The UNC softball team (23-26, 6-16 ACC) fell to the Syracuse Orange (23-20, 5-15 ACC), 3-1, in the first game of its weekend series.
What happened?
The first game of the series got off to a slow start as neither team registered a run until the fourth inning. The Tar Heels failed to capitalize on early scoring opportunities, as they left two runners on base in the first inning, and one in the third.
In the top of the fourth, junior third baseman Destiny Middleton got things started for the Tar Heels with a single up the middle. After advancing to third, Middleton stole home to give UNC a 1-0 lead.
Syracuse was quick to respond. That same inning, a solo home run from sophomore outfielder Angel Jasso tied the score up 1-1.
In the top of the sixth inning, the Tar Heels had an opportunity to take the lead after loading the bases with one out. Syracuse would ultimately end the frame unscathed, as first-year utility Alex Brown fouled out to third base, and pinch-hitter Kiersten Licea flied out to center field.
The game remained in a deadlock until Syracuse graduate student Neli Casares-Maher stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the sixth inning. With Jasso on base following a fielder’s choice, Casares-Maher lifted a pitch to center field to put the Orange up 3-1. Her home run ended up being the deciding factor in Friday’s game, after the Tar Heels failed to rally in the last inning.
Who stood out?
Casares-Maher is the ultimate hero of Friday’s game, as her home run gave the Orange the lead late in the game.
