The UNC softball team (23-27, 6-17 ACC) fell to the Syracuse Orange (24-20, 6-15 ACC), 6-2, in the second game of its weekend series.
What happened?
The Orange jumped out to an early lead thanks to the help of a four-run effort in the bottom of the second inning.
Shortly after Syracuse first-year Tessa Galipeau walked to start the inning, she was brought home thanks to a double from fellow first-year Laila Alves. This prompted a pitching change for the Tar Heels, as first-year righty Carlie Myrtle was brought in to pitch for first-year starter Lilli Backes. Despite this, Syracuse’s offensive onslaught continued, as the Orange loaded the bases and scored after two batters were hit by pitches. Finally, a single from graduate student Neli Casares-Maher scored Alves to put the Orange up 4-0.
After two scoreless innings, Syracuse added another run in the bottom of the fifth inning after Casares-Maher homered to left center field to make the score 5-0.
UNC finally tacked on some runs in the top of the sixth inning thanks to a double from senior first baseman Kiersten Licea, and pair of singles from junior center fielder Bri Stubbs and graduate shortstop Sara Jubas. Two UNC runners scored to cut Syracuse’s lead to three runs.
In the same inning, the Orange responded with a pair of doubles from sophomore center fielder Angel Jasso and first-year second baseman Kelly Breen, extending Syracuse’s lead to four runs. This is where the score would stay, as UNC failed to rally in the last inning, making the final score 6-2.
Who stood out?
Casares-Maher had another excellent outing in the second game of this series. Within four at-bats she totalled two hits and three RBIs, making her responsible for half of Syracuse’s runs on Saturday.
