Softball to Play Doubleheader Against Radford

LEWISBURG, Pa.- The Bucknell Bison softball team continues its 46th year of play with a doubleheader against the Radford Highlanders. The Bison are coming off a 2-3 opening weekend at the Kickin' Chicken Classic, where Bucknell defeated Campbell and George Washington. The Bison fell to host Coastal Carolina, George Washington, and Syracuse.

Season Preview

The Starting Lineup
What: Weekend Series at Radford
Where: Radford Softball Stadium (Radford, Va.)
When: Feb. 16

Weekend Schedule
Friday, Feb. 16 | Radford Softball Stadium
1 p.m. | at Radford | Live Stats
3 p.m. | at Radford | Live Stats

Caffrey's Call

"We're excited to get more games in this weekend. I love having the opportunity to play a doubleheader in early February. Radford is a good team. I'm excited about the challenge and looking forward to seeing some adjustments in our offense and pitching. The goal is to start the weekend 1-0 and give ourselves a chance to win every game."

The Inside "Herd" on the Bison

Madison Roukey received Patriot League Honorable Mention for her pitching performance at the Kickin' Chicken Classic. Roukey threw six scoreless innings against George Washington to earn the win. Against Campbell, she emerges as a true fireman reliever, entering with the tying run on second base and the leading run on first. She induced a fly-ball to end the game, earning the save.
MaKenzie Hilling had a standout first weekend at the plate, batting .500. The first baseman collected two doubles, three RBIs, and five total bases. She displayed a great batter's eye, walking four times for an on-base percentage of .636.
Zoie Smith picked up her 100th career hit against Campbell. The senior catcher also hit the Bison's sole home run of the weekend.
Four rookies made their Bison debut: Molly Lawson, Shea Malone, Brooke Popella, and Sarah Zimmerman.

Overview of the Opposition

Radford- The Highlanders went 16-34 in 2023. Radford went 3-2 at the Bash in the Boro on opening weekend. They defeated Merrimack twice and UMass. They fell to Georgia Southern and UMass. Their hitting has started fast, scoring 23 runs over five games. Rachel Smith, who hit .467 with two home runs and seven RBIs, won Big South Player of the Week. The pitching staff has a 1.27 ERA, with the top three pitchers, Morgan Cooper, Abby Peace, and Malorie Reeves, yielding only two earned runs in 27.2 innings.

History with the Foe

Radford- The series, which began in 1996, is tied at 2-2-1. Bucknell won the first contest, 2-1. The teams met up last season, with Radford narrowly pulling off a 3-2 victory. The series has been one of constant close games. Every showdown has been decided by one run, except for the 4-4 tie.

Up Next

The Bison head to New Jersey to compete in the relocated Hawk Classic on Feb. 22-24.

Next Event

Players Mentioned

MaKenzie Hilling

Molly Lawson

Shea Malone

Brooke Popella

Madison Roukey

Zoie Smith

Sarah Zimmerman