EASTON, Pa.- The Lafayette field hockey team hosted their final Patriot League opponent of the regular season, Bucknell, this Saturday, defeating the Bison in the second overtime period (3-2).

With this game, the Leopards are now 13-4 overall and 4-2 in Patriot League play. Lafayette will be seed No. 2 at the start of the Patriot League Tournament on Nov. 4 and 6, trailing American and ahead of both Lehigh and Bucknell.

"A win for our final home game against a Patriot League opponent on Rappolt is great. I thought a lot of players stepped up today for the team's performance," said head coach Jennifer Stone. "Our defensive unit was strong throughout the day and we had some really good attacking sequences from our midfield and our strikers. We're looking forward to Rutgers tomorrow and the Patriot League Tournament after that!"

Senior Alix Talkow gave the Leopards an early lead after putting in a backhand pass from freshman Lineke Spaans at 1:47. It took the Bison about eight minutes to find the equalizer from Mackenzie Kile off a corner.

Spaans was looking for a goal of her own in the second quarter, after intercepting an outlet pass from the backfield. The freshman took the ball all the way past Bison goalkeeper Clara McCormick at 23:39 to put Lafayette ahead.

Unfortunately, Bucknell was able to tie the game with just three minutes left in regulation with a goal from Emily Doyle. The first 10-minute overtime period saw both teams get a few opportunities, but each goalkeeper made sufficient saves to keep their respective teams in the contest.

Senior captain Audrey Sawers was the Leopard to score the game-winner at 71:49. Spaans once again cut off a backfield outlet from the Bison and gave an excellent pass to Sawers around her defender, who was waiting at the top of the circle to smash it home. The Leopard bench ran out onto the field to celebrate the well-executed play with each other.

Lafayette held the advantage in total shots (21-13), but Bucknell was able to earn more penalty corners starting early in the game (4-6).

Lafayette senior goalkeeper Hailey Abbott made eight saves in the victory, while her Bucknell counterpart, Clara McCormick made 10.

The Leopards travel to No. 3 Rutgers tomorrow at 2 p.m. to close out the regular season.