The Cicero-North Syracuse softball team has had an up-and-down campaign this year.

The Northstars have locked in some key victories but, at the same time, suffered tough losses.

Thursday's matchup against Fayetteville-Manlius saw C-NS with its backs against the wall. Once the game entered the bottom of the seventh inning, it all changed for the Northstars.

Senior Eva Farone's game-winning, run-scoring single capped a 3-run seventh that guided C-NS to a 3-2 walkoff victory over the Hornets.   

"It was a great team win. We definitely needed it," C-NS coach Morgan Nandin said. "We struggled, but the way we finished was gritty."

Nandin said the Northstars fell short on getting timely hits for a majority of the game. C-NS, however, made up for lost time in the seventh inning.

With one out and runners on second and third base, Marisa Leone came in to pinch hit. After the sophomore fouled off some pitches, she was issued a walk to load the bases.

F-M pitcher Alexis Hamilton walked Sydney Rockwell, another sophomore, to force in the runner from third to cut it to 2-1.

Senior Sydney Puttkamer quickly tied it at two apiece on a base hit. Farone then came through in the clutch with a hit that brought home Isabella Moya as the winning run.

Once the Northstars buckled down and had efficient at-bats, Nandin said her players executed a more aggressive approach in the batter's box.

"It was exciting," Nandin said. "We know what they're capable of doing. They just need to trust their skills. I'm hoping (the win) sparks something inside of them."

Sophomore pitcher Kiyara Bembry got the win in the circle for C-NS. Going the distance, Bembry allowed two runs (one earned), five hits and no walks. The sophomore fanned nine batters.  

"Kiyara is a gamer. She shows up and doesn't back down," Nandin said. "She has so much confidence."

Hamilton gave up three runs (two earned), five hits and seven walks. The junior struck out three.

Also for F-M, Malea Coates singled and scored a run. Megan Woodridge and Avilene Terry both hit doubles.

C-NS, now 3-4 on the season, hosts Windsor of Section IV at 1 p.m. Friday.

"We've been off to a slower start, but it's about how you finish," Nandin said. "We just need to get better by the end of the season. It's when it matters the most."