BY David DeGuzman
In a rematch of last year’s conference title game, third-seeded Syracuse defeated fifth-seed Louisville, 1-0, to win its second straight BIG EAST championship on Saturday at Ulmer Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky. Junior first baseman Kelly Saco scored the game’s only run in the top of the third inning despite the Cardinals out-hitting the Orange, 6-5. Junior pitcher Jenna Caira was voted the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player for the second consecutive year after pitching all seven innings, striking out four batters in the shut out.
Louisville put runners on first and third with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning but was not able to score the tying run. The Cardinals left 10 players on the bases in the game.
Syracuse defeated No. 6 Pittsburgh, 2-1, on Thursday and then beat second-seed DePaul, 2-0, on Friday to advance to Saturday’s title game.
With the victory, Syracuse wins its 44th game of the season and is assured of an automatic bid in the NCAA Tournament. The tournament field will be announced on Sunday night, with the regional rounds taking place next weekend.
Follow sportsblog.citrustv.net for the latest updates on the SU softball team as it continues postseason play.
