ITHACA, N.Y. –Cornell softball (13-11, 4-5 IVY) started the four-game homestretch with a midweek victory over I-81 non-conference opponent Syracuse (22-16) on Wednesday night at Niemand-Robison Softball Field.

Syracuse started out the game trying to utilize the small ball but are stopped by the Big Red defense then came into the second inning opening with a single to put the first base runner on to ultimately earn the first run.

That lead wouldn't last long as the Big Red scored in the bottom of the second by loading the bases and utilizing an error to bring the run in.

Lauren Holt added her first hit of the game in the bottom of the fourth after being walked in the second. Charlize Cai laid down a sacrifice bunt to move pinch runner Hailey Pirkey to second base in hopes of scoring, but the Cuse added the final two out to retire the inning.

Still holding at 1-1 going into the bottom of the sixth, Holt lifted her eighth home run over the left field fence to break the tie. Cornell would hold the Orange in the top of the seventh to take the game 2-1.

GAME NOTES

• Lauren Holt now solely has the second most home runs in the Ivy League with eight.
• With a hit tonight, Hailey Pirkey holds a team longest five-game reached base streak.
• Four of Five Big Red pitchers saw innings on the mound with Laney Freiband and Maxine McCraw pitching at home for the first time.
• After Wednesday's games, Cornell's all-time record against Syracuse moved to 22-9.

UP NEXT

Cornell stays at home to face top of the Ivy Princeton for a three-game series on Saturday and Sunday.