Theodorsson Named to Second Team;Sofilkanich Slotted to Three All-Patriot League Teams

LEWISBURG, Pa.- The Bucknell Bison women's basketball team placed two members on Patriot League PenFed Credit Union Women's Basketball All-Patriot League teams the league office announced on Friday. Sophomore forward/guard Emma Theodorsson was named to the Second Team, while freshman forward Ashley Sofilkanich made the All-Defensive, All-Rookie, and Third Teams.

Bucknell now has 27 Second Team, 25 All-Rookie, seven All-Defensive, and five Third Team honorees in its history. The Bison continues its streak of having at least two players honored, a stretch which started in 2013-2014. Sofilkanich became the first Bison to make the All-Defensive Team since steals-specialist Marly Walls in 2021-22. She also became the first Bison player to earn spots on three league teams in a single season. The previous record of two was achieved by six Bison athletes and was last unlocked by Cecilia Collins in 2021-2022 when she earned Second Team and All-Rookie slots. The Orange & Blue has placed a player on the Second Team for 24 out of the PL's 34 years of operation.

Sofilkanich took the league by storm as a rookie. The freshman dominated the paint, averaging 12.3 ppg and 6.3 rpg. Her 12.3 ppg ranks second for the Bison and 12th in the Patriot League. She leads Bucknell in rebounding and slots tied for seventh in the circuit. A prototypical shot-stuffer, her 2.0 blocks per game rates second in the PL. A defensive stalwart, she played key roles in the Bison's season sweeps of Boston and Loyola (Md.) by holding Boston's Caitlin Weimar and Loyola's Lex Therien to below their season averages. Among PL rookies, her scoring average ranks third, and her rebounding average slots second. Sofilkanich collected five Rookie of the Week awards, second to Navy's Zanai Barnett-Gay's seven. She notched four double-doubles, including a standout 22-15 effort against Lehigh, where the Bison were missing starters Grace Sullivan and Emma Theodorsson to illness.

Coach Woodruff on Sofilkanich: "It is exciting to see a freshman at such a young age have so much success. We expected Ashley to make a contribution this year but she has exceeded everything that we have expected and she deserves credit for that. She is a big reason for the overall development of the team, we are excited for her future, and she is deserving of this recognition."

Theodorsson won a spot on the All-Rookie Team in 2022-23 and has steadily progressed into a durable and proficient scorer. The summer playing time with the U20 Icelandic National Team paid off as Theodorsson ascended into the ranks of the Patriot League's most reliable scorers. Her 13.0 ppg ranks first with Bucknell and eighth in the League. She pulls down rebounds at the rate of 5.8 ppg, enough for 11th in the league. Theodorsson has played inside and out and gathered three double-doubles. Against her hometown team of Robert Morris, Theodorsson tallied 26 points and 10 rebounds. Against league power Boston on Jan. 17, Theodorsson scored 31 points to become the first Bison player since Taylor O'Brien (3/18/22) to score 30+ points. For that exemplary game, the sophomore earned Player of the Week honors. Theodorsson recently crossed the 500-point milestone and currently has 560.

Coach Woodruff on Theodorsson: "I'm proud of Theo's continued development, maturity level, her ability to be more consistent. It not only showcases her ability but it makes it exciting for what she can ultimately become. Which in our minds is a First Team All-Patriot League player."

Sofilkanich, Theodorsson, and the Bison return to action this Saturday at Davis Gym to play the ninth-seeded American Eagles in the Patriot League First Round. The tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.

2023-24 Women's Basketball All-Patriot League Teams and Major Awards
Player of the Year: Caitlin Weimar, Boston University, Sr., F
Defensive Player of the Year: Caitlin Weimar, Boston University, Sr., F
Rookie of the Year: Zanai Barnett-Gay, Navy, Fr., G
Coach of the Year: Danielle O'Banion, Loyola Maryland

First-Team All-Patriot League
Caitlin Weimar, Boston University, Sr., F
Alex Giannaros, Boston University, Jr., G
Bronagh Power-Cassidy, Holy Cross, Sr., G
Lex Therien, Loyola Maryland, Jr., F
Zanai Barnett-Gay, Navy, Fr., G

Second-Team All-Patriot League*
Emily Johns, American, Sr., F
Trinity Hardy, Army West Point, Jr., G
Emma Theodorsson, Bucknell, So., G
Alexa Brodie, Colgate, Gr., G
Taylor Golembiewski, Colgate, Jr., G
Makayla Andrews, Lafayette, Sr., G

Third-Team All-Patriot League
Ashley Sofilkanich, Bucknell, Fr., F/C
Janelle Allen, Holy Cross, Sr., F
Cara McCormack, Holy Cross, Sr., F
Abby Antognoli, Lafayette, Jr., G
Maddie Albrecht, Lehigh, Sr., G

Patriot League All-Defensive Team
Ivy Bales, American, Sr., G
Caitlin Weimar, Boston University, Sr., F
Ashley Sofilkanich, Bucknell, Fr., F/C
Alexa Brodie, Colgate, Gr., G
Zanai Barnett-Gay, Navy, Fr., G

Patriot League All-Rookie Team
Fiona Hastick, Army West Point, Fr., G/F
Ashley Sofilkanich, Bucknell, Fy., F/C
Kimmie Hicks, Loyola Maryland, Fr., G/F
Zanai Barnett-Gay, Navy, Fr., G
Kyah Smith, Navy, Fr., G

Theodorsson Named to Second Team;Sofilkanich Slotted to Three All-Patriot League Teams

Players Mentioned

Ashley Sofilkanich

Grace Sullivan

Emma Theodorsson

Related Videos