Opening Night at Emmitt Field
The 2026 season began under bright skies at Emmitt Field, where the Mount St. Mary's women's soccer team faced Bucknell in a tightly contested match. Early in the contest the visitors struck first, capitalizing on two swift opportunities to go up 2-0. Rather than crumbling, the Mounties adjusted their shape, tightened their back line and began to limit the opponent's chances.
Abby Makela, the team's veteran goalkeeper, turned the tide with a series of crucial saves that kept the deficit manageable. Her performance not only preserved the lead but also marked a personal milestone, as she recorded her 100th career save during the game.
Fineen Cregan provided the spark the Mounties needed, converting a penalty that shifted momentum and narrowed the gap. Her composure under pressure underscored the team's resilience and hinted at a deeper attacking threat as the match progressed.
Bucknell's Early Season Split
Bucknell entered the fixture after a split opening to the campaign, having edged past Montana with a 1-0 win while falling 1-0 to Eastern Washington. Ingrid Murphy was the scorer against Montana, with Gaby Parker supplying the assist, and the Bison's defensive unit proved stingy, allowing just four shots on goal across both contests.
The Mounties' defensive overhaul limited Bucknell to a single goal, a testament to improved organization and communication at the back. The Bison's ability to restrict shots on target highlighted the effectiveness of their midfield press and the goalkeeping efforts of their own keeper.
Historically, the two programs have met 17 times since 1992, with Bucknell holding a slight edge. The last encounter in 2021 ended 2-0 in the Bison's favor, but the Mounties have tasted victory in past meetings, including a 2010 win and a 2011 draw, suggesting a competitive rivalry that continues to evolve.
Looking ahead, the Mounties will travel to Fairfax, Virginia, for a showdown with George Mason on August 23. The match, scheduled for 6 p.m., will test the team's newly forged defensive identity against a different style of play and add another chapter to the season's early narrative.