Big Third Period Propels Water Polo to 14-10 Win over Saint Francis

Sunday, February 15

Lewisburg, Pa.

9 a.m.

Bucknell University

Saint Francis

Big Third Period Propels Water Polo to 14-10 Win over Saint Francis

2/15/2026 10:31:00 AM | Women's Water Polo

LEWISBURG, Pa.- Bucknell (7-2, 1-0 CWPA) used a 5-0 third quarter to defeat in-state rival Saint Francis (2-4, 0-1 CWPA) 14-10 on the final day of the Bucknell Invitational. The Bison opened CWPA play with the victory and finished the weekend with a 2-1 record.

Bucknell fired 33 shots at the Saint Francis defense and kept the pressure on the Red Flash all game. Olivia Hopper led the Bison with four goals. Twin sister Ashley Hopper supplied three goals, as did Hayden Hedstrom. Overall, seven Bison found the cage. Tamara Torkos saved 14 shots.

Saint Francis proved the aggressive party in the early going, leading 3-1 as the first quarter melted away. Hedstrom provided some huge momentum by scoring as time expired.

Her goal jumpstarted an extended 9-1 run. Olivia Hopper tallied Bucknell's two goals in the second period to give the Bison the 4-3. SFU tied it up before halftime at 4-4.

The Bison's 5-0 third quarter handed over the permanent lead to the Orange & Blue. Hedstrom commenced the scoring, Olivia Garcia added a goal, as did Olivia Hopper, Ashley Hopper provided a tally, and Lin Naraoka capped the scoring for the 9-4 Bucknell lead.

The fourth quarter turned into a shootout with the two teams combining for 11 goals. Bucknell extended its lead to 11-5 before the Red Flash scored three straight goals. Gwen Kallmeyer and Ashley Hopper ended any late heroics with back-to-back goals. The squads traded two goals each to end the scoring at 14-10.

Bucknell remains home next weekend for a series of CWPA games.