Orange Welcome Niagara for 2025 Home Debut

Series Details: Wednesday, March 19; Syracuse, N.Y.; Skytop Softball Stadium
Live Video: Game One (ACCN+); Game Two (ACCN+)
Live Coverage: Stats
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse softball team (17-8, 1-5 ACC) is set to make its 2025 home debut at Skytop Softball Stadium with a doubleheader against Niagara (2-8, 0-0 MAAC) on Wednesday, March 19. The Orange aim for their first home-opening win since 2022, when they defeated Pittsburgh 5-4 on April 2. Game one is set for a 4 p.m. first pitch, with game two to follow around 6 p.m. Both games will stream live on ACC Network Extra.

ORANGE UPDATE:
Syracuse is coming off a road ACC series at Duke, taking one of three games for its first conference win of the season. The Orange played their first extra-inning game of the year in the opener, falling 3-1 after a two-run walk-off homer in the ninth. Duke claimed game two, 6-0, before Syracuse bounced back with a 3-2 win in game three, securing its first ranked victory since 2024. Madison Knight led the way with a standout two-way performance, pitching a complete game with six strikeouts and no walks while delivering the go-ahead solo homer in the seventh.

Through 25 games, Madelyn Lopez has led the Syracuse offense, hitting .449 (35-for-78) with 19 runs, 15 RBIs, and two home runs. She is joined by Tessa Galipeau (.389), Angie Ramos (.386), Laila Morales-Alves (.321), and Kelly Breen (.321), all key contributors batting over .300.

Morales-Alves, a multi-year starter at catcher, secured her place in the Syracuse record books during the Orange's series at Duke. In game three, the senior threw out a runner attempting to steal second, setting a new program record with 34 career runners caught stealing. She surpassed Jamie Grillo, who recorded 33 in her four-year career (2001, 2003-05).

In the circle, Julianna Verni and Knight have handled the bulk of Syracuse's pitching, combining for 130 of the team's 165 innings. Verni and Knight have posted ERAs of 1.61 and 1.81, ranking fifth and eighth in the ACC, respectively. Knight's 73 strikeouts also place her fifth in the conference.

SCOUTING THE PURPLE EAGLES:
Niagara enters Wednesday's matchup with a 2-8 record. The Purple Eagles started the season with an 11-8 victory over UMBC but have since lost nine of their last 10 games.

The Purple Eagles are led by Hailey Cenname, who is hitting .400 (10-for-25) through 10 games, with five runs scored, four RBIs, and two walks. Lindsay Mayo (.346), Natasha Limbani (.344), and Jolyn Gibbons (.333) are also key contributors, each playting to a batting average above .300.

Three pitchers have handled most of the innings for the Purple Eagles: Sage Jackson (24.1 innings), Aubrey Tamayo (17.2 innings), and Jenna Martin (14.2 innings). The trio has combined for 22 strikeouts but has allowed 77 runs, 70 hits, and 57 walks.

SERIES HISTORY AGAINST NIAGARA:
Syracuse has dominated the all-time series against Niagara, winning 21 of 22 matchups. The Orange's only loss to the Purple Eagles came on April 18, 2007, but they have since won six straight meetings.

Syracuse last faced Niagara on April 28, 2022, earning a 6-2 home victory. Breen, Morales-Alves, and Ramos, who all started that game, recorded hits in the win.

UP NEXT:
Syracuse continues its homestand when it welcomes Clemson for a three-game ACC series from March 21-23.

For complete coverage of Syracuse softball, follow us on Facebook (/cusesb), Twitter (@CuseSB) and Instagram (@cusesb).

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Players Mentioned

Kelly Breen

Tessa Galipeau

Madison Knight

Madelyn Lopez

Laila Morales-Alves

Angie Ramos

Julianna Verni

Syracuse University Athletics