Where Syracuse Softball Stands With Less Than a Month to Go

By: Adam Gotkin | @adam_gotkin

2023 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride for Syracuse Softball. The Orange have seen the ups of an ACC series win over NC State and split against Notre Dame. But also the downs like losses to IUPUI and UAlbany. Even then, postseason hopes are still alive for the ‘Cuse. In last year’s ACC tournament, the ‘Cuse entered as the 9th seed. Then, in Pittsburgh, Syracuse beat Louisville in round one. That was the first ACC tournament win for head coach Shannon Doepking. Then, the next day Syracuse came close to knocking off the number two team in the country Virginia Tech in a 2-1 loss. That ended the season for Syracuse. 

The Orange look to get back to the ACC tournament this year. However, if the season were to end today, the Orange would come up short. The top 10 teams make the ACC Tournament and Syracuse is currently number 11. The Orange are 4-12-1. Tied for 9th and 10th place is Georgia Tech and NC State, both of which are 6-12. With a game in hand, Syracuse’s chances look pretty solid to make the ACC tournament. The next conference opponent for the Orange is Virginia. 

UVA is in 8th place in the conference with a record of 8-10. Outside of ACC play though, the Cavs have been excellent with an overall record of 28-15. Virginia’s pitching is what makes them special. The Cavaliers have the 4th best team ERA in the ACC at 2.47. 

After UVA, SU plays Boston College in the final ACC series of the season. The Eagles are in last place in the conference at just 2-13. Overall they’re much better at 19-22. However, BCs hitting and pitching are both in the bottom half of the conference. 

Before then though, Syracuse has more non-conference games this week. On Wednesday, the ‘Cuse is just over an hour south in Binghamton for a doubleheader. This weekend, Syracuse is scheduled to play three games at Lafayette. A doubleheader on Saturday then one game on Sunday. 

ajgotkin@syr.edu | @adam_gotkin