Syracuse Takes Out its Frustration on UAlbany, Sweeping Wednesday Doubleheader
By Cole Purvis | @Cole_Purvis
Syracuse softball (24-19, 3-15 ACC) took care of UAlbany (19-20, 9-4 America East) on Wednesday, winning 6-0, then later coming out on top 6-2 in a doubleheader. SU broke a four game losing streak with two convincing victories.
Game one
Head coach Shannon Doepking sent her ace out to the circle for game one, signaling that there was an urgency to get this game to start the day off on the right foot.
And start off on the right foot they did.
Early on, runners were stranded. In the top of the first inning, SU had players occupying second and third. UAlbany managed to get one out, with runners staying put. Then, the Great Danes got the play they needed, as Orange right fielder Taylor Posner grounded into a double play. In the second, seniors Angie Ramos and Kelly Breen each got hits for SU, but could not cross home.
However, the fourth inning belonged to Syracuse, manufacturing three runs via small ball. Breen, junior Madelyn Lopez, and senior Jadyn Burney all hit RBI singles. Syracuse kept the line moving, taking a 3-0 lead, and when the frame was in the books, the three ended up being equivalent to SU’s run total in its last four games combined.
In the top of the seventh, the Orange took advantage of their chance to earn some insurance runs. Freshman Lauren Fox, who has come onto the scene more recently, scored on a wild pitch to make it 4-0. RBI hits from Ramos and first baseman Tessa Galipeau extended it to a 6-0 advantage.
Knight was rock solid, striking out seven hitters, and not allowing a run. It’s a performance she’s likely been longing for after a tough series at Virginia over a week ago. Her efforts ensured that Syracuse’s losing streak did not grow any further.
Game two
A Julianna Verni bump day, SU tried to use the momentum it had gained in game one to pick up the sweep.
The first inning was an eventful one. Syracuse’s designated player, Vanessa Flores, went yard for the second time this year. It was a two-run homer. The Great Danes responded, thanks to strong baserunning. Center fielder Caitlyn Frederick stole second base, and then scored when left fielder Christie Collins bunted her way on. An SU throwing error allowed Frederick to score from second, and Collins advanced to third.
The Orange broke the tie in the third, when Burney hit an RBI double that scored Lopez. The shortstop then got to third via a wild pitch, and was knocked in thanks to an RBI single by Posner to make it 4-2, Syracuse.
The big day for the seniors continued, as Breen sent Galipeau home on a single, making it 5-2 in the fifth inning. Next frame, that lead was extended by one more, as Posner hit her second RBI single of the game, and Fox crossed home plate for the second game in a row.
Verni went into the fourth inning, but was replaced by freshman Jackie Pengel after getting into a jam. Pengel got out of it, and tossed just over three scoreless innings in a big spot.
The wins are especially a welcome sight for Syracuse, who had been struggling mightily coming into this game. The Orange have the opportunity to pick up some even bigger wins this weekend, when they host the Eagles of Boston College. SU is currently last in the ACC, and more than likely needs to win the series to have a chance at the postseason.
For live updates of that series, and for the rest of the season, follow @Cole_Purvis on X.
