Army Women’s Basketball Punches Their Ticket to the Patriot League Championship

Army Women’s Basketball Advances to the Patriot League Championship

Semifinal games leave no room for assumptions. Every possession, every moment, every decision counts. The Army Black Knights embraced that mindset as they faced Bucknell for the third time this season—this time, with a trip to the Patriot League Championship on the line.

Army entered the game as the #2 seed, while Bucknell, at #6, had already proven they were not to be overlooked. During the regular season, the teams split their matchups—Bucknell taking the first win, and Army getting back to playing their game to take the second game at home. 

This game had everything on the line—not just for the program, but for Hardy personally. In her last three seasons at West Point, she had never reached the championship game. It's been almost a decade since the Army Black Knights has seen the Patriot League Championship, since 2016. This team was determined to change that.

A Battle From the Start

Bucknell came out strong, taking an early lead in the first quarter. But Army responded with a dominant 16-4 run, entering halftime with a 24-17 advantage.

Shooting from beyond the arc wasn’t falling for the Black Knights, but this team isn’t built on a single strategy. They adapted, emphasizing offensive rebounding and second-chance points to maintain control. Kya Smith was a force on the boards, pulling down nine rebounds—six of them on the offensive glass.

Defensively, Army had to contend with Bucknell’s 6’3 forward, forcing creative shot-making adjustments. They executed with precision, finding ways to maneuver around her presence in the paint. More importantly, they drew fouls when it mattered, putting pressure on Bucknell and creating crucial scoring opportunities from the free-throw line.

Leaders Stepping Up

Hardy led all scorers with 16 points, followed by strong contributions from Julia Ericson (12) and Chloe Hastick (9). The team’s balance and resilience proved crucial in securing the win.

Postgame, Hardy emphasized the team’s mindset—not taking Bucknell for granted and executing when it mattered most. Fiona Hastick spoke about belief—believing they were going to win, staying steady through adversity, and adjusting when necessary.

Hastick set the tone for what’s ahead. With #1 Lehigh waiting in the championship game on their home court, Army knows the odds are against them. But this team is built on believing. As Hastick put it, they are heading into the title game UNBURDENED—playing with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

For Hardy, this moment is about more than just a championship—it’s about legacy. As the team’s lone Firstie, she has embraced her leadership role, mentoring younger players, showing them that having a voice is important, and showing them that leadership starts with following first. Now, in what could be her final game, she’s ready to leave it all on the court.

Up Next: Championship Sunday

🏆 Patriot League Championship
🆚 Lehigh (#1)
📅 Sunday, March 16
⏰ 12:00 PM

The Black Knights are ready. One more game. One more chance to make history.

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Army Football - First Spring Practice 2/27/2025

Exactly two months ago, the 2024-25 football team played their final game in Shreveport, Louisiana. We’re back with what seems like yesterday, preparing for the 2025-26 season.

It's always exciting to be back on the practice field for another spring season, especially as new cadets arrive, eager to compete for a spot. The first practice brings a special kind of energy for returning players, who are pumped for another season. For those stepping onto the field for their first last spring practice, it’s a bittersweet moment. It’s exciting, but it also hits a little differently. Each practice brings you one step closer to your last first game, the last time you’ll travel with the team, and the realization that the “lasts” are quickly becoming a reality.

2026 Seniors Gavin Shields and Collin Matteson during first spring practice

While the days are long, hard, and exhausting, this is what they train for—not just on the field, but as Army Cadets, where the physical and mental challenges prepare them for battle.

As I step onto the field, I take in the sights of new faces alongside the familiar ones, and I can't help but reflect on each drill unfolding before me. I wonder which players will step into the key roles vacated by seniors who are moving on to the next chapter of their journey. Some who show up that once wore that Army jersey to display their skills in a completely different position! 

2025 Senior Safety Max DiDomenico
in the Quarterback position during Spring Practice

Catching glimpses of coaches demonstrating drills, shifting body positions for correct technique, and calling one out good or bad!

Many colleges are moving away from spring games for a variety of reasons. I get it’s tough for some—there’s no real off-season, and concerns about player safety, pushing bodies too hard, and the transfer portal tampering are all valid. Personally, I love the spring game and the season that comes with it. I appreciate the chance to get a glimpse of the new talent coming in. Army typically starts with a fairly large roster, with players coming from prep school combined through the senior class. The spring season provides coaches with the time to work during practices and offers a valuable opportunity to see what these athletes can do in a game setting.

