Softball Starts Conference and Home Schedule Tomorrow versus Holy Cross

Saturday, March 21

Lewisburg, Pa.

Noon

Bucknell University

Holy Cross

Photo by: Amber Searls

Softball Starts Conference and Home Schedule Tomorrow versus Holy Cross

3/20/2026 1:08:00 PM | Softball

LEWISBURG, Pa.- Bucknell Softball (2-20) opens Patriot League play and its 11-game home schedule this weekend when the Holy Cross Crusaders charge in from Worcester for a three-game set. The Bison look to reset the 2026 season with a strong performance in conference action. Action begins Saturday at noon with a doubleheader followed by a Sunday matinee, also at noon. All three games will be streamed on ESPN+.

The Starting Lineup
What: Patriot League Series versus Holy Cross
Where: Becker Field (Lewisburg, Pa.)
When: March 21-22

Stackhouse Statement

"We're excited to open Patriot League play against Holy Cross - this is what we've been building toward. The first 22 games tested us in every way, and they've prepared us for this moment. We've learned how to compete, how to adjust, and how to trust each other. Now it is about taking those lessons and playing our best softball when it matters most."

Bucknell Schedule (All Times EST)

Saturday, March 21
Noon | vs. Holy Cross | Live Stats | ESPN+
2 p.m. | vs. Holy Cross | Live Stats | ESPN+

Sunday, March 22
Noon | vs. Holy Cross | Live Stats | ESPN+

The Inside "Herd" on the Bison

Bucknell completed its spring break trip with a 1-3 performance in two doubleheaders at Gardner-Webb and Furman. The Runnin' Bulldogs defeated Bucknell 3-0 and 10-5. The Paladins edged the Bison 5-4 on a walk-off in the first game. The Orange & Blue had the leading run on third with zero outs in the top of the seventh before Furman's fielders turned in three straight Gold Glove catches. Bucknell rallied for a 7-3 victory in the second game with Avery Powers going the distance.
Brooke Popella collected four more hits, moving her career total to 98 - two away from the prestigious 100-hit mark. Bucknell's last batter to reach 100 hits was senior slapper Haley Speicher, who passed the milestone in 2025.
Addison Taft hit her first collegiate home run against Gardner-Webb. She joined the three other Bison, Meadow Gambacurta, Skye Perez, and Sarah Zimmerman in that club.

Overview of the Opposition

The Crusaders are 4-12 overall, will also start conference operations this weekend, and did not play a Power Four opponent in non-conference action. Holy Cross enters on a five-game losing streak, with four losses to UMBC and one to North Dakota. The Crusaders hit .237 as a team with one player, Silje Emery, above the .300 mark at .367. Holy Cross mainly relies on a trio of hurlers with noted senior Sophia Roncone headling the staff.

History with the Foes