PRINCETON, N.J.– Following a weekend lost to snow, Bucknell University opened its 2026 women’s campaign by icing Long Island University, 13-9, and Iona University, 12-9, at DeNunzio Pool on the first day of the 2026 Princeton Invitational hosted by Princeton University.
The Bison start a year 2-0 for the first time since 2022 when the Orange & Blue defeated La Salle University and St. Francis Brooklyn College at home in Kinney Natatorium. Bucknell had not started 2-0 while roadbound since 2020 when the team began the COVID-19 abbreviated campaign 6-0.
The Olivias attacked with full force for Bucknell as Olivia Hopper resumed her 89-goal pace from 2025 with five tallies, while freshman Olivia Garcia introduced herself to collegiate water polo with five goals.
Against LIU, Bucknell outpaced the Sharks to start the season at 1-0. Seven different Bison players contributed to the scoring output with Ashley Hopper‘s three goals serving as the game’s highest total. Tamara Torkos provided 12 saves. The Orange & Blue shot an efficient 13-of-20 from the field.
The Bison twice trailed early in the contest before rallying for the 4-3 lead, as the first quarter concluded. Four different Bucknell players provided the goals.
With the score sitting at 6-5 Bucknell, the Bison went on a 3-1 run to end the half. Once again, the scores were a complete team effort with five Orange & Blue members tallying the cage finders.
Bucknell put the game out of reach with a 3-0 run in the third quarter. The Hopper twins, Ashley and Olivia, combined with Campbell Collins for the stretch.
LIU scored three times before Ashley Hopper capped the score at 13-9.
Bucknell’s hot shooting continued against Iona by connecting on 12-of-16 shots. Both Olivia Garcia and Olivia Hopper scored three goals to lead the Bison. Garcia was a perfect three-for-three and Hopper missed one shot.
The Bison set the tone early with a four-goal first quarter and added three more in the second period to lead 7-5 at halftime.
A 3-1 third quarter for Bucknell padded the Orange & Blue’s lead, which proved necessary as Iona scored three times in the final eight minutes. However, the Bison added a pair of insurance goals for a 12-9 win.
Information courtesy Bucknell University Athletics Communications
