While the lineup may have changed, Syracuse’s winning ways have not.

The Orange (4-5, 1-1 Big East) topped Pittsburgh (3-3, 1-1) on Sunday for its fourth consecutive win. The win continued a stretch of four games at the Drumlins Center that has seen the Orange win 25 of a possible 28 points.

Against the Panthers, SU changed the lineup, something head coach Luke Jensen considers a product of the depth of his team.

“To be honest, it’s the first time since I’ve been here in seven seasons where we have a lot of options,” Jensen said.

It started in doubles with Maddie Kobelt, normally paired with Aleah Marrow as the first singles tandem, playing alongside Brittany Lashway. A key player in the win and the main benefactor of the lineup changes, Lashway recorded her first doubles victory alongside Kobelt, an 8-4 victory.

“It was our first time playing in a competition,” said Lashway, who later added that Saturday was the first time she practiced with Kobelt. “She runs the shots and I execute what she tells me to do and it works.

Lashway not only helped win the doubles point, but also won her singles match in straight sets, a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Kimmy Borza.

Lashway could be a viable asset for the Orange. Jensen saw glimpses of that in her win.

“Finding a way to win, you know listening to the coaching staff, not getting discouraged, all the little elements that a freshman can kind of show sometimes when things aren’t going your way when the momentum has been lost,” said Jensen.

In singles play, even more change took place. For the second match in a row, Amanda Rodgers played the No. 1 singles role, Kobelt played No. 2 and Jimena Wu played No. 3. For the second straight week, each of the top three seeds won.

It’s part of Jensen’s strategy to get everyone involved so each player is prepared for the speed of the game.

“We want to keep people in the rotation so they’re not out of match shape, out of match toughness. You can practice all day but it’s just not the same compared to the atmosphere of a match,” Jensen said.

Every player has played for the Orange this season. The experience especially helps a team that has seven underclassmen.

“We just want to get (Sophia) Dzulynsky in there, we want to get Lashway in there, it’s kind of just a moving rotation,” Jensen said.

The depth can also help a team that must go through the bumps and bruises of a rigorous schedule. Lashway has already missed time this season with an injury, and Marrow currently has a mild ankle sprain. Jensen assured the injury wasn’t serious and that “she’s not going to be out for very long.”

The rotation provides a number of options for a huge weekend coming up for the Orange as well. Syracuse travels to No. 19 Illinois on Friday and Big East opponent DePaul on Sunday. On the brink of getting to .500 for the first time this season, SU is hoping the wide array of talent on the SU roster can produce a sweep in the Midwest.

Said Jensen: “We’re in a really good spot where we kind of sit right now as far as match play, fitness, going into maybe the biggest weekend of the regular season for us.”

Published on February 18, 2013 at 1:24 am

Contact Danny: dacuneo@syr.edu