Real Orange Heroes: SU Softball & Lauren Penney

Syracuse softball headed south to start the 2011 season, playing in the Georgia State First Pitch Classic. They leave the tournament as vanquishing champions off to their best start in program history. The Orange not only defeated Tennessee Tech, Morehead State (twice) and Georgia State to win the Classic and start the year 4-0, but they did so with a combined score of 33-3.

Junior pitcher Jenna Caira allowed two earned runs in 23 innings en route to four wins. She threw two complete games and struck out 17 on the weekend.

The Orange now move on to Bama Bash, a tournament hosted by Alabama and also featuring defending Big East champion Louisville. The tourney begins Friday, February 18 in Tuscaloosa.

Meanwhile, Syracuse junior Lauren Penney spent her Valentine's weekend crushing the heart of the former SU mile race record holder. Penney broke the school mile record with a personal-best time of 4:41.34, good for third-place in the event. That bested Heather Stevens, who ran a 4.47.17 last year. Stephens also ran in this race, finishing eighth overall with a time of 4:48.17.

Penney vs. Stephens. You'll read about this game of oneupswomanship for years to come.

Read about more Real Orange Heroes here.