Syracuse University
Connecticut
Early Lead All Orange Needs to Take Game Three
4/25/2010 2:06:01 PM | Softball
Syracuse 5, Connecticut 1
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse University softball team jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning in last of the three-game series against the University of Connecticut Huskies, to eventually take the contest 5-1 on Sunday, April 25. With the win, the Orange improves to 25-20 overall and 9-7 in BIG EAST Conference play, while UConn falls to 19-24 on the season and 5-9 in the conference.
Freshman speed demon Veronica Grant manufactured SU's first run of the game with a single to right-center and a stolen base, after which she crossed the plate on a pass ball. Hallie Gibbs, who had two long balls in game two of the series, laced a single to right field, scoring Stephanie Watts and giving the Orange an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first.
Syracuse was able to put three more insurance runs up on the board before the end of the contest. In the bottom of the fourth, sophomore pitcher Jenna Caira helped her own cause with an RBI single to center field, scoring pinch runner Emily Thompson. First baseman Kelly Saco added a deep sacrifice fly to bring in pinch runner Leah Porter. Syracuse tallied its final run in the sixth, with three straight singles to left field.
In her complete game effort, Caira had a great day in the circle, registering seven strike outs and holding the Huskies to just five hits, one run, and two walks. Shortstop Morgan Nandin and catcher Lacey Kohl were also strong defensively for the Orange.
Next up for the Orange is a double header at Penn State on Tuesday, April 27 at 3:00 p.m.
