SU Softball Reaching its Potential With Madison Knight as the “Heart and Soul”
By Cole Purvis | @Cole_Purvis
Heading into conference play this weekend, Syracuse softball got a taste of what the intensity will be like this past Thursday against Delaware. With the bases loaded, one out, and the Orange up by a run in the bottom of the seventh, pitcher Madison Knight battled through the ultimate high-stress situation, striking out the final two hitters to hold on for the win.
“I’ve always been the type of person to just block out everything and just focus on one little thing,” said Knight. “I was screaming at myself just to drown out all the noise, only hear myself talking, and talking good things into existence.”
Knight is a big reason for the success of Syracuse’s pitching staff thus far. The Orange are ranked fourth in the nation in team ERA at 1.38, right behind SEC powerhouses Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss. Junior Julianna Verni has been right there alongside Knight in terms of locking down opponents in the circle.
Knight spoke to the tight bond she’s developed with Verni, the Buffalo native, stating, “We’ve really gelled together knowing how much we both need each other to get through this season, and we both want the absolute best for each other.”
The key to winning consistently has simply been holding opposing offenses in check. Not allowing multi-run innings, extra-base hits, and teams to gather momentum has proven to be a winning formula.
“If we can hold these [teams] to three runs, I have all the faith in the world that we can score four. I have faith that we can score ten if we need to.” Her take has been valid thus far, as Syracuse averages just under six runs per contest, meaning if SU’s arms can hold down the fort, the offensive production will be enough to push them over the edge.
Knight also has the ability to help her own cause at the plate. The junior doesn’t just pitch, she is also a regular in Syracuse’s batting order. She revealed that hitting actually helps her as a pitcher.
“We were watching film today, and I was watching the swings of the Stanford hitters and seeing where the holes are in their swings because I understand hitting mechanics,” she said. “It’s kind of the same thing for hitting because I can look at a pitcher’s motion and pick up on something that’s different pitch to pitch.”
The pitching may need to be at its sharpest this weekend, as Syracuse heads out west to Palo Alto, California to battle No. 20 Stanford for the first time as ACC foes. The Cardinal currently hold the best record in the ACC at 14-3, and are 1-1 against ranked opponents, including a 9-5 win over then No. 1 Texas a couple weeks back. If the Orange can win this series, it is safe to say that would be a statement for a team picked to finish second-to-last in the ACC.
To follow Knight and the Orange on the diamond all season, follow @Cole_Purvis and @CitrusTVSports on X.
