Bucknell University

PROVIDENCE, R.I.- Bucknell women’s water polo (15-14) finished the 2025 season with a 14-8 defeat to the #10 Michigan Wolverines (19-11) in the CWPA Championships Third Place Game. The fifth-seeded Bison fought hard against the third-seeded Wolverines before the Maize & Blue’s depth proved superior. It marked the second time (2006 & 2025) the Bison placed fourth at the CWPA Championships, and the fourth occurrence of Bucknell finishing in the Top Four. 

The Bison inched within 7-5 entering the fourth quarter before Michigan outscored Bucknell 7-3 in the final stanza. Olivia Hopper tallied seven of the Orange & Blue’s eight goals. 

Michigan started strong with four goals to Bucknell’s one. Hayden Hedstrom tallied Bucknell’s one cage-finder. 

The Wolverines further built its lead with two goals in the second period. Hopper countered with her first tally. 

Bucknell fell behind 7-2 in the third quarter before Hopper unleashed a 3-0 run in less than two minutes. Hopper’s last goal arrived at the 5:37 mark and both teams shut down each other’s offenses for the rest of the quarter. 

Hopper opened the final quarter with a goal, moving Bucknell to within 7-6, inspiring the Bison partisans. The hope faded away as Michigan unleashed a 5-0 run, despite two Bucknell timeouts. Hopper ended the streak with a goal but Michigan responded 17 seconds later. The Wolverines added one more tally before Hopper ended the scoring with her seventh goal. 

Bucknell will return to action in the 2026 season full of hope and revival. The Bison only graduate three seniors and return plenty of talent.