Softball Defeats Army in Doubleheader, Extends PL Best ...

LEWISBURG, Pa.- The Bucknell Bison softball team (14-16, 5-0 Patriot League) won both ends of the Saturday doubleheader, 2-1 and 4-3, over the Army Black Knights (4-25, 0-5 Patriot League) to remain undefeated in PL play. Bucknell used steady pitching and clutch hitting to keep their PL-best 11-game winning streak in conference play intact. The Bison's 5-0 start in conference competition is the best mark since 2021. 

Madison Roukey pitched the first game and hurled another complete contest, her third such outing in a row. Roommate MaKenzie Hilling tallied both runs on a bloop single. Savannah Jones and Hunter Vestal teamed up to pitch the second game, while Angelina Seropian delivered the crushing blow with a walk-off single.

Caffrey's Call

"Today was so fun to see us complete in all aspects. We didn't try to play perfect. We just tried to do our best and it was awesome to watch Angelina come through big in that last at-bat. We were locked in for every inning, and I'm so proud of this team for getting two big wins today. Army is a tough team, so we knew every game would be a battle. There were team wins, and everyone played a big role."

Game One Recap Roukey ran into slight trouble in the first three innings, but careful pitching and two double plays eliminated the threats. In the first inning, Brooke Popella caught a scorching line drive one foot off the ground and fired to first to obtain the double play. Army hit a single and an error to place two on base in the second inning with one out, but Roukey did not waver. The third inning saw an Army single, with the batter advancing to second on an error. Another double play eliminated both runners.

Bucknell had a chance in the first inning for a decisive blow. Elena Horn and Brooke Popella singled, and Hilling walked to load the bases. Jones battled for five pitches before hitting a pop-up, ending the inning.

The Bison broke through in the third inning for two runs. Horn reached on an error, and Zoie Smith doubled to right field. Popella hit a grounder for the second out. Hilling strolled to the plate and expertly placed a single down the right-field line. Horn and Smith scampered across the plate for the 2-0 Bucknell lead. Army struck back for a run in the fourth frame. Haley Speicher and Sarah Zimmerman collided in left-center field while going for a line drive. Zimmerman's throw into the infield went wild, and the runner dashed home. Roukey responded with three straight outs.

The remainder of the game passed quickly as Roukey settled into the groove and did not let a Black Knight past second base. A swinging strikeout ended the game for the 2-1 Bucknell triumph.

Game Two Recap

The Bison overcame a 3-0 deficit by scoring runs in the final three innings to complete the 4-3 comeback.

Jones started in the circle for the Bison and threw three scoreless innings.

Army broke the 0-0 deadlock in the fourth frame with a leadoff double by Kayla Edwards and the follow-up single by Ashton White. Jones kept the damage to one run by inducing three consecutive outs.

The Black Knights added two more runs in the fifth inning. Sam Bocis hit a rise ball into the air and left the wind carry it over the center field fence. A Caitlyn Newburn double followed. Vestal entered the circle and promptly yielded a single to Sims, who pinch-ran for Newburn. The senior pitcher settled down and finished the inning.

The Bison counterattacked for a run in the bottom of the inning. With one out, Zimmerman walked, and Horn reached on an error. A wild pitch followed, and Zimmerman scored when the catcher threw the ball into the outfield. Jones and Smith walked to load the bases. But two fielder's choices ended the inning at 3-1.

The Orange & Blue Crew added a second run in the sixth inning. Bella Radican walked, and with two outs, Zimmerman tripled to center field for her first collegiate extra base hit to score Radican.

A rain delay extended the seventh inning. However, Vestal still obtained a 1-2-3 frame.

Bison fans put on their rally horns, and Jones responded with a single. Smith reached on a fielder's choice, and Jones remained safe due to an error by the second baseman as she tried to corral the toss. Popella flew out, and the two runners advanced on a wild pitch. Hilling reached on a fielder's choice, and Jones was thrown out at home. The stage was set for Seropian. She battled through a nine-pitch at-bat and won the round with a walk-off single over the left fielder's head. Smith and Hilling raced home. A joyous band of Bison mobbed Seropian.

Record Watch

Zoie Smith's two doubles push her career total to 37, which ties her for seventh all-time with Mary Pavlovich.

Up Next

Bucknell finishes the three-game series with Army tomorrow on Easter Sunday at noon.