LA JOLLA, Calif. — Bucknell University picked up its inaugural victory of the the 2026 season as the Bison defeated Division III No. 4-ranked Occidental College, 22-10, following a 23-8 setback versus No. 1/defending National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Champion the University of California-Los Angeles on the second day of the University of California-San Diego’s Triton Invitational.
Taking on Occidental in Canyonview Pool, the Bison had 13 different players score a goal as Bucknell took down the Tigers.
The Orange & Blue led 2-0 before Occidental tied the game. However, that situation did not last long as Bucknell uncorked a 3-0 run on the way to a 9-5 halftime lead.
The Bison continued to stack points up against Occidental to garner a 13-8 lead entering the fourth quarter.
If Occidental harbored any hopes of a comeback, the Orange & Blue’s fourth quarter offense shattered those illusions as the Bison stampeded for an additional eight goals in the final eight minute of regulation on the way to a 12-score victory.
Facing UCLA in Triton Pool, the defending national champions reinforced why they are why they are the nation’s top-ranked team as the Bison posted a dominating victory.
UCLA jumped out to a 5-0 lead and never looked back in overpowering Bucknell.
Four Bison found the cage in the contest as Sean Tunnicliff and Pier Giorgio Cicchetti led the way with three goals.
UCLA led 14-4 at halftime and 20-7 after three quarters of action. The Bison finished with some positive momentum, holding the Bruins to three goals while scoring once for the final margin of 23-8.
Information courtesy Bucknell University Athletics Communications
