Sophomore Tory Healy

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – The Niagara University softball team (19-15) begins its final home stand of the season when it hosts Big Four rival St. Bonaventure University (16-16) Wednesday in a 3 p.m. doubleheader at Niagara Field.

The Purple Eagles’ offense has been in a slump lately, but playing at home, where they are 5-3, will hopefully spark the bats.

Freshman Jennifer Yee (North Delta, B.C.) continues to lead the NCAA, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and team in hitting (.479). She also tops the squad in hits (46), runs (27), home runs (7) and stolen bases (9). The shortstop has a .802 slugging percentage and .519 on-base percentage.

Sophomore Tory Healy (Las Vegas, Nev.) continues to have a solid season. She is second in hitting (.381), runs (23), Hits (37), while leading the team in doubles (11), home runs (7) and RBI (30).

On the mound, the sophomore duo of Tiffany McCrory (Albuquerque, N.M.) and MAAC Pitcher of the Week Brooke Viola (Los Alamitos, Calif.) have seen the majority of the action this year. McCrory has a team-best 3.15 earned-run average and 9-7 record in 17 appearances. Viola sports a 3.63 ERA and 6-5 record in 15 appearances.

St. Bonaventure snapped a two-game losing streak with a series sweep of Dayton April 22.

Senior Joelle Brunetto is one of two Bonnies hitting .300-or-better. She is batting .341 and leads the team in hits (31). Classmate Lauren Krieger tops the squad with seven home runs and 25 RBI.

On the mound, junior Christine Kelecher has a 3.21 ERA and 11-8 record in 20 appearances. She is averaging 4.4 strikeouts per game and opponents are hitting .236.

Last year, the teams split a pair of doubleheader on Monteagle Ridge and in Olean.