Friday, May 1
Syracuse, N.Y.
4:00 p.m.
Syracuse University
vs
Colgate University
Softball To Challenge the Raiders
4/30/2009 10:12:10 AM | Softball
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse softball team (28-18, 11-9) hosts nearby Central New York foe Colgate (24-15) on Friday, May 1. It is the final non-conference matchup for the Orange this season. The two squads are set to meet at 4 p.m. for a doubleheader at the SU Softball Stadium.
“It is important for us to come out on Friday with intensity and focus,” head coach Leigh Ross said. “This will be a good opportunity for us to stay sharp for our final BIG EAST games and into the Tournament next week.”
After sweeping Siena more than a week ago, the Orange faced the top two teams in the BIG EAST over the weekend. Up first was No. 19/20 DePaul, followed by RV/- Notre Dame. Senior Lindsay Wasek led the Orange against the Blue Demons. She went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer. Against the Fighting Irish, team leaders included sophomore Hallie Gibbs and senior Amy Kelley. Both hit a home run, with Kelley finishing the day 2-for-3 at the plate.
Kelley and freshman Stephanie Watts are now tied for the team lead with seven home runs apiece. Meanwhile, Watts and senior Jamie Kelling have used their speed to account for 34 of the team's 45 steals. In the circle, the Orange has relied heavily on freshman ace Jenna Caira. Caira is 14-9 overall and has struck out 171 batters.
Scouting Colgate
The Raiders head into Friday's matchup 24-15 overall with a 12-8 record in Patriot League play. The Orange is Colgate's final regular-season opponent before traveling to Bethlehem, Pa. to take on Bucknell in the Patriot League Tournament.
Colgate currently has seven players batting .300 or better. Team leaders include senior outfielder Calla Yee and junior pitcher Jesse McCarrick. Yee accounts for 18 of the Raiders' 41 stolen bases and owns a .328 batting average. McCarrick is the Red Raider leader in the circle. She has a 10-4 record with 66 strikeouts and a 2.79 era.
What's Next
Syracuse hosts its final games of the season on Sunday, May 3 when Rutgers comes to town. Action is set to begin at 12 p.m. The Orange will celebrate Senior Day to honor the contributions of the team's five seniors.
Sunday, May 03
Sunday, May 03
Sunday, April 26
Saturday, April 25
