COLUMBIA, S.C. – Syracuse softball wrapped up a challenging opening day at the Gamecock Invitational on Friday, dropping both ends of a doubleheader against Binghamton and 12th‑ranked South Carolina. The Orange fell 5–1 to regional rival Binghamton in the morning before a 15–2, five‑inning loss to the host Gamecocks in the afternoon left them 0–2 to start the season.
Despite the results, there were bright spots across the lineup. Madison Knight delivered Syracuse’s first home run of the year and the 15th of her career, while infielder Vanessa Flores anchored the defense with 10 total putouts over the two games. First‑year players also made their presence felt, as four freshmen saw their first collegiate action.
Game 1: Binghamton 5, Syracuse 1
Syracuse handed the ball to right‑hander Julianna Verni for the season opener, and she immediately showed poise in the circle, striking out two batters in a scoreless top of the first. In the bottom half, the Orange looked to manufacture early offense when Jadyn Burney swiped third for the team’s first stolen base of 2026, setting an aggressive tone on the bases.
The Orange notched their first hit of the season in the third inning when outfielder Gabby Lantier lined a single off Binghamton starter Brianna Roberts. Lantier promptly stole second, continuing Syracuse’s commitment to pressure the defense. Later, in the fifth, a throwing error by the Bearcats’ pitcher allowed Lantier to reach first while catcher Grace Weaver moved up to second, bringing the potential tying run to the plate. Madison Knight then entered as a pinch hitter and worked a walk, loading the bases and giving Syracuse a prime scoring chance.
Syracuse finally broke through in the sixth inning. Leadoff hitter Madelyn Lopez drew a walk, and freshman Kendall Gaunt followed with a single to center to put two runners aboard. Weaver then ripped a line drive down the right‑field line, scoring Lopez and moving Gaunt to third, putting the Orange on the board. The rally stopped there, however, and Binghamton held on for the 5–1 victory.
In the circle, Syracuse’s staff piled up strikeouts against the Bearcats. Verni fanned three, while reliever Jackie Pengel came on and struck out six, giving the Orange nine punchouts in the opener. Flores was steady at first base, recording seven putouts against Binghamton alone.
Game 2: No. 12 South Carolina 15, Syracuse 2 (5 inn.)
In the nightcap, Syracuse faced a tall task against 12th‑ranked South Carolina, which struck quickly to take the early lead. Lopez once again served as an offensive spark, dropping down a bunt single in the top of the third to reach first. She advanced to second on a wild pitch with Burney at the plate, then Burney drew a walk to put two runners on. Flores followed with a sharp single through the left side, loading the bases and briefly shifting the momentum toward the Orange.
Syracuse’s biggest highlight came to start the fourth inning, when Knight launched a solo shot to center field. The home run was Syracuse’s first of the season and the 15th of Knight’s collegiate career, a milestone moment for the junior. The Orange kept the pressure on as Milija Seaton followed with a double down the left‑field line—her first hit in an Orange uniform—before Taylor Davison drew a walk and Lantier punched a single to center to load the bases yet again. Lopez capped the surge by driving a ball down the left‑field line, bringing pinch‑runner Mackenzie Knight home.
South Carolina’s offense, however, proved too powerful, and the Gamecocks continued to tack on runs to enforce the run rule after five innings. Flores added three more putouts in the second game to finish the day with 10.
By the Numbers
Madison Knight’s fourth‑inning blast against South Carolina was Syracuse’s first home run of 2026 and the 15th of her career.
Lopez drew three walks in the opener against Binghamton, becoming the first Syracuse player to earn three free passes in a game since Knight did it against UNCW on Feb. 8, 2025.
Flores totaled 10 putouts on the day: seven in the opener against Binghamton and three more versus South Carolina.
Syracuse pitchers struck out nine Binghamton hitters, with Pengel recording six strikeouts in relief and Verni adding three.
The Orange swiped three bases over the two games, showcasing an emphasis on speed and pressure.
Four freshmen—Gaunt, Harmony Jackson, Mackenzie Knight, and Weaver—made their collegiate debuts, while junior transfer Seaton appeared in an Orange jersey for the first time.
What’s Next:
Syracuse returns to Carolina Softball Stadium on Saturday for another doubleheader slate, looking to turn opening‑day lessons into progress. The Orange will face Binghamton again at 10 a.m. before taking on Winthrop at 3 p.m., aiming to secure their first win of the 2026 campaign and build on the flashes of promise shown in their first two outings.
