Penn State v Bucknell

State College, PA - September 12, 2025: The Penn State University Field Hockey team improved to 3-1 on the season after defeating Bucknell University 2-1 Friday evening at Char Morett-Curtiss Field at The Penn State Field Hockey Complex. The win improved the Nittany Lions’ all-time record, since 1964, against the Bison to 47-2-2.

Penn State’s Katelyn Strawser (2) scored an unassisted goal at 7:32 of the 1st period to give the Nittany Lions the early lead. Shortly thereafter, Penn State had a chance to go up 2-0 when Ella Jennes (17) took a penalty stroke but it was blocked by Bucknell goalie Sarah Althouse. Althouse is a Muhlenburg High School graduate, Reading, PA. In the 2nd period, with 1:51 remaining, Cooper Cutchins (18) scored an unassisted goal to give the Nittany Lions a 2-0 lead.

After the Nittany Lions controlled most of the first half, Bucknell came out in the second half and did a much better job on defense. Bucknell did not have any shots on goal in the first half but that changed in the second.

At 10:28 of the 4th period, Kira Leclercq (17), assisted by Nicky Punt (10), scored off a penalty corner. Penn State gave Bucknell several penalty corners in a row and Bucknell eventually converted. Bucknell continued to pressure down the stretch, but the Nittany Lion defense did its job to secure the win.

Penn State had a total of ten shots on goal while Bucknell had a total of eight. Penn State had five penalty corners to Bucknell’s six.

Penn State in 2024 had an overall record of 9-9 and missed both the Big10 and NCAA Championship tournament. The Lions have six starters who have returned but lost five. Two of Penn State’s wins so far this season have come in overtime and it does show the team’s toughness and determination. Penn State is coached by Lisa Bervinchak-Love who is in her 3rd season as the head coach. Bervinchak-Love is in her 32nd year on the Penn State staff.

Penn State has won eight Big10 Championships since inception in 1981. They won two Association For Intercollegiate Athletics For Women (AIAW) National Championships in 1980 and 1981 before moving into the Big10 Conference. They have two NCAA National Championship game appearances.

Penn State senior Aubrey Semler (15), a Parkland High School graduate, started her 3rd game of the season and played 34 minutes against Bucknell. Stemler was an all-conference player in the Eastern PA Conference (EPC) while at Parkland.

Penn State’s Sophia Mannino (42), a Central Bucks East High School graduate, started the game and saw 44 minutes of action. Morgan Snyder (8), an Oley Valley High School graduate, started the game and saw 51 minutes of action.

Bucknell, with the loss, dropped to 2-3 on the season. They beat Saint Francis and Sacred Heart early in the season. Bucknell won the Patriot League Championship in 2020 and 2014.

Penn State's Aubrey Semler moves the ball during a game against Bucknell University on September 12, 2025 in State College, PA. Penn State defeated Bucknell 2-1.