SU pitcher Jenna Caira picked up both wins for the Orange in her best performance of the season. She threw 12 shutout innings, racking up 20 strikeouts and giving up just two hits over the course of both games.

 

Caira fired her third one-hitter of the season in game one, striking out 13 Nittany Lions with only two walks allowed.

 

The game was deadlocked 0-0 until a two-run blast from third baseman Hallie Gibbs gave Syracuse the lead in the top of the seventh. It was her third home run in as many games. This was the Orange’s first win against Penn State (28-18, 7-7 Big Ten) since 2001. 

 

Head coach Leigh Ross turned to Caira once again to make the start in game two for the Orange. Her dominance continued as she allowed a single hit over five innings, striking out seven while walking one. 

 

After a weekend series with Connecticut in which the team belted four home runs, the hot bats continued for the Orange. Gibbs and freshman Stacy Kuwik each hit two-run blasts in a four-run fifth inning that blew the game open. Gibbs now leads the team with six long balls, giving her 19 for her career.

 

SU entered the doubleheader 1-7 against Penn State all-time and had never won at University Park. 

 

Next up for the Orange is a return trip to Pennsylvania to take on Pittsburgh this weekend. Syracuse plays three games against the Panthers, who currently sit fifth in the Big East.

 

— Compiled by staff writers Michael Cohen and Mark Cooper