LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell University's women's soccer team secured a 3-1 victory over Lehigh in both teams' Patriot League opener on Saturday afternoon at Emmitt Field at Holmes Stadium. Louisa Thomsen and Ingrid Murphy netted goals in the first half, and Dani Howard added an insurance goal in the 71st minute.
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The Bison (4-5-1) dominated the match, outshooting Lehigh (0-7-1) 33-7, including a notable 20-1 advantage in the first half. Bucknell began strongly but had to wait 28 minutes to score. After a missed opportunity where Thomsen was denied by Lehigh goalkeeper Chloe Zipprich, she found the back of the net off a corner kick, heading in Murphy's service for her second goal of the season.
Just three minutes later, Murphy scored a standout goal. Following a switch of play from Emma Gavin to Clare Nemsick, Nemsick passed to Murphy, who, despite missing the previous game due to injury, curled a stunning 30-yard shot into the top right corner.
Lehigh showed improvement in the second half, nearly scoring when Macy McCallum's shot struck the crossbar. Parker, the match's leading shooter with seven attempts, missed a chance shortly thereafter. Bucknell then extended its lead as Thomsen's shot was blocked, setting up Howard to place a left-footed shot just inside the right post for her second goal.
Lehigh converted a penalty kick in the 84th minute, ending Sarah McFarland's bid for a shutout after Ella Pomaranski was fouled in the box and Rylie Moschella successfully scored from the spot.
Both Thomsen and Murphy contributed significantly with a goal and an assist each. Thomsen also recorded seven shots, while McFarland made two saves and Zipprich halted six attempts for Lehigh. Bucknell remains unbeaten in its last eight matches against Lehigh, holding a record of 6-0-2. The Bison will next play at home against Holy Cross next Saturday at 2 p.m.