A Milestone at Holmes Stadium
The 2026 campaign marks a turning point for Bucknell’s field hockey team, as the Bison will host 11 of their 15 contests on the familiar turf of Holmes Stadium in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. It is the most home games the program has enjoyed in a single season since the early 2000s, setting the stage for a crowd‑filled push toward the Patriot League tournament.
Bucknell arrives into the season fresh off a 10‑7 overall record and a 4‑2 mark in conference play, the first time the team has posted a double‑digit win total since 2018. Over the past three years the Bison have compiled a 17‑6 record at home, highlighted by signature victories over Boston University and Cornell that have helped reshape the program’s momentum.
The opening stretch promises immediate excitement, with six consecutive home games to start the schedule, including early tests against Ball State and Sacred Heart. The early slate will test the team’s depth while giving fans a chance to witness the Bison’s renewed vigor in front of their own supporters.
Renewed Rivalries
One of the most anticipated matchups is the renewal of the historic rivalry with Cornell, dubbed ‘The Battle of the Nells.’ The two programs will meet for the 32nd time, a series that Bucknell currently leads 17‑14‑1. The game adds a narrative layer to the schedule, blending tradition with the team’s current aspirations.
Adding to the excitement, nationally ranked Syracuse will travel to Lewisburg on September 13, marking the first meeting between the programs since 1987 and offering a chance for Bucknell to notch a rare win over a historically dominant opponent.
Patriot League Battle Ahead
Patriot League competition kicks off on September 18 when American University hosts the Bison, followed by a series of tightly contested conference battles against Holy Cross, Lafayette, Colgate, and Lehigh. Each of these opponents presents a distinct challenge, from the tied series with Holy Cross to a dominant 26‑2 record against Colgate at the latter’s home field.
Beyond the regular season, Bucknell’s eyes are fixed on the Patriot League Tournament, a stage the program has reached 28 times and hosted once in 2014, going on to capture a championship in 2020‑21. With a strong finish to the regular schedule, the Bison hope to ride that tournament pedigree into another deep run.
Looking Forward
As the season unfolds, the blend of home‑field advantage, renewed rivalries, and a proven track record in high‑stakes games positions Bucknell as a credible threat in the league. The Bison’s blend of experience and youthful talent suggests that the upcoming schedule could be more than just a milestone — it could be a catalyst for a new era of success.