Softball Duels Saint Francis University in Tuesday Doubleheader

LEWISBURG, Pa.- Fresh off a series sweep of the Holy Cross Crusaders, the Bucknell Bison softball team (13-26, 5-10 PL) battles fellow Pennsylvania school Saint Francis University (20-22, 12-6 NEC) in a Tuesday doubleheader. The Red Flash are coming off a weekend where they defeated NEC foe Central Connecticut State University in two out of three games.

The Starting Lineup
What: Midweek Doubleheader against Saint Francis University
Where: Saint Francis Softball Field (Loretto, Pa.)
When: April 25

Bucknell Schedule (All Times EST)

Tuesday, April 25
1:00 p.m. | at Saint Francis University | Live Stats | NEC Front Row
3:00 p.m. | at Saint Francis University | Live Stats | NEC Front Row

The Inside "Herd" on the Bison

The Bison swept Patriot League foe Holy Cross in three games. Bucknell won 5-2 and 7-6 on Saturday and finished off the Crusaders on Monday in a 3-0 triumph.
Madison Roukey was the ace of the weekend. She pitched 10 innings yielding only one run. On Monday, she tossed a complete game shutout with 10 strikeouts. She was the first Bison hurler to throw double-digit strikeouts since Feb. 16, 2020.
Zoie Smith hit .500 over the last week of games with two RBIs, two stolen bases, and two extra base hits (a double and a triple).
Haley Speicher had the best week of her rookie year. She compiled a .462 batting average with two triples and played a key role in sparking rallies in the Holy Cross sweep.

Overview of the Opposition

Saint Francis University has been the reigning powerhouse in the NEC, winning the last five league titles. They are 20-22 on the season but tied for the NEC lead at 12-6 in conference play. Rachel Marsden and Grace Vesco continue to be ace pitchers in the circle. Vesco just set the program record for career wins. Marsden is also a threat at the dish with six home runs. Jordan Pietrzykoski leads the team with a .356 batting average and is the only regular hitting over .300.

History with the Foe

Bucknell leads the all-time series with SFU 31-26 but has lost the last three matchups, including a 5-2 defeat this year where the Bison outplayed the Red Flash over the final four innings. The series dates back to 1987. Bucknell won the first matchup 11-0.

Up Next

The Bison play a doubleheader at St. John's on Saturday.