OPENING PITCH
Saint Francis University women's soccer travels to Lewisburg, Pa. to open the 2022 regular season against a familiar nonconference foe, the Bucknell Bison. The Red Flash will look to embark on a journey this season with new faces across the coaching staff and roster as they look to build and compete in a crowded Northeast Conference.
THE WORD ON BUCKNELL
The Bison are coming into the first game of the 2022 season with lofty expectations in their home conference, the Patriot League. Bucknell was picked as the number two team in the conference just behind Navy in the preseason polls.
On the field the Bison are led by the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Rylee Donaldson and Preseason Midfielder of the Year Teresa Deda who combined for 12 goals last season. Bucknell will look to improve upon their successful 2021 campaign where they won the Patriot League Championship but fell to Rutgers in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
LOOKING FORWARD TO 2022
Saint Francis has gotten ready for the 2022 regular season with two scrimmages against George Washington and Villanova, but look to gain traction in the fall starting with the nonconference slate to open the season. The Red Flash welcomed new head coach
Sara Butler and assistant coach
Micah Fitz in the offseason as well as many new faces on the roster which includes nine freshmen. Saint Francis has three seniors returning for the 2022 season including fifth year player
Corinne Renninger who is looking to help lead a young team throughout the fall season. There will also be continuity in the goalkeeper position as well with all three goalkeepers from last year's team returning with another year of experience, led by
Sarah McConnon who registered 80 saves for the Red Flash last fall. Overall, there will be 15 players returning that saw game action in 2021 looking to help the Red Flash take the next step forward and build a strong 2022 campaign.
LAST TIME WE MET
The last time Saint Francis met with Bucknell in a regular season matchup was during the 2018 season as the game resulted in a 0-0 tie. This is a matchup that started in the 1992 season with the Red Flash seeking their seventh win all-time against the Bison.
UP NEXT
The Red Flash will stay on the road and face another nonconference foe and former NEC rival, the Robert Morris Colonials. The match is scheduled for Sunday, August 21st at 1 pm.
