Syracuse Falls to Florida State 4-1, Season Comes to an End
By: Adam Gotkin | @adam_gotkin
South Bend, I.N – After its win yesterday against Virginia, Syracuse Softball had its eyes on doing something it hadn’t done in program history. Make it to the ACC Tournament semifinals. That wasn’t going to be an easy task though as top-seeded, third-ranked Flordia State stood in the way. The Orange put up a fight but couldn’t get it done in the end as the season came to a close.
Syracuse started off strong, taking a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning. Madelyn Lopez, who had been in a slump, singled up the middle to bring home Laila Alves. Coupled with Lindsey Hendrix’s strong start in the circle, things were looking up for the ‘Cuse.
However, the third inning is when things start to fall apart. Josie Muffely launched a ball over the fence in left field. The homer was just the second of the season for the super senior, and just the seventh of her career. Later on in the frame, Hendrix walked back to back batters then, Mack Leonard ripped a double down the line in right field to drive home both on base. FSU never looked back, adding on another run in the fifth.
Syracuse failed to accumulate a hit after the second inning. With the loss, the season is now over for the Orange. Syracuse finished the season with a record of 24-26-1. While it may not be the end the ‘Cuse were hoping for, over 70% of the team’s hits came from upperclassmen. The only consistent contributor Syracuse is losing its third basemen, Rebecca Clyde. While one of the best defenders in the ACC, Clyde hit under .200 this season. The Orange have a lot to look forward to for the coming years.
ajgotkin@syr.edu | @adam_gotkin