LEWISBURG, Pa. – Despite a late tally by freshman
Mari Kniezewski, the Colgate field hockey program dropped a 6-1 decision at Bucknell on Saturday afternoon.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Bucknell was able to capitalize on the first penalty corner opportunity of the game for a 1-0 advantage just 3:41 after the whistle. Later in the opening quarter the Bison came up with a sweeping shot from the top of the circle to the low left side to gain a 2-0 edge off another penalty corner opportunity in the final minutes of the quarter. Before the horn, the Bison would find a 3-0 advantage with a shot tipped to the left side of the cage in the final minute.
The Raiders best scoring opportunity through the quarter came in with under 30 seconds remaining as
Taylor Casamassa took a long shot off of Colgate's first penalty corner, but it would be snuffed out by the Bucknell keeper. Midway through the second quarter
Anna Unger came up with a big save to deny Bucknell, but with no additional scoring in the half, the Raiders faced a 3-0 deficit heading into halftime.
Fresh out of the halftime, Bucknell scored with a fake-out attempt just 41 seconds into the half off of a penalty corner opportunity.
Emma Goldberg entered the cage for the Raiders shortly thereafter and made a standout stick save midway through the quarter on a ball headed to the far side to keep it at 4-0.
The final minute of the third quarter featured an offensive drive by the Raiders led by
Ally Yu, but the horn would sound before they could get the ball to the back of the cage. Colgate would carry the momentum into the fourth quarter, as
Blair Boyles had a look at the near side post midway through but her shot would be redirected just wide. With 8:32 remaining in regulation, the Raiders would see their first penalty corner opportunity since the first quarter. After the initial shot,
Mari Kniezewski picked up the loose ball and scored on the rebound for Colgate's first tally of the day. Another quick chance by the Raiders came minutes later but was tipped inches wide of the far post.
Bucknell's offense didn't let up, as it responded with their own goal off the rebound just 2:59 after Kniezewski's goal for a 5-1 advantage. After adding a low goal off the penalty corner with just 38 seconds remaining in regulation, Bucknell would claim the Patriot League matchup in a 6-1 final on Saturday afternoon.
STATISTICAL STANDOUTS
• Freshman
Mari Kniezewski tallied her third goal of the season, and first since scoring against Syracuse (Sept. 22).
• Goalkeeping was covered by a combination of sophomore
Anna Unger and junior
Emma Goldberg. Each keeper notched two saves apiece.
• Colgate had its strongest offense in the fourth quarter with five of their seven shots coming in the final 15:00 of action.
• In addition to Kniezewski's tally, junior
Taylor Casamassa recorded a shot on goal for the Raiders.
• The Raiders played a clean defensive game in the second quarter, not sacrificing any defensive penalty corners to Bucknell.
THE BOTTOM LINE
• Bucknell 6, Colgate 1
RECORD UPDATES
• Colgate holds a 2-12 overall record, with a 0-5 mark in Patriot League play.
• Bucknell has an 8-6 overall mark, with a 3-1 conference record.
HEAD COACH APRIL CORNELL'S TAKE
"We had some very strong moments today where we controled the game and attacked with speed. We need to capitalize on those opportunities with more attack penalty corners and shots on goal. Defensively, we need better accountability to tackle outside the circle and not give up penalty corners.
"In the past several games, over 50 percent of our defensive penalty corners have resulted in a goal against and that is something we need to change. I am really proud that they team made adjustments going into the second quarter to re-defend and take quicker free hits. After putting the first quarter behind us, we played a very competitive game."
UP NEXT
Next weekend the Raiders close out their home slate by hosting American and Vermont. Saturday's noon start against the Eagles is the final Patriot League matchup of the season, while Sunday's 1 p.m. tip serves as Senior Day for the program's three players in the 2020 graduating class.
FOLLOW THE RAIDERS
For more information on the Colgate field hockey program, follow the Raiders on Twitter @ColgateFH and on Instagram at Colgate_FH.
