The No. 9/10 Penn State women’s lacrosse team beat Bucknell 18-2 on Wednesday in their first regular season game with help from young players and high scoring individuals.
The Lions had 10 players’ score against the Bison, with five scoring two or more goals. Junior Mackenzie Cyr was the leading scorer for the Lions, tying her career high with four goals and three assists.
“It was a good game for us. It was a good way to open up. I think across the board a lot of girls got some more experience under their belt and the things that we have been working on, they’re doing,” head coach Missy Doherty said.
Freshmen Jenna Mosketti scored three goals in her first regular season start, with Doherty citing her as one of the key freshman on the starting line.
“It’s exciting [to be a key player] and it’s a little nerve wracking, but it is good to get this first win,” Mosketti said.
Wednesday was Penn State’s second year opening the regular season against Bucknell, extending the teams winning streak against the Bison to 17-0 in the 35-year regional rivalry.
Freshman goalkeeper Emi Smith had a shut out with five saves in the first half of her first regular season start at Penn State.
“I was definitely excited, my defense really pumped me up, and I pumped them up. My entire team just kept cheering for me, and it just gave me more motivation to stay in the game and stop every shot that I could,” Smith said.
Smith started in Saturday’s exhibition game, securing Penn State’s overtime win against Penn.
“She is a freshman goal keeper, she’s young, but she is bringing in a lot of confidence, and I think that that belief in herself is really translating to some great saves on the field,” Doherty said.
Leading 9-0 at halftime, senior Ayla Halus relieved Smith in goal, letting in the only two goals scored by the Bison.
Doherty said with a young roster, it is good for younger players to get experience and contribute in high scoring games.
The young team will look to continue its high scoring momentum as they travel to Baltimore, Maryland on Saturday.
