You think you know the Patriot League? Most people look at the standings and see a mid-major conference tucked away in the Northeast, but they miss the absolute dogfight that happens every winter in Lewisburg. Honestly, if you aren't paying attention to Bucknell University women's basketball, you’re missing one of the most resilient blueprints in college hoops.
It’s not just about the wins. Although, let's be real, there have been plenty of those. It’s about the fact that this program refuses to be a "one-hit wonder."
The Standard at Sojka Pavilion
Walking into Sojka Pavilion feels different. It isn’t some cavernous, soul-less NBA arena. It’s a 4,000-seat pressure cooker that opened back in 2003. Since Trevor Woodruff took the reins in 2019, the Bison have defended that home court like their lives depended on it.
He didn't just walk into a winning culture; he built a defensive fortress. In his first year, the team allowed a program-record 53.6 points per game. That was eighth in the entire country. Imagine being a visiting guard and realizing every single possession is going to be a 30-second grind of hand-checking and denied passing lanes. It's exhausting just watching it.
But here’s the thing: things have been a bit "kinda" rocky lately.
The 2025-26 season has been a test of patience. As of mid-January 2026, the record sits at 4-10 overall. They've dropped some tough ones lately, including a 62-49 loss to Lafayette and a heartbreaker against Loyola Maryland. If you’re just looking at the box scores, you might think the magic is gone.
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You’d be wrong.
Why the 2025-26 Season is a "Rebuild" in Name Only
Look at the roster. It's young. Like, really young.
We are talking about a squad where sophomores like Reese Zemitis and Tuana Coskun are carrying the offensive load. Coskun has been a bright spot, averaging over 13 points and showing a range that keeps defenders honest. Zemitis is right there behind her, usually logging 30+ minutes a night.
- Tuana Coskun: Leading the charge with 13.2 PPG.
- Reese Zemitis: A 6'0" mismatch who can hit from deep.
- Isabella Casey: Grabbing over 4 boards a game and playing lockdown D.
- Elena Houghton: The senior presence in a sea of underclassmen.
Woodruff is playing the long game. He brought in Lauren Holden as Associate Head Coach and Danielle Patterson (who won a natty at Notre Dame) to sharpen these young players. They aren't just teaching plays; they are teaching the "Bison Way."
The History Nobody Talks About
People forget that Bucknell wasn't always a powerhouse. They had a massive breakthrough in 2002 with their first NCAA appearance. Then again in 2008. But the real "Golden Era" was under Aaron Roussell, where they went 28-6 in 2018-19.
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They nearly pulled off the impossible that year. Facing 5-seed Florida State in the NCAA Tournament, they lost by just three points. 67-70. I still think about that game. It proved that a team from Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, could go toe-to-toe with the ACC and not blink.
That’s the pedigree. That’s why a 4-10 start doesn't scare the locals. They've seen this movie before. They know that in the Patriot League, the regular season is just a dress rehearsal for the tournament in March.
The Defensive Identity
Even in a "down" year, Bucknell’s defense stays top-100 nationally. They hold opponents to around 60 points per game. The problem right now? Offense. They’re averaging about 55 points.
It’s basically a math problem.
If you can’t score, you can’t win, no matter how many charges you take. But the shooting percentages are starting to tick up. They recently put up 102 points against Gwynedd Mercy. Sure, it was a non-conference blowout, but it showed that the lid can come off the basket.
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What’s Next for the Bison?
If you want to catch a game, the schedule is heating up. They’ve got a massive home stretch at Sojka Pavilion.
- January 17 vs. Colgate: This is a "must-win" for momentum.
- January 21 vs. Army: A battle of discipline.
- February 7 vs. Colgate (Away): The return leg that usually decides seeding.
The Patriot League is wide open this year. Holy Cross and Army are tough, but they aren't invincible. If Coskun and Zemitis can find their rhythm by February, nobody is going to want to see Bucknell in the first round of the conference tournament.
Actionable Insight for Fans: If you’re betting on this team or just following them, watch the first quarter scoring. When Bucknell scores 15+ in the first ten minutes, their win probability skyrockets because their defense is good enough to protect a lead. If they fall behind early, the lack of explosive scoring makes it a mountain too high to climb.
Keep an eye on the freshman Kaila Richards. She’s been getting more minutes lately and brings a speed to the transition game that the Bison desperately need.
The road back to the top of the Patriot League isn't a sprint. It's a Lewisburg winter—long, cold, and requiring a lot of grit. But if there’s one thing Bucknell University women's basketball has in spades, it’s grit.
Go watch a game. Sit close to the court. You’ll hear Woodruff barking instructions and see the floor burns. That’s where the real story is.
To stay updated on the Bison's progress, track their live stats through the official Bucknell Athletics portal or catch the Patriot League Network broadcasts on ESPN+. Focus on the development of the sophomore core, as their growth over the final 10 games of 2026 will dictate the program's trajectory for the next three seasons.