Softball Splits at Cornell Tournament
9/27/2009 9:10:56 PM | Softball
The Orange softball squad returned to the diamond on Saturday afternoon, splitting its games with Binghamton and Cornell at the Cornell Tournament. The tournament marked the second action of the fall season for SU, who faced in-state foes Albany, LeMoyne, Binghamton and Cornell last weekend at the Binghamton Tournament.
“We had a good weekend overall,” head coach Leigh Ross said. “Cornell is a good hitting team and they were able to get ahead of us early in the second game. We continued to hit well as a team and our pitching staff was solid.”
Freshman utility Veronica Grant was the standout player against the Bearcats, going 3-for-3 at the plate with a triple, a pair of runs scored and a stolen base while classmate Morgan Nandin was 2-for-4 with a double. Junior Hallie Gibbs also had a double and a pair of RBI as the Orange collected 11 hits including four for extra bases.
“Ronnie Grant has stepped into the lineup and done a great job for us in the leadoff spot,” Ross said.
Junior Angie Sagnelli and freshman Stacy Kuwik shared pitching duties for SU against Binghamton. Sagnelli pitched the first four innings, allowing four hits while fanning three before Kuwik entered in relief quieting the Bearcat bats and striking out four through three innings of work.
Host Cornell got out ahead of the Orange early in the second game, scoring three runs in the first inning to take a lead it out never relinquish. Syracuse continued to produce at the plate, registering eight hits including a trio of doubles against the Big Red. Sophomore Kelly Saco was 2-3 with a double while classmate Lacey Kohl also went 2-for-3 and Leah Porter had a double and an RBI in the seventh inning.
“Leah provided a nice spark for us late in the second game but we weren't able to continue it and complete a comeback,” Ross said.
Senior Brittany Gardner and sophomore Jenna Caira split time in the circle for SU, combining for seven strikeouts.
Fall ball continues on Friday, October 2 when the Orange host LeMoyne at the SU Softball Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.
