STEWART MANOR, N.Y. (Interstat) — Reese Zemitis scored 21 points and Isabella Casey added 15 as Bucknell secured a hard-fought 61-55 victory over Hofstra in a non-conference women’s basketball game on Saturday at Mack Sports Complex.

The Bison, who never trailed, used a dominant first quarter to build a cushion they would rely on for the remainder of the game. Bucknell exploded for 21 points in the opening period, connecting on three 3-pointers in the frame, while holding the Pride to just 12 points. The early surge gave the Bison a lead they would not relinquish.

Hofstra chipped away at the deficit throughout the second half, outscoring Bucknell in both the third and fourth quarters. A key 3-pointer from Alarice Gooden brought the Pride within four points late in the game, but the Bison defense held firm in the final minutes, forcing critical turnovers and securing defensive rebounds to close out the win.

Zemitis, a 6-foot guard from Langhorne, Pennsylvania, was efficient from beyond the arc, hitting multiple three-pointers to lead all scorers. Casey, a 5-10 guard from Radnor, Pennsylvania, provided a steady all-around performance, adding six rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes of action.

Gooden led Hofstra with 16 points and five rebounds off the bench. Ayen Angoi contributed 10 points and six rebounds for the Pride, while Deivejon Harris pulled down a game-high eight rebounds.

The game was ultimately decided by perimeter shooting and free throw accuracy. Bucknell connected on nine 3-pointers compared to just two for Hofstra. While both teams struggled at the free throw line, the Bison’s 12-for-19 performance proved more reliable than the Pride’s 17-for-28 outing.

Defensively, Bucknell forced 15 Hofstra turnovers, converting them into 22 points. Anna Kunzwiler was a defensive force for the Bison, blocking two shots and grabbing seven rebounds.

With the win, Bucknell improves its season record to 2-3. Hofstra falls to 1-3. The announced attendance was 430.

Bucknell is scheduled to host Le Moyne on Tuesday. Hofstra will travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to face Maryland on Thursday.