2025 Syracuse Softball Preview
By Cole Purvis | @Cole_Purvis
On the eve of Syracuse Softball’s 2025 season, the Orange are setting their sights on boosting the program’s stock. SU Softball has been middle-of-the-pack at best in recent years, and this season’s expectations fall in line with that recent track record. The 2024 campaign resulted in a 28-23 record (9-15 in conference), good enough for the #9 seed in the ACC tournament. Syracuse was recently ranked 14th out of 15 teams in the ACC Preseason Coaches Poll, only behind Pittsburgh, once again establishing tempered expectations for head coach Shannon Doepking’s squad.
A unique challenge that the Orange face annually is the lengthy road trip to begin the season. With SU Softball Stadium covered in a blanket of snow during the cold Central New York winters, the ‘Cuse are on the road until mid-March, making stops in North Carolina, Georgia, and Delaware, before finally playing their home opener on March 19.
Being away from home for so long can take a toll on players, but senior Taylor Posner chooses to embrace it. “It’s the grind,” she says. “I’m just grateful I get to go somewhere where we can play instead of being here in the cold. It’s a blessing to be able to do what we do.”
As for the team’s personnel, it’s a healthy mix of returners and newcomers. In the circle, SU will be anchored by junior Madison Knight, who has the task of filling the shoes of last year’s ace, Lindsey Hendrix, who was an all-ACC third-teamer. Knight appeared in 22 games last year, started 14 of them, and notched a 2.91 ERA.
Looking at the lineup, it starts with Posner, who hits for power, leading the team with 11 home runs last year. Infielder Madelyn Lopez started 41 games a year ago, and was one of two players on the team to hit over .300 at the plate. Catcher Laila Morales-Alves, shortstop Kelly Breen, and utility player Angie Ramos are all expected to be consistent producers in a lineup that will need to be strong if the Orange want a spot in the ACC tournament.
The transfer portal is now a vital part of college sports, and it is no different in softball. Perhaps Syracuse’s biggest splash in the portal was infielder Jadyn Burney, who comes up north to join the ‘Cuse after playing at SEC power Mississippi State last season. Posner speaks highly of her new teammate, saying “she has done such a good job of buying into what we have here, helping the freshmen, and leading by example.” Another key addition was George Washington transfer Rose Cano. The pitcher/utility player earned A-10 all-conference honors last year, and won A-10 pitcher of the week multiple times.
That cast of characters will face an uphill battle to make the postseason in an expanded ACC. With west coast squads Stanford and California entering the mix, the Orange will have to make the top 12 in the conference standings to get an invite to the postseason. SU figures to be right on the bubble.
This weekend marks the beginning of the road for coach Doepking’s bunch, as they will participate in the UNC Wilmington tournament from Friday to Sunday. Coincidentally, two of the five games the Orange will play come against crosstown rival Le Moyne, who is in their second season as a Division I program. Two contests against host school UNC Wilmington and one more against Queens University round out the tournament, and the Orange will be off and running.
Posner made it clear she will do everything she can to make the 2025 campaign a special one. She states, “I just want to kill it, want to savor everything that happens, and have a great year with my team.”
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