Bison Softball faced a tough challenge in their doubleheader against the Radford Highlanders, dropping both games with scores of 3-0 and 7-1 on Friday.
In the first game, the Bison struggled to get their offense going against Radford’s strong pitching. Despite some early opportunities, including a promising start in the first inning with a single by Elena Horn ’25 and a walk by Brooke Popella ’27, the Orange and Blue couldn’t capitalize and MaKenzie Hilling’s ’25 strikeout finished the inning.
Pitcher Madison Roukey ’25 put up a solid performance in the circle, but Radford managed to capitalize on a Bison error in the third inning, putting a runner at third with only one out. Luckily, Roukey managed to limit the damage with two outs on a strikeout and a foul.
To start the fourth inning, Zoie Smith ’24 hit a double; however, she couldn’t get farther due to three quick outs as a result of a Bison strike out, foul out and grounder.
Radford’s momentum carried them to victory with a 3-0 win, after two singles and a walk in the sixth inning led to two runs.
Game two followed a similar pattern, with the Bison showing flashes of potential but ultimately falling short. Despite early chances in the first inning, including a leadoff single by Horn, the Bison couldn’t convert.
Pitcher Savannah Jones ’25 had a strong start with two scoreless innings, but Radford once again managed to score in the third inning, taking the lead. The Bison fought back in the fourth inning, with a score from Jones off a hit from Noelle Gardon ’24. Regardless, Radford’s offense proved too much to handle, ultimately securing a 7-1 victory.
With these losses, the Bison will regroup and focus on the lessons learned as they continue their season.
Bison Softball next heads to Jackson Township, New Jersey for the Adventure Crossing USA Classic Feb. 24 and 25.
