Field Hockey Defeats Cornell; Moves to 4-0 for the First Time Since 1984

Sunday, September 6

Lewisburg, Pa.

2 p.m.

Bucknell University

(4-0)

Cornell

(1-1)

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Cornell	0	0	1	0	1
Bucknell	0	1	1	1	3

Photo by: Will Micciche

Field Hockey Defeats Cornell; Moves to 4-0 for the First Time Since 1984

9/6/2026 4:01:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score

LEWISBURG, Pa.- Ghostbusters, Tina Turner, and Bucknell Field Hockey dominated life in 1984. Forty-two years later, Bucknell field hockey is recreating that fast start. Bucknell (4-0) unseated undefeated Cornell (1-1) in a 3-1 battle on a sun-soaked Sunday afternoon and moved to 4-0 for the first time since 1984. Three different Bison scored and Sarah Althouse continued to play nearly impeccable defense between the pipes with 11 saves.

"The grit and composure was a big aspect of the game today," head coach Kelsey Usefara said. "We know Cornell's a phenomenal team and they are just a tough opponent. They're a physical team, they're super skilled. So, our girls to be up for the challenge to match up to an opponent like that and I think the biggest piece was we rewarded ourselves with getting the goals today. That one from Bella, breathing room, which was awesome and again, Sarah played absolutely lights out. But to me, it was just an entire team effort across the board and that's what you need from a team standing situation. I just think the grit was the most memorable part of this game and I couldn't be prouder."

Cornell owned the offensive stat sheet, collecting 20 shots to Bucknell's nine and generating nine penalty corners to the Bison's five. The Orange & Blue and the Big Red have met 33 times in the Battle of the Nells, and Bucknell improved its series lead to 18-14-1.

"I feel great," goalkeeper Sarah Althouse said. "I'm just so happy for this team. I think there were a lot of people doubting us going into this season and just coming out 4-0. It's a huge deal, and we're super excited. I mean, half the battle is just what we do to prepare for these games. The fact that we're able to finish on the field like this, and score more than two goals to have that insurance goal. I think that was just awesome, and I'm just super proud of all of these girls."

Bella Notaro, the breakout star of 2026, scored a crucial insurance goal with six minutes remaining to essentially seal the win. The junior striker has not been shy about unloading rocket shots and her reverse attempt flew past a startled Cornell keeper.

The Bison struck first in the second quarter. Julia Corropolese, who has become Bucknell's main option on attacking penalty corners, delivered her second career goal with a missile that skipped past several Big Red sticks.

Bucknell added a second goal in the third stanza off a fastbreak opportunity. Gracie Kothari veered into the opponent's circle and shot. Her attempt deflected off the keeper and pinballed around the post. Elodie Nevitt, waiting patiently, stuck her stick out and guided the ball into the cage for her first career goal. The moment was extra special for the English forward, as her parents were in attendance.

"It's so, so exciting," Nevitt said. "My parents are here as well to witness it. Everything happens for a reason. I feel super great about it."

Cornell cut the deficit to 2-1 late in the third quarter off a chaotic penalty corner attempt. Julia Ramsey inserted the ball, waited for flying bodies, and snatched the ball for an open net opportunity. The senior buried the chance.

Cornell, which lost just four times in 2025, including three defeats to Final Four teams, kept the Bison on the back foot in the opening stanza. The Big Red outshot Bucknell 5-1 and forced Althouse into several sensational saves. Bucknell weathered the storm, allowing zero goals, and adjusted to Cornell's world-class pressure.

"It was a mindset shift," Usefara observed. "Play Bucknell hockey and trust your instincts and trust your abilities. When we play with confidence, that's when we're at our best and so we just had to remind them that you're a great hockey team too. But get back to playing Bucknell-style hockey and once they did that it showed.
Confidence is everything for this team."

"I just think having that mindset that I knew they were going to be a high-pressure team and being ready for anything." Althouse recollected. "Even if the ball was 90 yards away, I still had my hands up ready as if they were going to shoot it in two seconds."

Althouse delivered another one of her patented preventive saves with ten minutes left in the fourth quarter. With Bucknell clinging to a 2-1 lead, Rease Coleman broke through the Bison backline. Althouse, favoring a proactive approach, surged off her line and nabbed at the ball, spilling the Big Red midfielder into a heap.

"She was moving to my left," Althouse said. "I saw her stick facing open, and I got a clear shot of the ball, and I just tried to line my hand up to the ball as best as I could before she got around me."

The Bison's 4-0 start matched the beginnings for 1975 and 1983 as well. The 1984 team moved to 5-0 before losing to Syracuse. Coincidentally, Bucknell faces No. 12 Syracuse next Sunday. The Orange will be a massive test for Usefara's troops.

"It's just another great quality opponent," Usefara said. "Everything is about preparation for the Patriot League. We're up for that challenge. I just hope the team can continue to build off this confidence. I just hope the confidence continues to build. It's going to help us in the long run."

Bucknell faces Syracuse on Sept. 13 at noon at Graham Field at Holmes Stadium.