March 26, 2008

LEWISBURG, Pa. - Championships in women's indoor track and field and women's basketball, along with strong showings in each of the other winter sports, have vaulted Bucknell into the lead in the chase for the Patriot League Presidents' Cup.

Bucknell began the winter season in third place in the overall Cup standings, but after finishing in the top half of the standings in all six winter sports, the Bison have assumed a 7.25-point lead. Bucknell also leads the way in both the Men's and Women's Cup standings.

Bucknell has won 13 of the previous 17 Presidents' Cups, while Army owns the other four. The Bison have captured nine of the last 10 all-sports titles.

In addition to the championships in women's basketball and indoor track & field, the men's indoor track & field and swimming & diving teams both posted runner-up finishes. Women's swimming & diving placed third at the Patriot League Championships, and the men's basketball team advanced to the semifinals of the Patriot League Tournament.

Bucknell now has 71 points overall, while Navy is second with 63.75. Colgate is a close third with 62.25 points, followed by American (62), Army (51.75), Lehigh (46.75), Lafayette (44.5) and Holy Cross (35.5).

Bucknell is also seeking its 14th Women's Cup, and the Bison have a five-point lead over American in the women's standings. On the men's side, Bucknell holds a slim 0.25-point lead over Colgate.

Bucknell has won all three Cups five times previously, including last year.

Presidents' Cup points are awarded based on a team's performance in the regular-season and postseason PL standings. In cross country, football, golf, swimming & diving, track & field and women's rowing, the points are awarded based on the final team standings. In team sports with postseason tournaments, such as basketball, field hockey, soccer, lacrosse and volleyball, points are awarded based on the average of the league championship tournament and regular-season standings.

2007-08 Patriot League Presidents' Cup Standings
(Through 13 sports)

Overall Standings
1. Bucknell, 71 points
2. Navy, 63.75
3. Colgate, 62.25
4. American, 62
5. Army, 51.75
6. Lehigh 46.75
7. Lafayette 44.5
8. Holy Cross 35.5

Men's Standings
1. Bucknell, 31
2. Colgate, 30.75
3. Navy, 28.75
4. American, 27
5. Army, 24.25
6. Lehigh, 21
7. Lafayette, 20.75
8. Holy Cross, 16.5

Women's Standings
1. Bucknell, 40
2. American, 35
2. Navy, 35
4. Colgate, 31.5
5. Army, 27.5
6. Lehigh, 25.75
7. Lafayette, 23.75
8. Holy Cross, 19