Orange Falls to Binghamton, No.12 South Carolina on Opening Day

Friday, February 6

Columbia, S.C.

10 AM

Syracuse University

Binghamton

Orange Falls to Binghamton, No.12 South Carolina on Opening Day

2/6/2026 7:34:00 PM | Softball

COLUMBIA, S.C.- The Syracuse softball team concluded its first day at the Gamecock Invitational on Friday. The Orange fell short to Central New York foe Binghamton, 5-1, in the morning opener before dropping a 15-2 decision to No. 12 South Carolina in five innings in the afternoon.

Madison Knight recorded the Orange's first home run of the season, while infielder Vanessa Flores tallied 10 putouts on the day.

GAME 1 VS. BINGHAMTON
Julianna Verni stepped into the circle for the Orange in the season opener, striking two batters out in the top first inning. Jadyn Burney made the first steal attempt of the day, successfully swiping third base in the bottom of the opening frame.

Gabby Lantier recorded Syracuse's first hit of the season in the third inning, singling off Binghamton pitcher Brianna Roberts. Lantier would go on to steal second base.

After a throwing error by the Bearcats' pitcher in the bottom of the fifth inning, Lantier reached first base while Grace Weaver advanced to second. Madison Knight entered the game and earned a walk to load the bases.

In the sixth inning, Madelyn Lopez drew a walk before Kendall Gaunt singled to center field. Weaver then lined a ball down the right field line, sending Lopez home and Gaunt to third base. Syracuse ultimately fell to the Bearcats 5-1 to close out its first game of the season.

GAME 2 VS. NO.12 SOUTH CAROLINA
The Gamecocks struck first, taking a lead after the opening. Lopez recorded a hit in the top of the third inning, reaching first base on a successful bunt.

Lopez advanced to second base off a wild pitch with Burney at the plate. Burney reached first base after South Carolina pitcher Josey Marron issued a walk. Flores followed with a single through the left side to load the bases.

To open the fourth inning, Madison Knight launched a home run to center field, the fifteenth in her career. Milija Seaton followed with a double down the left-field line. Taylor Davison drew a walk, and Lantier singled to center field to load the bases once again. Lopez then drove the ball down the left-field line, bringing pinch runner Mackenzie Knight home.

After five innings, the game was called, with South Carolina defeating Syracuse 15-2 to conclude the first day of the Gamecock Invitational.

OF NOTE

Madison Knight's home run was Syracuse's first of the season and fifteenth of her career.
Madelyn Lopez drew three walks against Binghamton, becoming the first Orange player to do so since Madison Knight against UNCW on Feb. 8, 2025.
Vanessa Flores recorded 10 total putouts on the day (seven vs. Binghamton, three vs. South Carolina).
'Cuse struck out nine Binghamton batters: Jackie Pengel (six), Julianna Verni (three).
Syracuse stole three bases on the day.
Four freshmen made their collegiate debut today: Kendall Gaunt, Harmony Jackson, Mackenzie Knight and Grace Weaver.
Junior Milija Seaton made her first appearance in an Orange jersey today.

UP NEXT
'Cuse will return to Carolina Softball Stadium on Saturday for another two-game slate, facing Binghamton at 10 a.m. and Winthrop at 3 p.m.

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