LEWISBURG, Pa. — The Bucknell University women’s water polo team split its last day of competition at home in Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) competition by falling 8-7 in overtime to No. 19-ranked Harvard University before defeating Mount St. Mary’s University, 16-8.
Bucknell never led in the first game, but battled resiliently against the Crimson, who entered the game on a nine-game winning streak.
Harvard started the game the brighter of the two teams, jumping out to a 3-0 lead. However, a big exclusion by senior Larissa Hodzic set up a powerplay opportunity for the Bison, who managed to get a goal to end the first quarter courtesy of Paige Furano on an assist by Boati Motau.
Harvard once again extended its lead to three, 5-2, in the second, but a late goal from Caroline Oates on another assist from Motau kept Bucknell within striking distance at halftime, 5-3.
Bucknell started the second half strong, with Furano and Megan LaCroix scoring back-to-back goals to tie the game at five. The Crimson responded with two goals of their own to end the period, before Ali Jackson pulled Bucknell within one, 7-6, entering the final quarter.
Isabelle Monaghan converted a clutch five-meter attempt to tie the game at seven in the fourth, but neither team could find the winner as the game headed into overtime. However, Harvard’s Jaiden Miller found the game-winning goal in the first overtime period as Bucknell couldn’t find the equalizer in the extra periods.
Annika Lampen put together her best game in goal for the Orange and Blue in her young career, making 12 saves in 38 minutes while adding a steal. Furano and Monaghan added two goals each, with the former contributing six steals.
Bucknell found its offensive groove in the second game against Mount St. Mary’s, tying its season best with 16 goals. The Bison scored the first five goals of the game, with five different goal scorers in Furano, Hodzic, Monaghan, Chloe Smith and Izzy Lippolis denting the twine.
Bucknell added four more goals in the first half to take a commanding 9-4 lead. The Mount pulled no closer than five the rest of the way, with nine Bison scoring.
Lampen and Sam Gove split the goalkeeping duties in game two, combining for five saves overall. Monaghan scored four times in the win. Smith finished with two goals and two assists, while Hodzic and Furano each scored twice.
Release courtesy Bucknell University Athletics Communications
