SU Drops Doubleheader to No. 18 Virginia

Saturday, March 21

Syracuse, N.Y.

1 PM

Syracuse University

11-11, 0-4

Virginia

26-3, 5-2

Virginia

Syracuse

3/21/2026 8:53:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Game 1 Highlights Game 2 Highlights Photo Gallery

SYRACUSE, N.Y.- The Orange women's softball team (11-11, 0-5) fell to Virginia (26-3, 5-2) in both games of Saturday's doubleheader. Syracuse dropped to the Cavaliers 7-1 in the first game, and 9-4 in the second game.

GAME 1

The Cavaliers were on the board early in the first game of the doubleheader, scoring one run in each of the first three innings. Catcher Taylor Davison contributed to the Orange's defense in the second inning, throwing out Jade Hylton stealing second.

Erika Zamora increased the Orange's momentum in the top of the third inning, laying out at third base to secure the final out before hitting her first career home run in the bottom of the inning.

Virginia would extend its lead in the fourth inning to 7-1, after back-to-back base hits. The Orange, unable to answer offensively, ultimately fell to the Cavaliers in the first game.

GAME 2

Virginia struck first in the second game of the doubleheader, walking in three runs, and adding four more from Reagan Hickey's grand slam in the top of the first inning. The Cavaliers continued the momentum into the second and third inning, scoring one run in each.

Defensively for the Orange, Zamora had another diving play at third base to end the top of the first inning. On the mound, Sydney Jackson was able to put away four strikeouts, the most in a game this season for the sophomore. Gabby Lantier had two catches in left field, stopping the Cavaliers from adding to the score.

Offensively, 'Cuse was able to get bases loaded in the bottom of the second as Harmony Jackson was hit by a pitch to land on first base, Lauren Fox followed, singling to left field, and Zamora drew a walk. SU was unable to bring runners home until the bottom of the third inning when Madison Knight hit her seventh home run of the season.

In he bottom of the fourth inning, Harmony Jackson once again got on base with a walk, advancing to second after Kaylee Eubanks singled to right field. Kendall Gaunt hit a three-run homer to cut into Virginia's lead. Zamora kept the momentum for the Orange going with a single to right field.

The Orange would get runners on base in the sixth inning as Gaunt hit a single to left field and Lantier drew a walk. Milija Seaton advanced the runners after grounding out to shortstop, but 'Cuse was unable to send any runners across home plate.

In the bottom of the seventh, Kaimi Tulua sent the ball into shallow center field for a single. Harmony Jackson hit a line drive to right field to collect a hit as Mackenzie Knight, who was pinch running for Tulua, advanced to third. The Orange were unable to capitalize at the plate, ultimately falling to the Cavaliers 9-4.

OF NOTE

Erika Zamora recorded her first career home run in the bottom of the third inning of the first game.
Harmony Jackson was able to secure a spot on base for each of her four plate appearances in the second game.
Sydney Jackson pitched 3.0 innings in the second game, striking out four batters and only allowing two runs.
Madison Knight recorded her seventh home run of the season in the bottom of the third inning in the second game.
Kendall Gaunt recorded her second home run of the season in a three run homer at the bottom of the fourth inning in the second game.

UP NEXT
The Orange will face No. 18 Virginia for the series finale on Sunday, March 22. The first pitch is slated for noon on ACC Network Extra.

For complete coverage of Syracuse softball, follow us on Facebook (/cusesb), X (@CuseSB) and Instagram (@cusesb).