Softball Starts Spring Break Expedition at the Winthrop Invitational

LEWISBURG, Pa.- Bucknell Softball (1-13) embarks on its annual spring break expedition this weekend with four games at the Winthrop Invitational. The Bison will try to discover some stability after a 0-5 outing at last weekend's Party at Palmer Invitational where Bucknell faced two Power Four foes and Villanova. The Orange & Blue play Georgia State and East Tennnessee State (ETSU) on Saturday and have a rematch with ETSU and a game versus Winthrop on Sunday. None of Bucknell's games will be streamed.

Stackhouse's Statement

"Spring break gives us a great opportunity to challenge ourselves with eight games across South Carolina and North Carolina. Trips like this about more than just the results - they're about building toughness, learning how to compete day after day, and continuing to grow as a team. We'll focus on staying present, making adjustments, and taking advantage of the weather throughout the week. It's a great chance for the group to get better together and strengthen the culture we're building."

The Inside "Herd" on the Bison

Bucknell posted a 0-5 mark last weekend. No. 18 Virginia shutout the Bison twice and Michigan, receiving votes in the NFCA Poll, run-ruled the Orange & Blue. Bucknell dropped a 8-7 walk-off loss to Villanova. The Wildcats dismantled the Bison 17-2 in the teams' other contest.
Brooke Popella smashed three doubles in the 8-7 defeat to Villanova, tying the Bucknell's single-game record.
Popella's .364 average is second on the team and her six double pace the squad. The junior shortstop is eight hits away from 100.
Her six two-baggers rank fourth in the league.
Meadow Gambacurta hit her first career home run, on her birthday, against Villanova.

Overview of the Opposition

Georgia State- The Panthers sit at 12-8 on the young season. They dropped two games to in-state foes Georgia and Georgia Tech but defeated Purdue. GSU is a speed and batting average team, hitting .367 and stealing 25 bases. Makayla Stephens is the durable workhorse, posting a 10-3 record and hurling 74.2 of the team's 130 innings.
ETSU- The Buccaneers are 9-1 in 2026, with only a loss to Bowling Green marring their record. ETSU has not faced a Power Four opponent. Whitney Boone and Abigail Taylor lead the team with .414 averages, the headliners on a squad batting .340.
Winthrop- The Eagles are 10-10 on the season. They opened the season with a narrow 1-0 defeat to No. 19 Virginia Tech and recently lost 5-4 to No. 19 South Carolina at home, after owning a 4-0 lead. Winthrop is 0-5 against Power Four teams. The Eagles can launch the long ball, hitting 21 bombs in 20 games. Winthrop relies on two main pitchers to handle the load.

History with the Foes