Brown Downs Bucknell 10-8 in Opening Round of the CWPA Championships

Friday, April 10

Ann Arbor, Mich.

7:30 p.m.

Bucknell University

Brown

Photo by: Rich Garcia

Brown Downs Bucknell 10-8 in Opening Round of the CWPA Championships

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ANN ARBOR, Mich.- Lightning strikes twice but the Bucknell Bison (12-11) couldn't replicate a first round upset of the Brown Bears for the second straight season. The #25 Brown, seeded fifth in the tournament, overcame an early deficit and held off an Orange & Blue rally to defeat fourth-seeded Bucknell 10-8 in the Opening Round of the CWPA Championships on Friday night.

Brown's defense clamped down on Bucknell's Second Team All-CWPA honoree Olivia Hopper, holding the talented sophomore scoreless. Her twin sister Ashley Hopper and Bella Schraa led the team with three goals apiece.

Tamara Torkos returned from injury and her presence between the pipes was huge in keeping Bucknell in the game. She missed the regular season contest against Brown - a game won 18-3 by the Bears.

Addison Wedding put Bucknell up 2-0 before Brown scored four unanswered goals. The Bison fought back and trailed 5-4 at halftime.

Brown broke away in the third quarter building a Dolly Parton-inspired 9-5 lead.

The Bison's rally started with Ashley Hopper scoring two straight goals. Brown tallied an insurance goal and Bucknell only mustered a Schraa goal in response. The Bears' defense held for the 10-8 victory.

Bucknell faces seventh-seeded Saint Francis Saturday in the consolation round at 11 a.m.