When Tiffany Robinson gets to the plate, the infielders take a few steps toward her. The outfield also moves in, believing there is no way Robinson can reach them. For a first-time observer, it might appear like a sign of disrespect. The defensive alignment is reminiscent of Little League, when the right fielder who bats ninth gets to the batter’s box for an easy out.

Robinson plays right field and bats ninth. But by no means is she an easy out.

Forty-three games into the season, the senior leads the Orange in batting with a .371 average. Her four stolen bases also lead Syracuse. Clearly, Robinson is not a batter that opponents take lightly.

Two opponents will try to stop her this weekend.

The Orange plays Big East-rivals Pittsburgh on Saturday and Notre Dame on Sunday. The Irish, a perennial league power, are tied with the Orange for second place in the Big East.

She is a slap-hitter, one whose intent is to slap the ball quickly onto the ground and then use her speed to get on base. The defensive alignment is not designed as disrespect, but is perhaps the ultimate respect for a hitter like Robinson. By playing what is essentially a bunt defense, opponents are trying to get as close to the ball as they can in order to field it quickly and get to first base before the lighting-quick Robinson reaches it safely.

When opposing defenses can’t stop her, they resort to hitting her, which happened to Robinson earlier this season. The sore arm from the bean ball sidelined her for a few games, but the right fielder is back and ready to cap off her career.

After splitting a double-header against Canisius on Wednesday, Syracuse and Robinson are coming out eager to secure their place among the Big East elite.

‘Canisius made us more hungry to win this weekend,’ said senior catcher Jamie Grillo. ‘We’re angry and hungry – I almost feel bad for Pitt and Notre Dame.’

While the words might seem strong, the Irish invoke those types of feelings in Syracuse. A winner of four of the last six Big East titles, Notre Dame is 36-10 this season with an 11-1 league record. Also, the Big East tournament is in South Bend, Ind., meaning the Orange wants to set a mark before they return.

‘Just where it is, being in Notre Dame, it’s more motivating because they’re always the favorite,’ Grillo said. ‘To beat someone on their home turf is better than winning on your own.’

If Syracuse wins out this weekend, it would most likely clinch a three-way tie for first place in the Big East with Notre Dame and Seton Hall. Of the three teams, the Orange would have the tie-breaker, and thus, the Big East regular season crown.

Despite this possible scenario, Syracuse is following the age-old sports adage of taking it one game at a time. Head coach Mary Jo Firnbach said SU has to approach the weekend’s game with the mindset that it’s not even in the tournament yet. (The Orange has not officially clinched a spot, although it’s a formality at this point.)

Robinson and her slap-hitting style will be critical if Syracuse hopes to sweep the weekend. A senior who transferred to Syracuse from Briarcliffe College, Robinson’s speed makes her a devastating force in the Orange arsenal.

‘My goal is to get the ball in play and hit it down the lines,’ Robinson said. ‘That causes havoc for the defense. However they play (defense), I’m not worried about it. I just want to get on base.’

By getting on base at the ninth spot in the lineup, the productivity at the top of the lineup increases. Thus, Robinson’s success creates a double lead-off batter late in games. Robinson can get on base, lead-off batter Tanya Rose can follow and then the heart of the lineup can drive them home.

‘That’s a very important role,’ Firnbach said. ‘To have speed in the lineup, if she puts the ball in play, it’s a tough out for the defense to get.’

This and That

Firnbach confirmed that freshman pitcher Alex Austin left the program. Firnbach cited personal reasons as the reason for the departure.

Firnbach said that Austin will transfer closer to home. Austin is a native of Alvin, Texas. In two appearances for the Orange, Austin pitched five innings. She was 1-0 with five strikeouts.

Published on April 27, 2005 at 12:00 pm