Softball Faces Lafayette in Weekend Clashes

LEWISBURG, Pa.- Bucknell softball (9-23, 0-9 Patriot League) returns home to Becker Field to face Keystone State rival Lafayette (6-23, 4-5 Patriot League) in a pivotal three-game series. The Bison seek its first conference win and look to build momentum. Bucknell was swept by Lehigh last weekend.

The Starting Lineup

What: Conference Series vs. Lafayette
Where: Becker Field (Lewisburg, Pa.)
When: April 12 & 13

Bucknell Schedule (All Times EST)

Saturday, April 12
Noon | vs. Lafayette | Live Stats

Sunday, April 13
Noon | vs. Lafayette | Live Stats | ESPN+
2 p.m. | vs. Lafayette | Live Stats | ESPN+

Caffrey's Call

"We are extremely excited to be back at home this weekend against Lafayette. We have had two challenging weekends on the road and are looking forward to getting home to Becker Field and playing in front of our Bucknell Community. This final stretch of the season it is important to take it one game at a time and dial back into the little things that make us successful. Every game in PL play is important, and for us it starts with going pitch-by-pitch. The ability to get some extra practice in this week has been really beneficial and I am excited to see us compete this weekend."

The Inside "Herd" on the Bison

Lehigh handled the Bison in a weekend sweep, keeping Bucknell winless in conference competition.
The Mountain Hawks won the first game 9-1 in six innings.
Bucknell bounced back and almost defeated Lehigh in the second contest. Savannah Jones pitched scoreless ball before Lehigh scratched two runs across in the sixth inning for the 2-0 victory.
Lehigh defeated Bucknell 11-0 in five innings on Sunday. The score was 10-0 after two innings and Lehigh coasted to the victory.
Rookie Reagan Powell leads the team with a .318 batting average.
MaKenzie Hilling's and Popella's 17 RBI pace the team.
Savannah Jones has emerged as the staff ace with a team-low 4.08 ERA.
Hilling set the program record for career walks with 69. She passed Bucknell Hall of Famer Jen Yuengling for the honor. Yuengling established the record in 1993.

Overview of the Opposition

Lafayette- The Leopards's head coach departed before the season began and the departure showed in non-conference play going 2-18 but the team has rallied in conference action for a 4-5 mark to sit at 6-23 overall. Lafayette swept Holy Cross to begin conference play. Lehigh took all three games from their ancient rivals but all three contests required Lehigh comebacks. Lafayette grabbed one game from Colgate. Mary Grace O'Neill leads the team with a .435 batting average. Pitching has been Lafayette's weakness with a staff ERA of 9.99.

History with the Foe

Lafayette- Bucknell owns a 95-41 series lead over the Leopards. The Bison have won the last eight of nine games in the series, including six straight. Bucknell swept Lafayette 3-1, 2-1, and 4-1 last year in Easton.

Up Next

Bucknell stays at Becker Field to play Colgate in an Easter weekend series on April 19-20.