Softball Gets Much Needed Win in Maryland
PRINCESS ANNE, M.D. – After a couple rough ACC series against top 25 teams, Syracuse got a much-needed break playing 2-16 Maryland Eastern Shore today.
The Orange recovered after a slow start to beat the Hawks 5-1 in a nice and tidy two hours. Kaia Oliver got the midweek start and came out of it giving up just one run in four innings. Meanwhile, a struggling Summer Clark got her confidence back by punching out 6 in three perfect innings of relief.
SU was down 1-0 early on an RBI single given up by Oliver in the second. It took the offense four innings to get anything on the board. Tessa Galipeau dribbled an infield single that plated a run while Kelly Breen scored another on a fielder’s choice.
After a perfect bottom of the fourth by Clark, the bats picked up right where it left off. ‘Cuse ended up notching a run in the fifth and two in the sixth to salt this game away.
Galipeau and Casares-Maher combined to go 6-10 with an RBI and two runs scored. Taylor Posner’s pinch-hit RBI and Paris Woods’ run scoring groundout helped fuel the late game power surge.
Despite the slow start, Syracuse tallied 10 hits and just three strikeouts compared to five walks. Even though the win feels especially great coming off the heels of a demoralizing sweep, it doesn’t offer much to the season outlook.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any Maryland Eastern Shores in the ACC meaning the lineup and pitching staff can expect way more tougher challenges than today.
Either way, a win is a win and the Orange will take that. Head Coach Shannon Doepking will keep her squad in Maryland as a Wednesday doubleheader against Coppin State awaits.
Nonconference play will continue through the weekend, but this time in New York. Iona and Hofstra will battle SU in Hempstead, New York.
The road gets tougher but easy games against mid-major opponents should get this team back on the winning track.
