Softball Opens 2024 Season at the Kickin' Chicken Classic

LEWISBURG, Pa.- The Bucknell Bison softball team opens its 46th year of competition at the Kickin' Chicken Classic hosted by Coastal Carolina. The Bison will play five games against four foes, including ACC member Syracuse. It is the second straight year Bucknell has opened the season in South Carolina. The Orange & Blue began the 2023 campaign at USC Upstate.

Season Preview

The Starting Lineup
What: Kickin' Chicken Classic vs. Campbell, Coastal Carolina, George Washington, and Syracuse
Where: St. John Field (Conway, S.C.)
When: Feb. 9-11

Kickin' Chicken Classic Schedule
Friday, Feb. 9 | St. John Field
10 a.m. | vs. George Washington | Live Stats
12:30 p.m. | vs. Syracuse | Live Stats

Saturday, Feb. 10 | St. John Field
12:30 p.m. | vs. Campbell | Live Stats
6 p.m. | at Coastal Carolina | ESPN+ | Live Stats

Sunday, Feb. 11 | St. John Field
9 a.m. | vs. George Washington | Live Stats

The Inside "Herd" on the Bison

The Bison enter 2024 seeking to build upon the 2023 season, which saw the squad improve to 16-30 overall and 8-10 in the Patriot League. The Orange & Blue made it to the Patriot League Tournament for the first time since 2019 as the fourth seed. Bucknell fell to No. 1 seed Boston and No. 3 Army in the Patriot League Tournament.
Senior catcher Zoie Smith was named to the Patriot League All-Preseason Team. Smith collected a .353 batting average, and her 15 doubles ranked 19th in the nation for doubles per game.
Bucknell was selected to finish tied for fourth with Colgate in the PL Preseason Poll, as voted upon by the coaches and SIDs. Reigning champion Boston was first, followed by Lehigh, Army, Bucknell & Colgate lumped together, Holy Cross, with Lafayette slotted last.

Overview of the Opposition

George Washington - The George Washington Revolutionaries, recently rechristened from the Colonials moniker, went 17-28 last season. Bucknell seeks to even the score after dropping last season's opening-day match-up. 14-game winner Rose Cano returns to the circle for George Washington.
Syracuse - Syracuse narrowly missed .500 status in 2023, going 24-26-1. Their season concluded with a 4-1 loss to #3 Florida State in the ACC Tournament. ACC All-Freshman selection pitcher/utility Madison Knight is one of seven players in Syracuse history to throw a no-hitter. She led the team in wins (14) and RBIs (28).
Campbell - Campbell softball had a banner year in 2023, winning 42 games, clinching a third-straight Big South Tournament title, and defeating George Mason at the Durham Regional. The Camels lost star hitter Claudia Ware (21 doubles and .374 batting average) but retained ace hurler Isabella Smith, who notched 29 of Campbell's 42 wins. Smith has 44 victories and a career 1.99 ERA in two seasons.
Coastal Carolina - Coastal Carolina went 36-20 in 2023 and lost 2-1 to Marshall in the Sun Belt Tournament Quarterfinals. The Chanticleer pounded the sphere last season, hitting 58 home runs, but were also apt at pitching, compiling a team ERA of 2.59 while relying on a three-woman rotation.

History with the Foes

George Washington - Bucknell opens with a game against George Washington for the second consecutive season. It is the first time since Hofstra (1990 & 1991) the Bison have repeated with the same Opening Day foe. Bucknell is 5-5 all-time with the Revolutionaries.
Syracuse - The Bison have never faced off against the ACC foe.
Campbell - The Orange & Blue are 1-6 all-time against the Camels. The sole victory came in 2018.
Coastal Carolina - The Bison have a surprisingly long history with the Chanticleers, with the first game in 1987. Coastal holds a 14-4 advantage in the series.

Up Next

Bucknell heads to Radford on Feb. 16 & 17 for a three-game series.