SU Wins Two in Day One of Cougar Classic

Friday, February 13

Charleston, S.C.

8:00 p.m.

Syracuse University

University of Akron (College of Charleston Classic)

Senior Amy Kelley hit a walk off home run to secure a 1-0 victory against the College of Charleston.

2/13/2009 11:53:18 PM | Softball

SU vs. Charleston Boxscore
SU vs. Akron Boxscore

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Syracuse (4-1) is off to its best start since the program was founded in 2000 after posting two victories on day one of the College of Charleston Cougar Classic. Senior catcher Amy Kelley's walk off homerun in the bottom of the seventh secured a 1-0 win against the College of Charleston (1-4), while freshman Stephanie Watts scored the game-winning run later in the evening for a 4-1 triumph against Akron (3-3).

Junior Brittany Gardner pitched a complete game for the Orange against the Cougars. She kept CofC to only three hits for the game and no multi-hit innings. Leading the Orange offensively were senior Jamie Kelling and Kelley who both finished 1-for-3.

It wasn't until the bottom of third that the Orange registered any hits. Seniors Jorden Rosen and Lindsay Wasek hit back-to-back singles, but Charleston recorded three quick outs to end Syracuse's early chances.

Kelling singled to third base at the bottom of the sixth, but SU was unable to capitalize. Watts sacrificed to advance Kelling to second, but freshman Gaby Torzilli hit a line drive to shortstop and sophomore Hallie Gibbs struck out to end the inning.

Gardner produced three ground outs in the top of the seventh to put Syracuse back on the field for one last chance to score a run before entering extra innings. Kelley stepped up to the plate and drove the ball over the centerfield fence to give Syracuse the 1-0 win.

Syracuse was on the board first against Akron in the Orange's second game of the day. Watts opened the fourth drilling a triple to right centerfield. Gibbs then doubled to send Watts home for the game's first run.

The Zips answered with a run in the fifth to tie the game, 1-1. Akron junior Krista Hansen double to left center, but moved to third when teammate Jaci Brindus had a sacrifice bunt. A throwing error by Kelley behind the plate allowed Hansen to score the run.

In the top of the sixth, Torzilli pounded a double out to center field. Akron's pitcher Heather Bauer walked Gibbs on the next at-bat and was relieved by Andrea Arney. Arney then walked Kelley, moving Gibbs to second and freshman Nicole Lamison, who pinch ran for Torzilli, to third. Rosen ended the inning after flying out to left field, but it allowed Lamison to score.

Syracuse hit two outs in the top of the seventh before Kelling, Torzilli and Gibbs all hit singles. Torzilli's hit brought Kelling in for the score, while Gibbs' sent Watts home for the game-winner. Akron closed out the game with three quick outs and not hits on its turn at-bat.

Freshman pitcher Jenna Caira pitched her first complete game for her second career win. She threw nine strikeouts and allowed only three hits with 23 at-bats. Gibbs led the Orange against the Zips going 2-for-3 with two RBI, while Watts was 1-for-2 with two runs.

Syracuse is back in action tomorrow in day two of the Cougar Classic. Up first for the Orange are the James Madison Dukes at 2 p.m., followed by the Howard Bison at 6 p.m.