Syracuse West rallies in the sixth to beat CBA and secure first win of the season

 

The Syracuse West softball team won its first game of the year on Monday, rallying for three runs in the sixth inning to defeat Christian Brothers Academy 6-5.

 

Erica Phillips smacked a two-run double in the sixth that drove in the tying and winning runs for Syracuse West, which trailed 5-1 after four innings and 5-3 going into the sixth. Phillips finished with three RBIs to lead her team.

 

Leah Smoke had two hits and Jadda Phillips scored three times for the winners, 1-8.

 

CBA’s Monica Hanson struck out seven and limited Syracuse West to four hits but took the loss.

 

Syracuse West coach Andy Azzarello said the way his team competed, “you’d think the team was undefeated. It was a heck of a game.”

 

Azzarello said his team has been a bit frustrated, but showed signs of life in a recent loss to Fulton.

 

“We just kept saying from day one, keep your head in it. There are seven innings for a reason,” Azzarello said. “Just believe in yourself. I do. That’s why I coach. You’ve got to believe you can do it.”

 

On Monday, Syracuse West believed and got it done.