With the exception of its current five-game losing skid, Syracuse has proven it belongs in any discussion regarding the top contenders in the Big East. On Wednesday, without even taking the field, SU sent a strong message that it plans on staying in that discussion.

Lindsay Taylor, a standout high school pitcher from Kings Park, N.Y., committed to Syracuse on Tuesday. Taylor is regarded by SU as one of the top prospects in the entire Northeast region.

She has been featured in multiple Weekly Standout columns pertaining to the Northeast region on ESPNRISE.com. SU head coach Leigh Ross said the signing confirms SU’s successful attempt to corner the region as a program feeding ground. Though Syracuse (24-10, 3-5 Big East) won the Big East tournament a year ago and got out to a program-best start this season, consistently strong recruiting classes will be key to future success.

The Orange looks to get back to those winning ways from early in the season and snap its losing streak in a doubleheader at Providence on Thursday. But on Wednesday, Ross took a moment to focus on the future and on Taylor.

‘We’ve made it our priority to get the best kids from the state of New York,’ Ross said. ‘Lindsay should come in right away and make an immediate impact on our pitching staff.’

A two-time all-state selection and four-time all-conference selection at Kings Park High School, Taylor can throw five different pitches for strikes on a consistent basis. But as a power pitcher, Taylor’s heater is the pitch that jumps off the charts. Heading into her senior season, the Kings Park career wins record holder (69) recorded 833 career strikeouts, or an average of more than 11 per game and 277 per season.

In 25 games during her junior season (2010), Taylor fanned 291 batters.

‘She has great discipline with all those pitches and knows when to use them,’ said Kim McGinley, Taylor’s high school coach. ‘She also works hard through the entire year.’

If Taylor sticks to her current pace, she will easily surpass the 1,000-strikeout mark. Taylor, a two-time Suffolk County Class A Pitcher of the Year, also threw a state single-season record nine no-hitters in 2010, bringing her to a total of 15 for her career. That number includes four perfect games.

But it was more than just Taylor’s standout statistics that impressed the SU coaching staff. The goal of cornering the Northeast region, Ross said, is centered on the idea that prospects from the area are accustomed to the gritty Big East style of play.

‘She has a tough-as-nails attitude in the circle,’ Ross said. ‘And this is not a flashy, finesse conference. There’s a different, hard-nosed attitude among players and people in the Northeast.’

The coaching staff is also excited about welcoming in a freshman who could pay immediate dividends. The idea of a three-headed pitching monster is uncommon in college softball. But with the return of junior ace Jenna Caira (15-8, 1.78 ERA) and sophomore No. 2 Stacy Kuwik (9-1, 2.26 ERA), that’s exactly what the Orange may have in 2012.

In many instances, the success of those current starters has drawn attention to the SU program. It has also added substance to the Orange recruiting pitch centered on players being given the chance to contribute from the get-go.

As a freshman, Kuwik played a prominent role in SU’s run to the NCAA tournament a season ago. Caira, as a sophomore, was the Most Outstanding Player of the Big East tournament.

‘Most of our freshmen are capable of contributing right away,’ SU assistant coach and pitching specialist Mike Bosch said. ‘That’s the caliber of kids we try to bring in.’

The thought of having three potential aces excites Bosch. But he doesn’t think SU’s recent success was the primary reason Taylor signed with the Orange.

‘We’re ecstatic to get a player of her caliber,’ Bosch said. ‘But you can’t judge off just one kid signing here. It’s a step, but success is never about just one player.’

jdsaffre@syr.edu

 

Published on April 13, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Contact Jarrad: jdsaffre@syr.edu