as possible and do my best to wind down the clock."

The Bison converted on three of their four shootout attempts and each of the scores reflected their shot-taker's style. Notaro started the operation and the junior forward wasted little time firing a rocket past the Raider goalkeeper, who was hapless to stop the missile. Schulz used her speed to turn the keeper's flank and deposit the sphere. Hunter fired an early shot which the keeper deflected but the Bison midfielder, an engine of energy, chased down the ball and scored before her eight seconds expired.

Colgate dominated offensive operations in the first half, outshooting Bucknell 15-1 but between Althouse, who recorded 12 saves, and a steady cohort of fliers kept the Raiders off the board.

Bucknell made its one shot count. The Bison drew a penalty corner 13 minutes into the first quarter. Hunter inserted the ball to Kothari. The midfielder settled the insertion and sent the ball to Notaro. The Orange & Blue forward did not hesitate and sent a scorcher that nutmegged the goalkeeper.

Offensive stats were dead even in the second half as both teams had five penalty corners and six shots. Bucknell was unable to generate the needed insurance goal, but the Bison kept the Raiders from equalizing until the last minute.

The final minute of regulation has been a haunted house for Bucknell - American and Holy Cross scored their game-winning goals during its duration - and the trend continued on a gloomy Hamilton night. Bucknell yielded possession on a delay of game call. Colgate drove to outside the circle and sent a desperation pass inside the multitude. The ball bounced around the mess, deflected off Clara Espenshade's stick, and past a shocked Althouse for the tying goal. Bucknell challenged the call but replay proved unable to overturn the fortuitous score.

Colgate appeared to score the game-winner goal in overtime. This time, replay proved that the shot was dangerously high - it nailed Espenshade in the chest - and the jubilant Raiders had to cut their celebration short. Both teams had chances - Colgate alone had five penalty corners - but the defenses were too sticky to allow a second goal.

Bucknell's penalty corner defense proved as impregnable as a Greek phalanx. The Bison fliers and Althouse faced 18 penalty corners and did not yield a single goal.

"I just wanted to stay calm but keep my body warm," Althouse said. "We had enough preparation, I trusted my defensive penalty corner unit, especially Gracie Kothari to do their jobs. I also trusted myself."

The victory marked the 30th win of Althouse's career - a total only reached by the program's all-time win leaders, Maureen Breslin (1995-98) & Sonja Wettergreen (1999-02), whose each conquered 31 opponents.

Bucknell celebrates Senior Day this Sunday when the Bison host La Salle. The Orange & Blue will honor five seniors, Sarah Althouse, Julia Corropolese, Ryane Fisahn, Katie Lintz, and Lauren Sanford. The opening touch is scheduled for 12:05 p.m.