Bucknell University

LEWISBURG, Pa– Lily Neilson added another milestone to their long resume, but the Bucknell Bison (8-7) lost to the #12 Syracuse Orange (11-4) 7-2 on Thursday night at Holmes Stadium. Neilson scored both Bison goals, securing first place in Bucknell history for career points (124). She passed Bison Hall of Fame member Karin Wegener, who scored 122 career points.

The two-goal performance extended Neilson’s two-goal winning streak to a nation’s best five games. It surpassed Penn State Sophia Gladieux’s four-point mark.

Neilson moved into eighth place in Patriot League history in career points, passing Margaret Connolly of Holy Cross. Her 59 goals puts her tied for second in PL history with Holy Cross’s Tara Welch.

The Orange’s offense proved too strong for the Bison defense to turn away. The Orange extended their lead to 4-0 before Neilson scored their first goal. Syracuse responded with a goal before Neilson equalized a second time. Two more goals from the Orange tied the score at 7-2. The visitors recorded 18 shots to Bucknell’s seven and held the Bison to zero attempts in the first half.

A goalless first quarter seemed to indicate a tight, low-scoring affair. Neither team generated much attacking power as the defense dominated this period. As the second quarter began, Bo van Kempen quickly changed the routine and scored two goals from penalty corners within five minutes. A goal from Willemijn Boogart five minutes later gave the Orange a 3-0 lead at halftime.

The Orange stormed out of the locker room and scored their fourth goal a minute and four seconds into the second half. Bucknell calmed down and prevented further goals.

Neilson’s first goal came 33 seconds into the final period. The Bison drew its second penalty corner. Head coach Kelsey Kojojelchick called for a masterful play with Kira Leclerca appearing to take the shot but passing it to the Australian senior. Neilson fired the shot for her 16th goal of the season.

Three minutes later, Hamilton scored their second goal when Bo Madden delivered a perfect pass in front of the Bison goal.

Neilson set the Bucknell points record when Zoe Carlson Pietraszek sent a pass into the circle. Neilson collected the ball, maneuvered between the Orange defenders and fired a sharp shot past the Orange goalkeeper to secure sole possession of the treasured milestone.

The Orange tied the score with another Boogert goal and a pass from Vivian Rowan.

Bucknell closes the regular season on November 2nd against American with the regular season title and hosting of the Patriot League tournament on the line. Bison fans need to pack Holmes Stadium to cheer on the team.