Coming off a doubleheader sweep against Wagner, Bison Softball began their conference play against the Boston University Terriers at home.
Game one of the series prevailed for 15 innings, but the Bison were defeated 14-7. The Bison came back from multiple deficits to extend the game. This matchup became the longest of the 2025 NCAA softball year, dismissing three other record-holding games that lasted 14 innings. It was the longest game in Bison history since a 19-inning game in 1997, which holds the Patriot League record.
Savannah Jones ʼ25 started in the circle for the Bison, and the Terriers’ first run of the game was scored off of a passed ball by catcher Reagan Powell ʼ28. The Orange and Blue came back in the third with four runs to bring the score to 4-2. Powell hit a single, and Ava Aguilar ʼ25 hit a triple to bring Powell home. Haley Speicher ʼ26 slapped a ball to the third baseman who tried throwing out Aguilar at home, but the catcher dropped the ball, allowing Aguilar to score. Speicher stole second, and Brooke Popella ʼ27 hit a double to bring her home. Jones hit a ball to the Terrier pitcher who sailed the ball over the first baseman’s head, so Jones made it on base.
Boston tied the game in the fifth inning, followed by eight scoreless innings from both teams. Madison Roukey ʼ25 entered the game in the seventh inning and pitched until scoring began again in the 14th. Both teams had opportunities to score in the 12th inning but were unable to capitalize on them. Speicher, preseason Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, threw the ball home; MaKenzie Hilling ʼ25 relayed the throw to Powell, who tagged out a Terrier at home. The umpire maintained the call despite Boston coaches arguing for interference. The Bison came close to scoring, but their efforts were robbed.
The Terriers added three more runs in the 14th inning, but the Bison responded with three runs to keep the game tied. Bella Radican ʼ25 and Aguilar hit back-to-back singles. Speicher’s double allowed Radican to score. Hilling hit a double off the right field wall, which came electrifyingly close to a walk-off home run. The Bison stranded the winning run on second. The Terriers scored seven runs in the 15th inning to win the game.
In game two, the Bison struck an early 3-0 lead. The first run was scored in the second inning. Popella reached base on an error, was sacrificed to second by Jones and scored after Shea Malone ʼ27 hit a sharp single. The Bison added two more runs in the third. Aguilar singled, Speicher worked a walk and Hilling advanced them with a skillful bunt. Popella hit a two-run single to score the runners. A Terrier pitching change halted the Bison’s scoring.
In the fifth inning, Jones was pulled, and Roukey was sent in the game to pitch. Boston took the lead 5-3. The Bison added a run, but the Terriers added two more in the sixth. Payton Hale ʼ28 went in to pitch for the Bison. Boston won 8-4.
Sarah Zimmerman ʼ27 started in the circle for the Bison in game three. She recorded the first two outs, but they were soon followed by three Terrier runs. Zimmerman did not yield another run until the sixth inning.
In the fourth inning, Speicher singled and Jones walked after two consecutive outs. Marissa Rapino ʼ26 doubled down the line and brought Speicher home. Boston added another run. In the sixth inning, Hilling led off with a double, and Kate Dailor ʼ28 pinch-ran for her. Popella advanced Dailor to third with a ground ball. Jones hit a sacrifice fly to right field to score Dailor. The Terriers tacked on four more runs and won 8-2.
Up next, the Bison will travel to face Army Friday, March 28.
