Bison Women Picked First in Patriot League Track and Field Preseason Poll

LEWISBURG, Pa. – The Bucknell women's track and field team is the early favorite in the Patriot League, based on the conference's preseason poll that was released on Wednesday. In a close vote by the league's head coaches and sports information directors, the Bison edged Boston University, 152-150.

The Bison received 12 first-place votes in the poll, while the Terriers grabbed eight. Rounding out the poll were Lehigh (134 points), Holy Cross (99), Army (98), Navy (98), Lafayette (67), Colgate (45), American (34) and Loyola (23).

Boston University swept the indoor and outdoor titles in 2014, but Bucknell has had the most recent success. The Bison won the 2015 Patriot League Indoor Championships in dominant fashion, and were the runners-up at last season's outdoor championships.

Bucknell head coach Kevin Donner was named the Patriot League Women's Coach of the Year after guiding the Bison to the indoor title. It was his eighth Coach of the Year honor. Freshman Christine Bendzinski was tabbed as the league's Rookie of the Year after winning the 1,000-meter run and the mile. Her time of 2:52.13 in the 1,000m set a league championship record.

The Bison finished with eight victories at the indoor championships. Efe Agege took first place in the triple jump (12.02m), Abigail Brundage claimed the title in the shot put (14.11m), Kim Nagotko won the 400-meter (56.45) and Jen Silvestri finished first in the 500-meter (1:15.71). The Bison also won the distance medley relay (12:03.02).

Bucknell opens the outdoor season at the Monmouth Invitational on Saturday, March 28.