Bucknell University Athletics
Photo by: Elayna Felder
Barbara Jo Coppola Wins Patriot League Rookie of the Week
3/9/2026 3:00:00 PM | Softball
LEWISBURG, Pa.- It rained all weekend at the Winthrop Invitational but Bucknell catcher Barbara Jo Coppola did not let the precipitation dampen her hot bat. The Bison freshman demolished opposing pitching all weekend to win her first ever Patriot League Rookie of the Week, as announced Monday by the conference office. She became the first Bison since Brooke Popella in 2024 to earn the honor.Â
"Babs has really settled in and looks more comfortable every time she steps in the box," said Bucknell head coach Angie Stackhouse. "She's seeing the ball extremely well right now and trusting her approach, which has allowed her natural ability to take over. It is exciting to see a young player come in and make that kind of impact, and this recognition as Rookie of the Week is a great reflection of the work she's put in and the confidence she's building."
Coppola received the chance to start all four games and she rewarded Coach Stackhouse's faith with a 7-of-11 (.636) performance against three Southern schools boasting winning records. The catcher slammed a double and drove in four RBIs while drawing two walks.Â
She started the weekend with a 2-of-2 performance against Georgia State and a 1-of-1 with a walk versus East Tennessee State. On Sunday, she went 3-of-4 with two RBIs, including a crucial two-run single to build a 5-1 lead against ETSU. In the next game versus host Winthrop, she plated a double and two more RBIs.Â
The rookie entered the weekend batting .242 and the sizzling stretch rose her average nearly 100 points to .341. Her 15 hits, six RBIs, and .400 on-base percentage rank second for Bucknell.Â
Bucknell resumes the spring break trip tomorrow with a doubleheader at Gardner-Webb.Â
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"Babs has really settled in and looks more comfortable every time she steps in the box," said Bucknell head coach Angie Stackhouse. "She's seeing the ball extremely well right now and trusting her approach, which has allowed her natural ability to take over. It is exciting to see a young player come in and make that kind of impact, and this recognition as Rookie of the Week is a great reflection of the work she's put in and the confidence she's building."
Coppola received the chance to start all four games and she rewarded Coach Stackhouse's faith with a 7-of-11 (.636) performance against three Southern schools boasting winning records. The catcher slammed a double and drove in four RBIs while drawing two walks.Â
She started the weekend with a 2-of-2 performance against Georgia State and a 1-of-1 with a walk versus East Tennessee State. On Sunday, she went 3-of-4 with two RBIs, including a crucial two-run single to build a 5-1 lead against ETSU. In the next game versus host Winthrop, she plated a double and two more RBIs.Â
The rookie entered the weekend batting .242 and the sizzling stretch rose her average nearly 100 points to .341. Her 15 hits, six RBIs, and .400 on-base percentage rank second for Bucknell.Â
Bucknell resumes the spring break trip tomorrow with a doubleheader at Gardner-Webb.Â
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Players Mentioned
C/OF
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