Women's Baskeball Falls to Holy Cross, 67-60

LEWISBURG, Pa. - Reese Zemitis led three Bucknell players in double figures with 13 points, but Bucknell could not close out its home schedule with a victory as Holy Cross defeated the Bison 67-60 Saturday afternoon at Sojka Pavilion. Ashley Sofilkanich and Tuana Coskun added 11 points each for Bucknell, which fell to 15-13, 10-7 PL.

The Bison led 36-34 at halftime, but Holy Cross (18-10, 11-6 PL) outscored Bucknell 20-13 in the third quarter and never trailed in the fourth.

The Crusaders were led by 22 points from Lindsay Berger on 10 of 14 shooting. She also posted six rebounds and four assists. Kaitlyn Flanagan totaled nine points and nine assists.

Bucknell made eight 3-pointers in the contest, including three by Zemitis. The freshman has 56 three-pointers this season moving into a tie for eighth all-time with Amanda Brown (2006-07).

"Reese is a gifted scorer and can get points in multiple ways," said head coach Trevor Woodruff. "I thought for most of the game Holy Cross had their best perimeter defender on her. That is a sign of respect from the opposing team. I am thrilled with her performance and growth this year."

The Bison trailed 12-4 in the first quarter before unleashing a 12-0 run capped by a Zemitis three-pointer. Holy Cross cut the deficit to 18-17 as the first quarter concluded.

The second quarter featured four lead changes and three ties as neither team could establish dominance. Bucknell thrice tied the game at 24-24, 26-26, and 28-28 before the Crusaders created minor separation at 32-28. With the score at 34-31 Holy Cross with 4:08 remaining, both teams went ice cold as only two shots were made before halftime. Elana Weisman scored on a driving layup. Senior Sophia Sabino provided the shot of the day with a pull-up jump shot from near halfcourt to beat the buzzer and give Bucknell the 36-34 advantage.

The third quarter continued the trend of lead changes and tied. The teams were deadlocked twice 36-36 and 38-38 before Coskun hit a triple. Holy Cross regained the lead with a 5-1 run. Coskun replied with a turnaround jump shot. Berger scored 15 seconds later and Holy Cross led 45-44 and never trailed again. The Crusaders built a 54-49 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Holy Cross increased its lead to 58-49 before a 5-0 Bison run occurred. The Crusaders went up by six points (60-54) and again the Bison cut the deficit to four (62-58). Bucknell gained two stops but Sabino and Sofilkanich were whistled for offensive fouls. Holy Cross hit five out of six free shots to seal the 67-60 win.

Bucknell celebrated the careers of Isabella King and Sophia Sabino today. The senior class produced 55 wins and three Patriot League Tournament victories. Coach Woodruff was effusive in his praise:

"I have said it whenever I am asked about the seniors. They have been exemplary. You ask certain things of the student-athletes on how they act, interact, and react to things going on in this world will ultimately make them successful. I will hold them up as what we are looking for in our student-athletes. They have done everything you want them to do."

The defeat drops Bucknell into a tie for fifth place in the conference with Navy, who holds the 2-0 tiebreaker on the Bison. The regular season concludes Wednesday with a clash at American.

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Team Stats

Reese Zemitis

Ashley Sofilkanich

Tuana Coskun

Sophia Sabino

Players Mentioned

Tuana Coskun

Isabella King

Sophia Sabino

Ashley Sofilkanich

Elana Weisman

Reese Zemitis