Wilmington, N.C. – The Le Moyne College softball team wrapped up Opening Weekend at University of North Carolina Wilmington's Boseman Field in a second matchup against Syracuse on Sunday, Feb. 9. The Dolphins fell to the Orange, 4-1, in their final game of the weekend.
Freshman Isabella Kwashek (West Deptford, N.Y./West Deptford) was tabbed for the start against Syracuse after coming in relief during three earlier games over the weekend slate. The Orange capitalized in the top of the first as Lopez doubled to left center and advanced to third on a wild pitch before Breen flew out to right, allowing Lopez to cross the plate.
Syracuse extended their lead to two runs in the top of the second as Lopez singled up the middle, driving in Lanier who reached on a bunt single in front of the plate two batters prior.
The game quieted for the next three innings before the Orange constructed a two-out rally in the top of the fifth. Lopez opened the frame with a walk before two straight batters flew out to the outfield. The tides shifted, however, as Knight doubled to right center and Sigala walked to load the bases. Freshman Nevaeh Ross (Friendship, N.Y./Friendship) was brought out to relieve Kwashek, and two runs came in to score off a Schemmer RBI single and a wild pitch.
Down 4-0, the Dolphins came into the bottom of the fifth without a hit on the day, but freshman third baseman Cianna Betamani (Ballston Lake, N.Y./Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake) got the team in the hit column and on the scoreboard with one swing of the bat, hammering a no-doubt home run over the left field wall.
Le Moyne was unable to get much offensive production in the final two innings, and walked away with a 4-1 loss at the hands of Syracuse.
Kwashek allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits, four walks, and one hit-by-pitch while striking out three in the start. Ross pitched 2.1 innings and allowed zero earned runs on five hits with one punchout in relief.
Benamati's first career collegiate home run marked the 'Phins lone hit in the loss.
What's Next:
Le Moyne (0-5) will travel to Rock Hill, S.C. and play in five games in Winthrop University's Garnet & Gold Tournament from Friday-Sunday, Feb. 21-23.
