Softball Sweeps Doubleheader Versus Delaware State

Sunday, February 23

Dover, Del.

10 a.m.

Bucknell University

2-5

Delaware State

3-1

Bucknell

Delaware State

Softball Sweeps Doubleheader Versus Delaware State

2/23/2025 3:29:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

DOVER, Del.- Bucknell rebounded from yesterday's tough 2-1 defeat to vanquish the Delaware State Hornets 5-1 and 5-0 in a Sunday doubleheader. The Bison improved to 3-5 overall while DSU fell to 3-2. Bucknell won the weekend series two games out of three.

Bucknell's pitching staff led the way in the series-clinching victories allowing only one run in 14 innings. Sophomore Sarah Zimmerman pitched the first game and senior ace Madison Roukey hurled the second contest. Both pitchers earned their first 2025 win.

The Bison bats, silent on Saturday, rose on Sunday to deliver run support for their pitchers. The damage could have been more as Bucknell collected 21 hits on the day.

Caffrey Call

"Excited to get out of Delaware with two good wins. I think we were able to work through some adjustments and get plenty of meaningful playing time for our team. We had some timely hitting and competitive at-bats.

Roukey had two great games for us and it was awesome to see Zimmerman throw her first complete game. It feels like we are starting to put things together and I'm excited to continue building as we get into the bulk of our season."

Game One Recap

After tough outings at the Texan Classic, Zimmerman was electric against the Hornets pitching a complete game and only yielding five hits and two walks.

Bucknell struck for four runs in the third inning. Ava Aguilar singled and stole second. Haley Speicher advanced her to third with a grounder. Skye Perez hit a deep grounder to the shortshop to score Aguilar. Shea Malone walked and Makenzie Hilling singled. Brooke Popella provided a bolt with a double to left field scoring both runners. She advanced to third on an error by the shortstop. Nicole Lioumis brought her home with a sharp single.

The fifth inning saw another Popella RBI double. Malone walked again and Hilling bunted her to second. Popella deposited another double to left field for the insurance run.

DSU grabbed its sole run in its fifth frame. Emma Crowe homered but Zimmerman limited the damage to the single tally.

Game Two Recap

Roukey, after some tough luck outings, earned her first win of the campaign throwing a masterful complete shutout. The senior allowed only seven hits and didn't walk a batter while striking out four Hornets.

Bucknell scored right off the bat. Perez singled and advanced to second on an error by the center fielder. Hilling hit an infield single and Perez darted around to score the opening run.

DSU loaded the bases with one out in the second inning. Roukey obtained a fielder's choice at home and a grounder to second to eliminate the threat.

The Bison carried over the momentum to the third inning scoring two runs. Speicher walked and Perez bunted for a hit. Malone popped up and Hilling advanced the runners with a fly ball. Popella delivered again with a two-run single.

The Orange & Blue added two insurance runs in the seventh inning. Perez singled and Hilling sent her home via a RBI double. Kate Dailor pinch ran for Hilling and Popella's flyout advanced her to third. Lioumis singled Dailor home for the final run.

Roukey swatted aside the Hornets's last effort to preserve the shutout.

Up Next

The Bison head off to the Hokie Invite next weekend.