LEWISBURG, Pa. — Led by a hat trick from Marta Considine and eight saves from Manuela Herrera, all four Bucknell University seniors played big roles in a 9-2 Senior Day victory over Mercyhurst University at Kinney Natatorium. It was a suffocating defensive performance for the No. 25-ranked Bison, who never trailed in the game and had nearly as many steals (15) as shots allowed (18).
Now 11-12 on the season, Bucknell received three goals and three assists from junior Emily Konishi. In addition to her three goals, Considine had three steals on the day. Senior Colleen Barron logged three assists and four steals, and classmate Shyla Lintz drew four ejections that led to three 6-on-5 goals.
Freshman Ally Furano tallied two goals and an assist, and freshman Kali Hyham scored a pretty goal just before halftime.
This was a defensive struggle for most of the day, as the Bison nursed a 2-1 lead into the late stages of the third quarter. Mercyhurst goalie Sarah O’Keefe kept the Lakers in it with a number of tough saves, but Bucknell finally gained some separation with three goals in the final 2:01 of the third period.
Considine was the catalyst, scoring twice in 50 seconds to stretch the lead to 4-1. Hyham’s tally in traffic with 39 seconds on the clock made it 5-1. Furano and Konishi scored in quick succession in fourth quarter to make it six straight Bucknell goals and a commanding 7-1 lead.
Mackenzie Ryburn and Chloe Kunst accounted for the Mercyhurst scoring with a goal and an assist each. O’Keefe finished with 13 saves.
Release courtesy Bucknell University Athletics Communications
NOTE: Following posting, it came to light that officials were not present at the contest making the game an exhibition. Statistics and the result (win/loss) are not countable per National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) policy and the game will not factor in consideration for the National Polls.
