Women’s Basketball competed against Lehigh at home and Lafayette away in Easton, Pa. Unfortunately, the Bison were defeated by both Lehigh, 72-84, and Lafayette, 61-69. 

The Bison fought hard against Lehigh in Sojka Pavilion. Much of the first quarter was a back and forth battle only separating the teams by a few points. 

In the second quarter, Lehigh began to create a separation by gaining a 29-19 lead. Contributing much needed points for the Bison was Isabella King ’25 who sank a three. However, Lehigh was quick to respond. Heading into the second half, the Bison were down by nine with a score of 43-34. 

As soon as the third quarter began, the Bison came out firing. They outscored Lehigh 27-13 in points. Emma Shaffer ’23 scored six points and grabbed eight rebounds in the quarter, while Cecelia Collins ’25 totaled nine points. In this same period, Tai Johnson ’23 scored six points and Bucknell made nine out of 12 free throws. 

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Bison had a 61-56 advantage. Shortly after, Lehigh tied the game 61-61. However, the Bison took a two-point lead twice. For half of the final quarter it was a tight game with the advantage constantly switching. Despite their hard work, the Bison ended up being defeated when Lehigh went on a 16-3 run to pull away the score. 

Throughout the game, Shaffer posted an eight career double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Furthermore, the Bison starters totaled over 69 of the 72 points.

The Bison were barely defeated by Lafayette by eight points in the team’s later matchup.

In the first quarter, both teams struggled to score right away. Around the first pause in the game, the score was only 5-4. Throughout the rest of the quarter, Bucknell fired 22 shots. Despite all the shooting, the Bison only converted three layups and trailed 10-7. 

From the moment the second quarter began, the game was a tight battle. Around 45 seconds in, King drained her first three to tie the game 10-10. Luckily for the Bison, they were able to turn it on to stretch the lead 16-10 before a timeout was called by Lafayette. 

Although the Bison held the lead, Lafayette clawed back to even the score and ultimately take the edge heading into the third 31-25.

As soon as the first whistle blew in the third quarter, Bucknell took off firing, tying the score. With the score being 35-30 Lafayette, Shaffer scored five straight points to get her team back in it. Bucknell remained in the lead 39-38, however towards the end, Lafayette completed a 11-4 run to end the quarter just like it started. 

Lafayette opened the fourth quarter by running up the score 51-43. For the Bison, King, Shaffer and Emma Theodorsson ’26 were able to work together and tally much needed points to lessen the gap 51-49. Shortly after, Bucknell would take their final lead of the game after Remi Sisselman ’25 and King sank back-to-back three pointers. 

With Lafayette completing their free throws and consistently making baskets, the team was able to overturn the score and ultimately defeat the Bison 61-69.

Bucknell closed their final regular season game at home versus American University March 1.