Syracuse University
Tennessee Tech
Orange Wins Season Opener, 2-1
2/12/2011 12:39:40 PM | Softball
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Syracuse 2, Tennessee Tech 1
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DECATUR, Ga. - Syracuse (1-0) won its season opener for the first time in the past six seasons, defeating Tennessee Tech (0-1), 2-1, in the first game of the Georgia State Tournament at Bob Heck Field. The Orange last won its season opener when it upset No. 3 UCLA, 2-1, on Feb. 13, 2005.
Junior catcher Lacey Kohl and senior designated player Hallie Gibbs each drove in the runs, which were scored by sophomore Veronica Grant and junior Lisaira Daniels. Junior hurler Jenna Caira struck out five while allowing one earned run in the complete game victory.
Tennessee Tech struck first, as Melody Christian drew a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a fielder's choice. Whitney Cummings drew a walk to load the bases and a one-out walk to Kaleigh Gates brought Christian around to score.
After a scoreless second inning, Syracuse put two on the board in the bottom of the third. Grant led off the inning with a walk and advanced to second on a single up the middle by Daniels. Kohl doubled to centerfield to bring in Grant and even the score before a single to right field by Gibbs scored Daniels to give Syracuse a 2-1 edge.
The Orange maintained its advantage through the remainder of regulation, earning the 2-1 win.
SU returns to the diamond today at 2:30 p.m. when it faces Morehead State. The Orange will square off against the Eagles again tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. before meeting host Georgia State at 12:15 p.m.
