Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Softball Voted Third in Patriot League Preseason Poll
2/12/2010 7:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 12, 2010
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell softball was picked third in the 2010 Patriot League Preseason Poll, the league announced Friday. The Bison, which were selected third for the second consecutive year, earned 34 points, including one first-place vote.
Bucknell finished the 2009 season third in the league with a 19-32 record overall and 9-11 in the Patriot League. The Bison's standing earned them their second consecutive berth in the league tournament.
Returning from last year's squad are First Team All-Patriot League selections Elyse Colmenero (Fresno, Calif./Central) and Alison Ford (Suisun City, Calif./Fairfield). The duo combined for eight home runs and 46 RBIs. Jessie Snyder (Tacoma, Wash./Stadium) and Jane Messersmith (Costa Mesa, Calif./Newport Harbor) will also return for the Orange and Blue. Snyder finished the season with a .328 batting average and 24 RBI, while Messersmith led the team with nine wins and a 3.56 ERA in the pitcher's circle.
Leading the way in the poll for yet another year was Lehigh with 49 points and nine first-place votes. Colgate was second (36 points) and Lafayette was fourth (29). Army (18) and Holy Cross (14) completed the list.
The preseason poll is voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors who cannot vote for their own team.
Bucknell opens its 2010 schedule March 6-7 at the George Mason Invitational. The Bison will take on the host Patriots and Marist Red Fox in Fairfax, Va.
Patriot League Softball Preseason Poll
1. Lehigh, 49 points (9 first-place votes)
2. Colgate, 36 (1)
3. Bucknell, 34 (1)
4. Lafayette, 29 (1)
5. Army, 18
6. Holy Cross, 14
