Serafin's First Collegiate Goal Powers Field Hockey to 1-0 Victory over Ball State

LEWISBURG, Pa.- Bucknell Field Hockey entered the 2026 season with an experienced goalkeeper in Sarah Althouse and a host of fresh talent in the midfield and forward positions. Both aspects were pivotal in the Bison's 1-0 victory over Ball State in the season opener. Midfielder/forward Juliana Serafin found the cage late in the third quarter and Althouse collected seven saves while turning away multiple dangerous opportunities as the Orange & Blue started 1-0 for the second consecutive season and improved to 3-0 all-time versus Ball State.

"I'm thrilled for the team to get a hard-fought win in the opening game," Bucknell's head coach Kelsey Usefara. "Ball State was a great opponent that challenged us in many aspects of the game. I look forward to our young team continuing to build confidence, connect, and get stronger for each game. I loved seeing young players step up and veteran players do well, especially Sarah. We will be excited to get back at it for another great contest against Sacred Heart on Sunday."

Serafin, a local product from Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, substituted off the bench and was one of the seven freshmen that started or played for the gelling Bison squad. Her goal arrived from a pass sent by junior midfielder and Preseason All-Patriot League member Sally Hunter. The veteran Bison pushed the ball into the growing mass congregated in front of the goal. Serafin outpaced fellow forward Ryane Fisahn for the sphere and shot the ball past a diving Carleigh Hofelich for the game's only goal.

GOAL!

The season's first goal belongs to freshman Juliana Serafin!

Her tally breaks the deadlock!

📺: ESPN+#rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/ST0XbtI3vw
— Bucknell FieldHockey (@Bucknell_FH) August 28, 2026

'It feels absolutely unreal to score." Serafin said. "It feels so amazing to play with such a competitive and equally supportive group of girls! I love my teammates!"

Bucknell finished with 13 shots to Ball State's nine. The Bison penetrated the shooting circle all game, collecting six penalty corners to the Cardinals' zero. Both goalkeepers collared seven saves. Seven of Bucknell's 11 starters were underclassmen along with four of the six substitutions. The youthful mix held strong against a veteran-laden Ball State squad.

The Bison's offense started slowly with only one shot in the first half, despite generating two penalty corners. Halftime adjustments ruled the day and Bucknell punished Ball State's defensive ranks with 12 second half shots.

Althouse demonstrated why conference coaches voted her Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year. She notched seven saves and came off her line to deflect several passes preventing dangerous open goal situations. The goalie won her 26th career victory - moving her into a tie for third all-time in Bucknell history with Betsy Doyle (1978-81) and Jessie Atieh (2006-09). Her seven saves increased her career total to 246, passing Emily Finn (2014-17) for ninth in the Bison record book. She also passed Finn for ninth in career winning percentage (.520).

"Going into today, my biggest thought was just remembering how hard we've worked these last three weeks and trusting that preparation," Althouse said. "We've put in so much work together, and I wanted us to come out with confidence, play our game, and set the tone from the start. Everyone was playing really well and competing for each other, so it was just about staying composed and building off of that. I'm really proud of how we came out and battled today. I can't wait to learn from this game, continue to grow as a unit, and keep building off of this start."

Bucknell remains at Graham Field at Holmes Stadium on Sunday for a brunch game against Sacred Heart. First touch is scheduled for 11 a.m.