Bucknell University Athletics
Softball Travels to the UNCG Invitational
2/18/2026 5:05:00 PM | Softball
The Starting Lineup
What: UNCG Invitational
Where: UNCG Softball Stadium (Greensboro, N.C.)
When: February 20-22
Tournament Central: uncgspartans.com
Bucknell Schedule (All Times EST)
Friday, February 20
10 a.m. | vs. Kent State | Live Stats
3 p.m. | at UNCG | Live Stats
Saturday, February 21
10 a.m | vs. Kent State | Live Stats
12:30 p.m. | vs. Canisius | Live Stats
Sunday, February 22
10 a.m. | vs. Canisius | Live Stats
Stackhouse's Statement
"As we get ready to take the field again, we are excited for the opportunity to compete, grow, and continue building our identity. Every time we step between the lines, it is another chance to sharpen our execution, strengthen our trust in one another, and play the game the right way. These early games are about progress - cleaning up the small details, embracing adversity, and competing with grit and confidence. With Patriot League play on the horizon, our focus is on preparing with purpose so that when conference times comes, we are not just ready to play - we are ready to contend."
The Inside "Herd" on the Bison
- Bucknell began the 2026 campaign with a 1-4 record. The Bison dropped the opening game to Texas Southern 7-6 after yielding three runs in the final frame. East Texas A&M defeated the Orange & Blue 11-9 in a high-scoring affair. Stephen F. Austin handcuffed the batters in a five-inning 8-0 win and South Dakota State rallied from an early deficit for a 7-3 victory. Bucknell rebounded against St. Bonaventure for a 7-3 win.
- Avery Powers handled the bulk of the pitching and delivered a solid performance for five innings against Texas Southern. She hurled a complete game versus St. Bonaventure, throwing 13 strikeouts - the most for a Bison pitcher since Raeanne Geffert threw 16 in 2020 against Mount St. Mary's.
- The Bison hit .324 as a team at the East Texas A&M Leadoff. Skye Perez enjoyed her Texas homecoming, batting a squad-best .462. Meadow Gambacurta made a smashing debut, slashing .429/..529/500 with two RBIs. Marissa Rapino also hit .429. Molly Lawson batted .333 and hit four doubles.
- All six Bison freshmen made their collegiate debuts at the Leadoff, fulfilling Stackhouse's prediction of early and heavy usage.
- Powers received Patriot League honorable mention for her 20 strikeout weekend.
- Kent State- The Golden Flashes are 5-4 under third year head coach Jessica O'Donnell, Bucknell's old foe from her time at rival Saint Francis. Kent State boasts a powerful offense with seven home runs and a .332 average. Caleigh Shaulis has clubbed four home runs. Riley Miller is their main pitcher, collecting a 4-1 record, despite a 6.09 ERA.
- UNCG- The host Spartans are spending their second straight weekend in Sparta. UNCG enjoys homefield advantage, going 4-1 in friendly confines after opening the weekend 1-4 at a Georgia Southern tournament. The Spartans went 39-18 last year and 23-7 at home. Kaylyn Belfield is their main average hitter, batting a robust .447. Layne Deane, Macy Michael, and Nya South provide power with three home runs each. UNCG's pitching staff has a tiny 2.03 ERA. Their head coach Janelle Breneman helmed the Bison from 2001-2004.
- Canisius- The Golden Griffins are 3-1 after opening the season last weekend at Chattanooga. Canisius batted .260 with four home runs and 13 RBIs. Olivia Manchester has been the staff ace with a 1.27 ERA and a 2-0 record.
- Kent State- Bucknell is 0-1 all-time versus the Golden Flashes. The sole matchup occurred in 2012.
- UNCG- The Bison are 0-3 versus the Spartans. The last meeting happened in 2022.
- Canisius- Bucknell is 3-4 in the series, which dates back to 1987. The Orange & Blue won the last matchup in the 2015 season opener.
Up Next
Bucknell heads to Virginia's Party at Palmer Invitational next weekend.
