On a crisp evening in Lewisburg, Bucknell Field Hockey secured a 3‑1 victory over Cornell, snapping the Big Red’s unbeaten streak and delivering the program’s first 4‑0 start since 1984.
Game Highlights
The Bison’s attack was spearheaded by three players who found the net: Bella Notaro, whose sixth‑minute insurance goal proved decisive; Julia Corropolese, who added her second career goal; and Gracie Kothari, who capitalized on a fast‑break opportunity to open the scoring. Rease Coleman also contributed a goal on a breakaway, further fueling the Bison’s offensive surge, while Elodie Nevitt celebrated her first career goal in front of her parents.
Despite Cornell’s 20 shots and nine penalty corners, Bucknell’s defense held firm, conceding no goals and allowing goalkeeper Sarah Althouse to make ten crucial saves, including a pivotal stop with ten minutes remaining in the fourth quarter that sealed the win.
Head coach Kelsey Usefara underscored that confidence and teamwork were the foundations of the victory, noting that the collective belief in the squad translated into disciplined play from the back line to the front.
The win extended Bucknell’s series lead over Cornell to 18‑14‑1 in the Battle of the Nells, a rivalry that now benefits from the Bison’s resurgence after a 4‑0 start reminiscent of the successful 1975 and 1983 seasons.
Looking ahead, the Bison are slated to face Syracuse on September 13, a matchup that promises another test against a high‑quality opponent as the team seeks to build momentum in the Patriot League.