Box Score LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – The Rider University women's lacrosse team was defeated Wednesday afternoon, falling at Bucknell, 21-7. The Broncs fall to 1-4, while the Bison improve to 4-1.
 
The Bison quickly started the scoring opening up a 2-0 lead just over three minutes into the contest. The Broncs would find their rhythm, getting back-to-back goals from Brynn Merklinger (Mendham, NJ/Mount Saint Mary Academy) to even the game 2-2, but Bucknell would lead 3-2 after the opening quarter.
 
The Bison continued to extend the lead with two goals in the second before Madi Eollo (Toms River, NJ/Toms River North) scored on a free-position shot to pull Rider back within two at 5-3. Bucknell would add three goals before Kayleigh Colleary (Buffalo, NY/Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart[Butler]) found the back of the cage for the Broncs, but Bucknell responded with three-straight goals to lead 11-4 at the half.
 
After Bucknell extended the lead to 14-4 early in the third, Hannah Kozik (Ellington, CT/Ellington) and Merklinger got the Broncs back-to-back tallies. Madi Mooney (Vista, CA/San Marcos) would also score in the third, but Bucknell led 15-7 entering the fourth.
 
The fourth quarter was all Bucknell, with the Bison outscoring the Broncs 6-0 in the final frame to produce the final score.
 
Quotes & Notes
- Bucknell extends its lead in the all-time series to 2-0.
- Jamie Kubach (Philadelphia, PA/William Penn Charter[FDU-Florham]) got the start in net, playing all 60 minutes, and making 10 saves.
- Merklingers three goals marked her first career hat trick.
 
Broncs By The Numbers
- Bucknell held a 15-13 edge in draw controls. Marissa Ross (Reisterstwon, MD/Beth Tfiloh[FDU-Florham]) led the Broncs with six draw controls.
- Ava Carpinteri (Middletown, DE/Hillgrove) and Mooney each had a team-high two ground balls in the game.
- Mooney caused a team-high two turnovers.
 
Up Next
Rider remains on the road, traveling to Old Dominion Saturday for a noon game.