The 2024 season for Bucknell Women’s Basketball kicked off on Monday, Nov. 4 at Penn State. The game saw debut performances by a number of first-year and transfer players, including Julia Heiden ’28, Isabella Casey ’28 and Elana Weisman ’28. Despite falling 90-68, the Bison had many positives and have a promising season ahead of them. 

The start of the first quarter was a little tricky for the Bison. A few turnovers proved costly as Penn State took advantage and ran up a 10-0 lead. The Bison trailed 33-15 going into the second quarter.

Bucknell regained their footing in the following two quarters and dominated Penn State, outscoring them 42-34 in both the second and third quarters.

As both teams neared the end of the third quarter, Anna Kunzwiler ’27 hit a three-pointer to get the Bison within 10 of the Lions (67-57), keeping them on their toes. Penn State countered with an offensive run that would put them up nearly 20 points ahead of the Bison (81-62), making it tough for them to make a fourth-quarter comeback.

The Bison were hot from the three-point line, which helped keep them within some reach of the Nittany Lions. But the Lions also hit many of the treys they took, giving them the offensive advantage throughout the game. The Bison were led offensively by Reese Zemitis ’28, who contributed 12 points, hitting four three-pointers. Kunzwiler, a transfer from Stetson, added 11, followed closely by Sophia Sabino ’26, who had 10 points. Isabella King ’25 did what she does best and hit three treys, moving her further up on the program’s career three-pointers list. 

The Bison look for redemption this, Saturday, Nov. 9, at Pitt.