The Holy Cross women’s lacrosse team will play Bucknell in the quarterfinal round of the 2026 Patriot League Tournament on Sunday, April 26, at 1 p.m. The Crusaders are seeded fifth and will travel to face the fourth-seeded Bison. The winner of this matchup will advance to play either Navy or Army West Point in the semifinals on Thursday, April 30.
This game is significant as it marks Holy Cross’s 14th appearance in the Patriot League Tournament. The team has a balanced all-time record of 11-11 in tournament play and previously claimed league titles in both 2006 and 2007. In their only previous postseason meeting with Bucknell, Holy Cross won during the semifinals in 2006.
Senior Racheli Levy-Smith leads Holy Cross with standout performances this season, holding team highs in draw controls (170), caused turnovers (39), and ground balls (39). Her draw control total is just one short of her own school record set last year. Junior Kate Avitabile has also contributed significantly with a team-best 59 points from ten goals and forty-nine assists, nearing another school single-season assist record.
Sophomore Hadley Cepiel stands out as a top scorer for the Crusaders with forty goals this season, while junior Annabel Brennan plays an important role in midfield. Senior Mackenzie Creagh anchors the defense as goalkeeper, recording seven games with double-digit saves so far this year.
In their most recent meeting earlier this month, Bucknell edged out Holy Cross by a score of twelve to eleven despite a career-high five-goal effort from senior Tory Rider. This result ended a six-game winning streak for Holy Cross against Bucknell.
Bucknell enters Sunday’s contest with an overall record of nine wins and six losses. Senior Megan Krestinski leads their scoring efforts alongside freshman Caleigh Cummiskey.
