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Syracuse’s biggest question entering the 2025 season was in the pitching circle. The Orange lost three of their five starting pitchers in the offseason, including their top two leaders in earned run average, Jessie DiPasquale (2.04) and Lindsey Hendrix (2.20).

SU’s 2.87 team ERA, ranked fourth-best in the ACC, was a crucial part of its moderate success in conference play last year. To build upon a 28-23 season, it needed to effectively replenish its rotation.

Through 14 games in 2025, Syracuse (12-2, 0-0 ACC) has proved it’s reloaded its pitching corps. SU holds a 1.14 team ERA, the second-best mark in the nation, trailing only No. 7 Tennessee (0.96 ERA). The Orange boast three pitchers — Julianna Verni (0.43), Madison Knight (0.88) and Jackie Pengel (0.70) — with sub-one ERAs and have allowed just 15 earned runs all season. As a result, Syracuse is off to its best start through 14 games in program history.

To begin the year, the leaders for Syracuse have undoubtedly been the returners. Juniors Verni and Knight have led the way in 30-plus innings pitched.

As a sophomore last year, Verni made 17 appearances but started just two games. Her 3.28 ERA ranked fourth of five SU pitchers and her 1.73 WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched) placed last among the group.

So far in 2025, though, the right-hander has evolved into the Orange’s ace. Verni is 5-0 in as many starts, tallying two complete game shutouts and allowing just two earned runs. Her ERA is third in the nation among pitchers with 30-plus innings pitched.

Verni posted a career-high 11 strikeouts Feb. 21 versus Buffalo and ranks second on the team with 30. Her greatest improvement has come in limiting baserunners. Verni issued 30 walks in 17 appearances last season, but has allowed just seven free passes in 32.2 innings this year.

Knight’s development has similarly boosted the Orange. In her first two seasons at SU, Knight made 53 appearances and 33 starts. She had a 2.91 ERA and 1.32 WHIP as a sophomore but just a 4-7 record.

Knight has taken her success to a new level through 14 games in 2025, boasting a 4-1 record, 0.88 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 32 innings pitched. Her 40 strikeouts and 4.59 hits per seven innings also lead the team.

Ilana Zahavy | Design Editor

Additionally, Verni and Knight’s efforts have been complimented by a trio of other viable options.

Freshman Sydney Jackson has quickly become the Orange’s third most frequent starter after making her collegiate debut Feb. 8 against Queens. Jackson tossed five scoreless innings and struck out eight against the Knights to open her Syracuse career.

She started two more games in the Georgia Classic, going four innings and registering six strikeouts in a win over Appalachian State. In a loss against No. 9 Georgia on Feb. 23, she pitched two and a third innings.

George Washington transfer Rose Cano has also provided support for Syracuse as a starter and reliever. Cano picked up a save in the season opener versus Le Moyne, tossing two innings without allowing a hit. She got the starting nod against Long Island Feb. 15, allowing one earned run over four innings. Cano leads SU with a 0.83 WHIP.

Meanwhile, the Orange have also relied on Pengel to start and close games. The junior missed last season with an injury but has been nearly spotless when called upon in 2025.

Pengel threw a complete game with seven strikeouts against Le Moyne Feb. 9, but has seen most of her action in relief. She hasn’t allowed a hit in her three appearances since, striking out six in a combined three innings against LIU, Tennessee Tech and Appalachian State.

The limited rotation demands a lot from the Syracuse pitching staff, often requiring its starters to go over 100 pitches and complete games. Still, the high volume hasn’t proven to be an issue. The Orange’s four nonconference tournaments are the busiest stretches, often including four or five games in three days. Yet, SU has cruised to a 12-2 start while allowing one of the nation’s lowest ERAs and the fewest runs (23) of any ACC team.

Should Syracuse continue to find similar results in the circle, there’s reason to believe the success can carry into conference play. And if it does, the Orange could be in contention for their first ACC title in program history.

Published on February 25, 2025 at 9:20 pm

harrispemberton@gmail.com | @HarrisPemb6