Bucknell University Athletics
Popella Notches Second Patriot League Rookie of the Week
4/9/2024 2:35:00 PM | Softball
LEWISBURG, Pa.- The Bucknell Bison softball team brought home its third weekly honor of the 2024 season when shortstop Brooke Popella was named Patriot League Rookie of the Week on Tuesday. It is the second time the rookie won the award. She becomes the first Bucknell freshman since Zoie Smith in 2021 to win the honor twice in a campaign.Â
"Brooke deserves this award," said head coach Sarah Caffrey. "She has been stellar all year, and watching her compete day in and day out, it is no surprise to see her have this success. Brooke is one of the hardest workers and a great teammate. We're so happy to celebrate her."
Popella batted 5-for-8 for a blistering .625 average against a potent Lehigh pitching staff. The rookie hitter displayed no concern, making constant adjustments against two of the Patriot League's best pitchers, Katelyn Young and Maria Urban. In the first game against Lehigh and Young, Popella batted 2-for-3. She dipped slightly to 1-for-3 in the second game before rebounding to 2-for-3 in the series finale. She also drew a walk in the final contest, boosting her to seventh in the Patriot League with 14 free passes.Â
Her performance in the three-game series boosted her batting average above the .300 threshold to .305. The mark is second-best on the team behind Zoie Smith's .323. Popella ranks second on Bucknell's roster in doubles (6), RBIs (14), hits (29), and total bases (35). She stands out as one of the Patriot League's finest freshmen. Popella has been involved in four double plays as part of Bucknell's middle defense.Â
Popella and the Bison travel to Colgate this weekend for a pivotal series with the Raiders.Â
"Brooke deserves this award," said head coach Sarah Caffrey. "She has been stellar all year, and watching her compete day in and day out, it is no surprise to see her have this success. Brooke is one of the hardest workers and a great teammate. We're so happy to celebrate her."
Popella batted 5-for-8 for a blistering .625 average against a potent Lehigh pitching staff. The rookie hitter displayed no concern, making constant adjustments against two of the Patriot League's best pitchers, Katelyn Young and Maria Urban. In the first game against Lehigh and Young, Popella batted 2-for-3. She dipped slightly to 1-for-3 in the second game before rebounding to 2-for-3 in the series finale. She also drew a walk in the final contest, boosting her to seventh in the Patriot League with 14 free passes.Â
Her performance in the three-game series boosted her batting average above the .300 threshold to .305. The mark is second-best on the team behind Zoie Smith's .323. Popella ranks second on Bucknell's roster in doubles (6), RBIs (14), hits (29), and total bases (35). She stands out as one of the Patriot League's finest freshmen. Popella has been involved in four double plays as part of Bucknell's middle defense.Â
Popella and the Bison travel to Colgate this weekend for a pivotal series with the Raiders.Â
Players Mentioned
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Thursday, October 01
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Wednesday, September 30