GREENSBORO N.C. - The Niagara softball team continued in day two of the UNC Greensboro Tournament, falling to James Madison University 5-3. Niagara is now 0-3 in the tournament and the season.

JMU was on the scoreboard first scoring in the bottom of the second inning off a home run hit to give James Madison a 1 run lead, followed by JMU scoring an additional unearned run for a two-run lead. JMU continued its scoring, marking two runs in the third, including one unearned run and one in the bottom fourth inning to give the Dukes a three-run lead.

Looking for a comeback, Teresa Healy (Las Vegas, N.V.) hit a home run in the top of the fifth inning to put the Purple Eagles on the board, trailing now by 3-1.

In a last ditch effort to pull off a victory Felicia Coffey (Mesa, Ariz.) scored off a double hit by Tory Healy (Las Vegas, N.V.) for a score of 5-2  in the top of the sixth inning. Niagara then recorded one unearned run but was unable to tie the game, and ended the contest falling 5-3.

"It was a good game for us to see what our underclassmen could do against real good competition.  We started six freshman and they did a good job of holding their own, unfortunately we fell short in our goal of winning the game," said Al Dirchberger.  "The JMU coach said it best, 'I am impressed with the way your team plays for being so young, they will win a lot of games and have a bright future ahead of them.'  I fully agree with her assessment and look forward to our continued growth as a team."

On the mound, Michelle Krier (Kenmore, N.Y.) pitched the first four innings of the contest, giving up three earned runs, before Cassie Stone (North Tonawanda, N.Y.) closed out the game pitching the final two innings.

The Purple Eagles play again at the UNC Greensboro Tournament tomorrow against Central Michigan at 12 p.m.