Softball Hosts Lehigh in Pivotal Conference Series

LEWISBURG, Pa.- Bucknell Softball (6-29-1. 3-6 Patriot League) resumes conference play this weekend against Keystone Clash rival Lehigh (21-22, 3-9 Patriot League) in a series that holds massive implications for tournament admittance. The Bison look to keep their three-year streak going while the Mountain Hawks are in danger of missing for the first time in program history. All three games - Saturday doubleheader and a Sunday matinee - will be streamed on ESPN+.

Bucknell faced Route 45 Rival Penn State on Tuesday night and fell 11-3 in five innings.
The Nittany Lions jumped out to the early lead and coasted to the win.
The Bison's offense generated three runs and hit against a solid Penn State staff that threw their best.
Brooke Popella hit her 15th double of the season, moving into a tie for third place in single season program history.
Popella's 15 doubles pace the Patriot League and she ranks top ten nationally in doubles per game.
Two other Bison hitters have joined Popella in providing a potent trio. Junior Sarah Zimmerman, who only had four at-bats in 2025, leads the team, batting .342 with seven doubles, two triples, and two home runs.
Freshman Barbara Jo Coppola has shown no issues adjusting to college ball, hitting .316 with eight doubles, one triple, and two home runs.
Bucknell hits .268 as a team with nine home runs and 52 doubles.

Overview of the Opposition

The Mountain Hawks are 21-22 overall and 3-9 in conference action. Lehigh faced the league's best in the early part of the schedule and finishes the slate with Keystone State rivals, Bucknell and Lafayette, but will likely need to sweep both teams for tournament entry. The Mountain Hawks enter the weekend having lost four straight after being swept by Army and dropping a game to Rider. Kelly Fricker is Popella's rival for the doubles crown with 14. An ideal hitter, she owns a sparkling .436 average. Lehigh's pitching staff, historically a strength, owns a 4.54 ERA.

History with the Foe

Lehigh owns the 110-49 all-time lead in the series that dates back to 1979. The Bison have defeated Lehigh twice in the past two Patriot League Tournaments but haven't defeated the Mountain Hawks in the regular season since 2021 or taken a series since 2019.

Up Next

Bucknell welcomes Army next weekend in the final home series of the season.