Junior Jamie Horn

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – Due to rain creating poor field conditions, the Niagara University softball team’s (14-18) doubleheader at Niagara Field vs. Little Three rival St. Bonaventure University (8-18) has been cancelled.

The Purple Eagles return to action Thursday when they host Cleveland State (18-18) in a doubleheader. First pitch is at 3 p.m.

Niagara vs. Cleveland State Preview

The Niagara University softball team continues its six-game home stand Thursday when it hosts Cleveland State in a doubleheader at Niagara Field.

The Purple Eagles enter the doubleheader riding a three-game winning streak after sweeping Fairfield last weekend. Senior Bradi Cochrane is leading Niagara in hitting (.412). Senior Kristina Kilian is also hitting .400 and is tied with MAAC Player of the Year candidate Cheryl Julicher for the team lead in home runs (3). Julicher is also leading the Purple Eagles in hits (28), runs (21), triples (4) and RBI (23), while hitting .384.

Freshman Nicole Sum is batting .311 and has a team-best 28 hits, including a team-leading five doubles. Classmate Lisa Baker has scored 20 runs, has team-bests of 28 hits and five doubles.

On the mound, senior Andrea Crapo (5-4, 3.50) and junior Tegan Bennett (5-6, 2.60) are tied for the team lead in wins. Bennett has a squad-best 37 strike outs. Senior Ashleigh Barber (3-5, 4.86) is also in the starting rotation for the Purple Eagles.

Cleveland State is 18-18 overall and has won its last nine games. The Vikings are looking for their school-record setting 10th consecutive win in a doubleheader vs. St. Francis (Pa.) this afternoon.

Senior Michelle Beightol is hitting a team-best .318 for the Vikings. She is has a team-leading 35 hits, 15 runs, three triples, two home runs and 19 RBI. Junior Jackie Cornelius is hitting .269 with a 28 hits, 13 runs and a team-best 10 doubles.

On the mound, sophomore Grace Luginbuhl is 11-7 on the season and has starter 16 of 30 games. The right-hander has a 1.50 ERA and 11 complete games. Opponents are hitting .221 vs. Luginbuhl and she has struck out 130 and walked 32.

Junior Kortney Spidell is 6-6 on the season with a 2.49 ERA. The right-hander has started 13 of 17 games, and opponents are hitting .286.