Lipscomb Uses Big Second Inning to Defeat Bucknell 8-5
3/11/2025 7:47:00 PM | Softball
NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Bucknell fell 8-5 to Lipscomb in the Battle of the Bison(s). The Bison of Bucknell (7-12) scored five runs but a big second inning clinched the victory for the Bisons of Lipscomb (12-11).
The reigning Patriot League Pitcher of the Week Savannah Jones started in the circle for Bucknell and quickly ran into trouble against the Volunteer State foe. A double, sacrifice bunt, and a sac fly scored the first run in the opening frame.
Bucknell equaled the score in the second inning on Juliette Basso's first career home run. The senior launched a rocket to left field to tie the score.
Lipscomb scored five runs in their second chance at the plate. A leadoff walk, as so often, proved deadly. A misplayed fielder's choice and a single loaded the bases. A single to second base scored two runs. A sac fly and a Brooke Popella error added two more runs. An RBI double provided the fifth run. Sarah Zimmerman entered the circle and put out the fire.
The Bison fought back in the third inning. Ava Aguilar walked, Haley Speicher earned a bunt single, and Marissa Rapino walked to load the bases. MaKenzie Hilling uncharacteristically struck out swinging. Popella atoned for her error with a two-run single. A double play ended the inning.
Bucknell added two more runs in the next inning but missed a chance to tie or take the lead. Molly Lawson singled through the right side and Nicole Lioumis pinch ran for the hitter. Basso and Reagan Powell walked to load the bases and Bella Radican substituted as a pinch runner for Basso. Aguilar hit into an RBI grounder scoring Lioumis. Speicher singled to center field scoring Radican. The throw to the plate allowed both Powell and Speicher to advance a base. Rapino could not put the ball in play and struck out swinging. Hilling reloaded the bases with a walk but Popella's swinging strikeout ended the opportunity.
Lipscomb gained two insurance runs in the fifth inning. Three straight doubles tallied two runs and placed Bucknell in a tough deficit.
Lioumis doubled in the seven inning but no other Bison reached base.
Bucknell completes its spring break trip tomorrow with a doubleheader at Tennessee State.
The reigning Patriot League Pitcher of the Week Savannah Jones started in the circle for Bucknell and quickly ran into trouble against the Volunteer State foe. A double, sacrifice bunt, and a sac fly scored the first run in the opening frame.
Bucknell equaled the score in the second inning on Juliette Basso's first career home run. The senior launched a rocket to left field to tie the score.
Lipscomb scored five runs in their second chance at the plate. A leadoff walk, as so often, proved deadly. A misplayed fielder's choice and a single loaded the bases. A single to second base scored two runs. A sac fly and a Brooke Popella error added two more runs. An RBI double provided the fifth run. Sarah Zimmerman entered the circle and put out the fire.
The Bison fought back in the third inning. Ava Aguilar walked, Haley Speicher earned a bunt single, and Marissa Rapino walked to load the bases. MaKenzie Hilling uncharacteristically struck out swinging. Popella atoned for her error with a two-run single. A double play ended the inning.
Bucknell added two more runs in the next inning but missed a chance to tie or take the lead. Molly Lawson singled through the right side and Nicole Lioumis pinch ran for the hitter. Basso and Reagan Powell walked to load the bases and Bella Radican substituted as a pinch runner for Basso. Aguilar hit into an RBI grounder scoring Lioumis. Speicher singled to center field scoring Radican. The throw to the plate allowed both Powell and Speicher to advance a base. Rapino could not put the ball in play and struck out swinging. Hilling reloaded the bases with a walk but Popella's swinging strikeout ended the opportunity.
Lipscomb gained two insurance runs in the fifth inning. Three straight doubles tallied two runs and placed Bucknell in a tough deficit.
Lioumis doubled in the seven inning but no other Bison reached base.
Bucknell completes its spring break trip tomorrow with a doubleheader at Tennessee State.
Team Stats
Pitching:
W: L. Barefoot (8-4)
L: Jones, Savannah (4-3)

Batting:
2B: Lioumis, Nicole 1
HR: Basso, Juliette 1
RBI: Aguilar, Ava 1 ; Speicher, Haley 1 ; Popella, Brooke 2 ; Basso, Juliette 1
SH: Lioumis, Nicole 1
Base Running:
RUNS: Aguilar, Ava 1 ; Speicher, Haley 1 ; Lioumis, Nicole 1 ; Basso, Juliette 1 ; Radican, Bella 1
HBP: Malone, Shea 1 ; Radican, Bella 1

Batting:
2B: A. Hastings 2 ; J. Polk 1 ; Cassarello 1 ; M. Kirby 1
RBI: A. Hastings 2 ; E. Smith 1 ; B. Sherman 1 ; J. Polk 1 ; M. Kirby 3
SH: E. Smith 1
SF: A. Hastings 1 ; B. Sherman 1
Base Running:
RUNS: A. Hastings 1 ; E. Smith 1 ; E. Polk 1 ; Mac. Ogle 1 ; Cassarello 2 ; M. Kirby 2
SB: M. Kirby 1
Game Leaders
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