Preseason Honors for Bucknell Goalkeeper
Bucknell University’s women’s soccer program has opened the 2025‑26 campaign with a flurry of preseason accolades. Senior net‑minder Sarah Althouse was crowned Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year in the Patriot League, a distinction that highlights her standing among the conference’s elite between the posts.
Althouse arrives at the award after a career that already places her among the program’s all‑time leaders. She sits fifth in career wins with 25, ranks eighth in shutouts at eight and is tenth in saves with 239. Her 1.58 goals‑against average also positions her ninth in Patriot League history, underscoring a blend of durability and efficiency that has defined her tenure.
The preseason recognition extended to two of her teammates. Ryane Fisahn and Sally Hunter were both selected for the 2026 Preseason All‑Patriot League Team. Fisahn’s breakout season in 2025 saw her set career highs with five goals and ten points, while Hunter’s defensive steadiness has translated into 16 career points, including four goals and eight assists.
Bucknell’s recent performance adds context to the preseason optimism. The Bison finished the 2025 season with a 10‑7 overall record, securing third place in the league standings. The 2026 preseason poll, released ahead of the August 28 opener against Ball State, ranks American first, Lafayette second, Boston University third and Bucknell fourth, with Holy Cross, Lehigh and Colgate rounding out the top seven.
The excitement is palpable as the team prepares for its season‑opening match against Ball State. The game will serve as the first test of how the Bison translate preseason expectations into on‑field performance, and fans are eager to see whether Althouse’s stellar form can help the squad climb higher than the projected fourth‑place finish.