Syracuse University
#12/10 Stanford
Orange Splits on Final Day at the Cathedral Classic
2/28/2010 11:16:05 PM | Softball
No. 10 Stanford 7, Syracuse 3
Syracuse 4, Cal State Fullerton 1
Live Chat Transcript
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – The Orange (3-7) split its games on the final day of the Cathedral Classic, falling to No. 8 Stanford, 7-3 and defeating Cal State Fullerton, 4-1. Syracuse collected 15 hits on the day and had a team batting average of .283.
Sophomore Lisaira Daniels was the leader on the day for SU, batting .429 (3-for-7) with a double and an RBI. Classmate Stephanie Watts was second on the team with a .400 average (2-for-5) while Kelly Saco, Veronica Grant, Rachel Helman and Meghan Boston all hit .333.
Saco had the second home run of the season for the Orange against Stanford, going deep over the left center fence. The Miami, Fla. native led the team with a .833 slugging percentage on the day and was the defensive leader with 20 putouts at first base.
Sophomore Jenna Caira was the leading pitcher on the day, earning the win against Cal State Fullerton by not allowing an earned run in the contest while striking out six in 6.0 innings.
Freshman Stacy Kuwik got the start against Stanford, allowing five earned runs in 3.1 innings. Junior Angie Sagnelli made her season debut in the circle against the Cardinal, entering in relief and allowing a pair of earned runs in 2.2 innings.
#8 Stanford 7, Syracuse 3
The Cardinal scored in the bottom of the first as Ashley Hansen got on board with a one out single to the left side and stole second on the ensuing play. Catcher Rosie Neill drove in the run with a two out single through the left side to give Stanford a 1-0 advantage.
Stanford increased its lead in the bottom of the second as Becerra drew a one-out walk, but was thrown out at second on a fielder's choice by Hassman, which allowed her on board safely. All-American outfielder Haber singled to left field, driving in Hassman to make it 2-0 Cardinal.
The Orange halved the deficit in the top of the third, as Helman got on base with a one-out single to center field and advanced to second on a ground out by Grant. Daniels doubled to left center, batting in the run to close the gap, 2-1.
Syracuse found its swing again in the top of the fourth, as Saco led off the inning with a solo shot over the left field fence, tying the game at 2. Sophomore Lacey Kohl drew a walk and Nandin reached on a throwing error to put two on. Helman singled to left, loading the bases and a single to right field by Grant scored Kohl, giving SU a 3-2 edge.
The Cardinal quickly re-established its lead, scoring five runs on three hits and an error, producing the final, 7-3.
Syracuse 4, Cal State Fullerton 1
The Orange jumped on the Titans early, scoring a pair of runs in the top of the first. Grant led off with a double to center field and Daniels singled to left, putting runners on the corners. Junior Hallie Gibbs singled to center field, allowing enough time for both runners to cross home and give SU an early 2-0 lead.
The Titans cut the lead in the bottom of the fourth, as Carter drew a lead off walk and advanced to second on a passed ball. A single to left field by Craddick moved Carter to third and both runners advanced on an illegal pitch, making it 2-1.
Syracuse added the insurance in the bottom of the sixth as Gibbs led off the inning with a single to left field and freshman Emily Thompson entered to pinch run. Saco singled through the left side, putting two on, but was thrown out at second on a fielder's choice by Kohl. Thompson advanced to third on the play, putting runners on the corners for the Orange. A passed ball allowed Thompson to score and Kohl advanced to third while the Titans attempted to make the out at home. Sophomore Leah Porter entered to pinch run for Kohl and pinch hitter Meghan Boston singled through the left side, quickly scoring Porter to produce the final, 4-1.
The Orange hits the road again, making a return trip to Louisiana for the LSU Purple and Gold Challenge beginning Friday, March 2.
