The American University field hockey team (9-5) defeated the Bucknell Bison (8-6) on Oct. 17 in the penultimate home game of the team’s regular season by a final score of 3-2.
American is first in the Patriot League standings, with Bucknell in third. The Bison looked to extend their win streak, while the Eagles looked for a comeback after falling to Virginia Commonwealth University on Oct. 12.
The Bucknell game was highly anticipated by both the coaches and the players. The excitement for both teams resulted in a “scrappy” game, said head coach Steve Jennings post-game.
The Eagles played an intense defensive first quarter, with the Bison maintaining possession of the ball throughout the first 15 minutes. However, the Eagles were able to deflect many passes and gain possession.
The Bison took three penalty corner shots, all blocked by senior goalie Pauline Gineste, who matched her career high in saves in this game. The Eagles attempted multiple long shots to the goal, but ended up hitting them far and left or deflecting off of Bucknell’s goalie, ending the quarter scoreless.
The second quarter opened with a penalty stroke awarded to the Eagles and taken by graduate student midfielder Kaleigh Missimer. She lifted the ball into the cage past the goalie to open the scoring. The team swarmed the graduate student who just came back last season from multiple ACL tears.
American continued to play a strong offensive, with freshman defender Lotti Süme scoring a penalty corner in the same three minutes.
The Bison attempted eight shots at the American goal during the second quarter, but failed to score, allowing the Eagles to go into the second half with a 2-0 lead.
The 2-goal lead would not last long, though, as the third quarter opened with Bucknell midfielder Nicky Punt scoring Bucknell’s first goal of the game. This was a catalyst for a strong offensive quarter for Bucknell, with forward Reese Czajkowski tying the score after the Eagles failed to convert a stroke.
Despite Buckell having a stronger third quarter, the Eagles still had three saves, five shots and one penalty corner. Both American and Bucknell had no fouls or offsides during this intense match-up.
American bounced back in the fourth quarter.
“I just make sure to not get in my head,” Süme said. “It is important to stay positive because I know that we can do it.”
The fourth quarter began with a penalty corner shot by American, but with no success.
However, the Eagles were determined. Junior Sophie Willemse scored the game-winning goal after three-consecutive penalty corners, with junior midfielder Emilia Winkler earning her 5th and 6th assists of the season. Willemse was awarded Patriot League midfielder of the week following the game.
American finished with 18 total shots, eight saves and five penalty corners, sealing their victory.
“We know our game and were able to get back to business,” Jennings said.
Two days later, the Eagles stormed down to Richmond and beat the Spiders 4-2. The team’s current overall standing is 9-5 and their conference standing is 4-0. Their away swing continues on Oct. 24 at Lehigh and on Oct. 26 at Delaware.
As the Eagles look ahead to their final home match on Nov. 1 against Holy Cross, Jennings said that the team is looking forward to their upcoming matches and that every win is another step to winning the regular season.
This game also marks American clinching its team spot in the Patriot League tournament for the 25th consecutive season. They currently sit atop the Patriot League with a 4-0 conference record.
This article was edited by Connor Sturniolo, Penelope Jennings and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Sabine Kanter-Huchting, Avery Grossman, Ryan Sieve and Ava Stuzin.
