LA JOLLA, Calif. — Bucknell University was unable to overcome first-year varsity program/No. 20-ranked Saint Mary’s College in taking a 12-9 setback versus the Gaels on the final day of the 2026 Triton Invitational hosted by the University of California-San Diego. The victory marked Saint Mary’s first win in program history.
Jack Dillane led Bucknell with three goals, doing his best to divert the Bison’s destiny as the Gaels’ first-ever opponent to fall in program history, but he could not overcome fate.
Bucknell struck first on a Dillane tally before the Gaels answered with two goals. The Bison equalized the score at two-all, but Saint Mary’s then reeled off three consecutive goals and never again trailed or found itself tied. The Orange & Blue cut the deficit to 5-4, only for the Gaels to respond with another three-goal run.
The Bison refused to quit. In the third quarter, Bucknell trimmed the margin to 8-7, but for the third time, Saint Mary’s responded with a three-goal burst. The Bison scored twice more, but the Gaels added one final goal to secure the program’s inaugural victory.
Information courtesy Bucknell University Athletics Communications