I had the chance to chat with returning senior Casey Larkin along with head coach Jeff Monken after the team wrapped up practice.

Larkin is excited to be back on the field, despite the quick turnaround. His passion for football is evident as he talks about how great it feels to be back with the team—energized and ready to go. As he speaks about working on his personal football IQ, he explains how understanding the offense's movements, focusing on key details, and getting his eyes right have been crucial to improving his game. "It's about upping that football IQ to slow the game down so you can play the game a lot faster," he says.

For these players, balancing football, academics, and other obligations at the academy doesn’t leave much room for free time during the season. Casey emphasizes the importance of sticking to a regimented routine. He’s found what works for him and remains committed to it.

And here’s a fun fact: did you know Casey has been snowboarding since he was 2? If it weren’t for football, he’d likely be snowboarding professionally!

Head coach Jeff Monken took some time to talk with me as well. He talked about how exciting it is to see the guys who were on the scout team last year. It's exciting to see their physical development since they first arrived as plebes. Seeing the team in full gear and watching who plays physically has him excited to get the next season underway.

When it comes to goals, Coach Monken emphasizes the importance of setting tangible objectives. However, he cautions his players not to dwell too much on them. Instead, he’d rather see them concentrate on doing their job to the best of their ability and following the plan they’ve set for success. Focusing on being the best we can be.

With college athletics, turnover is inevitable—whether from graduation or now with the transfer portal. It brings about year-to-year changes as key players graduate or move on. This year, the obvious departures include Daily graduating and Kanye Udoh who transferred. The team also loses some strong leaders in the locker room, like DiDomenico, Winokur, and Lewis, as well as three starting offensive linemen who played significant roles last season.

The excitement now comes from watching who will step up to fill those positions. One position to keep an eye on is quarterback, where four different players will be competing for the role.

This season is different. Guys will have to step up—it’s part of college football. Players graduate, and with the added turnover from the transfer portal, change is inevitable. But for us, it’s business as usual.

We’re still going to be a team that wants to run the football, and we want to be a team that can stop the run.

Coach Monken spoke about the tradition of spring practice and the spring game. It’s a great reward for the guys and a lot of fun, and it’s also a valuable opportunity for the coaches to learn a lot about their team.

As for notable players to watch this spring, the quarterback position stands out as one of the most interesting. There are four guys competing for the spot. Dewayne Coleman brings the most experience, Cale Hellums has limited experience, and Ethan Washington has almost none. Zach Mundell, back from injury, he’s different and he’s dynamic.

There are three key offensive lineman to fill, along with the loss of DiDomenico on defense. He was not only a captain and leader but also the quarterback of the defense. (Speaking of that QB of defense—just check the video proof).

There’s a lot going into this spring season as we move ahead into the new one!

One of my favorite parts of each season’s practices is the 4th Quarter Warrior competition. It’s always a blast to watch these guys let loose and have some fun after a hard practice. It’s not easy jumping into the mix when you’re surrounded by towering football players who don’t even realize you’re there because the excitement is through the roof—and it is loud! 

Welcome to Army Sports Zone

 

Welcome to Army Sports Zone!

I’m Lynn Fern, the owner of Lynn Fern Photography. Over the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of capturing Army Sports, with a special focus on football. My journey began by attending practices, games, scrimmages, and more, building relationships that eventually led to covering other sports, including media days for various teams at West Point.

My passion for sports, photography, sports photography, and the military quickly grew into a deep admiration for both Army Football and the Academy itself. The traditions, the cadets, and the unique life at West Point have all become integral parts of what I love about this place.

Through this experience, I’ve gained an in-depth understanding of life at West Point—particularly the world of Division I cadet-athletes. Over time, I’ve come to realize there is a growing interest in the daily lives of these cadet-athletes and the behind-the-scenes journey they experience.

I aim to bridge the gap between fans, players, coaches, and support staff, helping bring awareness to the life at West Point. The experiences of these athletes vary widely, with each one coming from a different background. The journey that brought them to West Point, the preparation behind the scenes, and the hard work of the coaches and players all contribute to the team’s success, long before the first game even begins.

This is the story I want to share with you. If you have any specific questions or ideas you'd like to explore, feel free to reach out. If I can make it happen, I’ll do my best to bring it to you.

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